Wednesday, March 23, 2022
"I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father ... I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth." 2 John 4; 3 John 4
Twice in these short letters of the apostle John he emphasizes his joy in knowing followers of Christ who are walking in the truth. It was their WALK, not their TALK, that was the source of his joy.
The proof of one's conviction is not what they say, but what they do.There is a vast difference between KNOWING the truth and WALKING in it. Knowing the truth qualifies one to be a philosopher. Walking in the truth distinguishes one as an authentic disciple of Jesus, and thus a source of joy as it was for John. Knowing the truth is important, but we do not truly know the truth until we walk in it.
Setting a date for a special vacation is important. But, simply having a date on a calendar does not fully indicate your commitment to actually taking the trip. As the date approaches, you might simply cancel or postpone it. The real proof of your commitment to it is purchasing what you will want and need for the trip, getting your car ready or arranging transportation to the airport, and packing your bags. Commitment is evidenced by action.
Preparing for life in the age to come is similar. If we sincerely desire to be in the kingdom at the return of Christ, we live now in such a way as to be ready. We might say that we dress for the occasion; we put on the clothing of holiness and righteousness now.
The apostle John was deeply concerned about knowing and walking in the truth. He was greatly disturbed that some were distorting the truth about Jesus (see 1 John 4:2,3 and 2 John 7-11). He knew that for truth to transform it had to indeed be truth. Error and deception are incapable of true transformation.
Love God's truth. Be diligent to read and study the scriptures. But, love them enough to put them into practice. Doing so will be a source of joy for you, for other followers of Christ, and ultimately Christ Himself.
Pastor Steve
"I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father ... I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth." 2 John 4; 3 John 4
Twice in these short letters of the apostle John he emphasizes his joy in knowing followers of Christ who are walking in the truth. It was their WALK, not their TALK, that was the source of his joy.
The proof of one's conviction is not what they say, but what they do.There is a vast difference between KNOWING the truth and WALKING in it. Knowing the truth qualifies one to be a philosopher. Walking in the truth distinguishes one as an authentic disciple of Jesus, and thus a source of joy as it was for John. Knowing the truth is important, but we do not truly know the truth until we walk in it.
Setting a date for a special vacation is important. But, simply having a date on a calendar does not fully indicate your commitment to actually taking the trip. As the date approaches, you might simply cancel or postpone it. The real proof of your commitment to it is purchasing what you will want and need for the trip, getting your car ready or arranging transportation to the airport, and packing your bags. Commitment is evidenced by action.
Preparing for life in the age to come is similar. If we sincerely desire to be in the kingdom at the return of Christ, we live now in such a way as to be ready. We might say that we dress for the occasion; we put on the clothing of holiness and righteousness now.
The apostle John was deeply concerned about knowing and walking in the truth. He was greatly disturbed that some were distorting the truth about Jesus (see 1 John 4:2,3 and 2 John 7-11). He knew that for truth to transform it had to indeed be truth. Error and deception are incapable of true transformation.
Love God's truth. Be diligent to read and study the scriptures. But, love them enough to put them into practice. Doing so will be a source of joy for you, for other followers of Christ, and ultimately Christ Himself.
Pastor Steve