James 3:13 – 3 John 1:14
Overview
Today we finish up the letter from James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John and 3 John. Peter wrote his first letter to encourage Christians in a large region of Pontus, Galatia and Asia. While the Church was going through much persecution, Peter was writing to remind them of the hope they should have in Christ. He tells the people to be Holy and live Godly lives. Peters second letter was written because he knew he would be dying soon and wanted to communicate one last time. All three letters from John deal with the problem of false teachers. Peter speaks out against those who are purposely trying to harm the ministry of the Gospel of Christ. John writes to make clear that the true Gospel is that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God who came to earth in the flesh. His second letter warns the people not to help promote the false teachers who deny that Jesus is the Messiah. 3 John is a letter written to a man in the church who is helping and supporting traveling missionaries. A strong willed church member was telling people not to help the missionaries and was causing divisions among the people. John is writing to comfort and encourage those who are helping promote the Gospel of Christ.
Scripture 1 john 1:8-11
8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
Observation
From the beginning of our scriptures until the end, it is obvious that we are sinful people. Everyone has sinned and fall short of God’s requirements. If we say we don’t sin, then we are ignoring truth. God is truth. We have turned our back on God and denied that we have offended the Holy God of creation. If we admit we are a sinner and tell God how we have failed him, we have acknowledged our Heavenly Father and are admitting that only He alone can forgive our sin . God is righteous and always does the right thing. We will be righteous in the eyes of God not through our own works but the grace and mercy of Jesus who gave His life so we could have eternal life with Him.
Application
Following the law of God and giving offerings for sin was not what brought salvation to the lost before the Messiah came. True faith in God saved Moses, Abraham and all of those who trusted in God. Now, and for those before Christ, salvation comes from Jesus the Messiah. When Jesus died for the sins of all who believe, he made a new promise to people. By confessing our sins, we re admitting we are sinners and we need a Savior. God is faithful in His promise to forgive our sins once and for all. Once we admit and repent, we can move forward and live for Christ. There is nothing holding us back from worshiping and serving our risen King. We have His promise that we are forgiven and can be made Holy before God.
Prayer
Thank you for the forgiveness of sins Heavenly Father. I don’t comprehend why you would do this for me, but I can apprehend why. Thank you for loving me.
