In the table below list the reasons John is writing to each group:
Dear Children
– "their sins have been forgiven
– "they have known the Father"
Fathers
– "they have known Him Who is from the beginning"
Young men
– "they have overcome the evil one
– "they are strong
– "the Word of God lives in them"
On what basis are our sins forgiven? "Jesus' name"
Read Psalm 51:1-2, 7-9, 16-17 and list the visuals David uses to describe how God cleanses our hearts.
"Blotting out (1), washing away (2), cleansing (2), cleansing with hyssop (7), washing whiter than snow (7), (us) hearing joy and gladness - rejoicing (8), hiding His face from our sins (9), blotting out our iniquity (9), and His acceptable sacrifice is a broken and contrite heart"
In what ways do you try to earn God's forgiveness? How do 1 John 2:12 and Psalm 51 help you more fully rest in Jesus' saving work?
"I pretty much have the not earning forgiveness part down. I need to work on respecting and appreciating it more fully because I am inclined to lean more towards sinning more so grace will abound. (Not deliberately, of course; I just keep carelessly letting it happen.)"
Turn to John's Gospel, verses 10:11-15. What does Jesus specifically intend for his 'sheep' (children) in verse 14?
"He knows them, and they know Him."
Now turn to John 14:1-10. What question does Jesus ask Philip in verse 9?
"'Don't you know Me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? … How can you say, "Show us the Father?"'"
I can hear the yearning in Jesus voice, the compassion, mingled with a possible hint of holy exasperation, longing for Philip to understand who He is.
"(Similarly, almost every time Chompers flies off the handle and bites one of us, I feel like 'doesn't he know by now that we love him, want the best for him, aren't trying to hurt or tease him, etc.?')"
How did Philip know Jesus yet not know Him, and how is this true of your own relationship with Christ?
"Different levels of insight and understanding come at different times (like John also, in chapter 20). In theory, it should always be growing deeper and stronger, but I think we're all capable of the occasional brain cramp, where it suddenly makes less sense than it did last week or even yesterday."
You are "strong", and the "Word" of God remains/lives in "you".
Beside each verse, write how God's instructions are connected to overcoming:
Psalm 119:11 "Hiding God's word in our hearts helps us to avoid the snare of sin."
Psalm 119:24 "His laws can be our counselors (and our delight as well.)"
Psalm 119:25 "His word can preserve our lives."
Psalm 119:28 "His word can strengthen our weary souls."
Psalm 119:92 "Our delight in His law can prevent us from perishing."
Psalm 119:107 "His word can preserve our lives."
Psalm 119:153 "Remembering His law can deliver us from our suffering."
Psalm 119: 165 "Those who love His law have a great peace and nothing can make them stumble."
Psalm 119:173 "Choosing His precepts makes God more inclined to help us."
Quickly flip to John's Gospel, 8:37. In this instance, how were the Jews to whom Jesus was speaking treating His Word?
"They had no room for it."
Is there any area where you have not made room for the will and way of God that may be keeping you from overcoming? Take time to consider and respond.
"I get extra selfish and stubborn after midnight when a normal person should want to surrender to sleep. (Of course, I make selfish choices at noon, too.)"
The perfect indicative means an action that's already completed, as well as an objective fact or reality.
If you were a believer in Christ, write the words "I am strong" with confidence in the space below. If you feel a little ridiculous doing so, all the more reason to write it.
"I am strong."
Dearest Rachel -
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