1 John 2
1. Is repentance necessary for salvation?
How can repentance not be necessary? The Greek word for repent means to think differently or afterward, that is to reconsider. Repentance is a (1) acknowledgment/ recognition of your state of sin, (2) a declaration/ commitment to turn from sin, and (3) a focus to turn to God in righteous conduct according to His standard. It is part of the process leading toward the forgiveness of sins as identified in Acts 2:38.
How you see your life developing may be different from God’s blueprint.
1. We dream of greatness. Growing up, we often think of being a doctor, nurse, firefighter, or a professional athlete. We dream of being in front of the largest crowds, cheering fans, and living lavishly. As time and opportunities come into focus, some (if not all) of our dreams change…reality sets in.
Isaiah 26:3 – Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
1. Life is tough. There’s so much going on around us that we feel that we are drowning without a life vest or help. We try to come up for air to take a breath from the struggles of the day, only to be pulled back into the abyss of reality. We fill stuck, trapped, and without hope. We spend our days disappointed, impatient, and frustrated. We want peace and freedom, but they seem to slip through our hands just when we think it’s in our grasp. An endless cycle of chasing peace and freedom, only to be disappointed again and again. However, there is a way to experience a perfect peace.
Luke 11:33-35 – No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.
1. Your eyes are never satisfied.
Proverbs 27:20 – Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. Your eyes will never get to a point where they don’t want to see things. You hear a noise; you want to see what it is. You may find yourself constantly glancing around wherever you travel and watching everything in your surroundings. You like to see stuff.
In 2004 we wrote Living Out of Lust, a beautiful book that engaged the very issue of sexual addictions, its devastating effects, and how we can live without the stains of sexual sins. Over the years, we’ve learned that there is a larger encompassing scope beyond the principles of Living Out of Lust.
The key message for us that struggle with sexual sin (or any sin for that matter) is the closer we draw to the Lord, the further we draw from sin and the world.
Jesus spoke to the multitude on a parable of a sower (Luke 8:5-8). His disciples would ask the meaning of the parable. In His response, He said:
Luke 8:11-15 – Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
When the Word of God is heard four things can happen (as described in the parable). It is important that we ensure we are able to receive the Word of God in the manner and method that brings forth fruit.
What is Doctrine?
Doctrine is considered an instruction or teaching that can be learned or developed through experience. Doctrine is associated with a person’s beliefs; the way they ‘see,’ perceive, or relate to the world around them. Each person has a countless number of doctrines on the issues, people, and situations they experience on a daily basis. The number of doctrines a person has is countless and continues to be shaped and expanded throughout a person’s lifetime.
Within Christianity, sound biblical doctrine is based on the biblical teachings, experiences, pastors, ministers, and interactions with fellow brothers and sisters in the local church community. Within the context of this message, doctrine will encompass God’s Word. God’s Word is the foundation of good sound doctrine:
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
James 1:27 – Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
The word religion above is translated from the Greek as religious worship; especially external, that which consists of ceremonies (religious discipline).1 When the word ‘religion’ comes up in much of our society today, it comes of thoughts of a rules-based life that does not lead one closer to God. At first glance, we would feel our initial thoughts were confirmed, but when we look at James’ writing, we discover something different.
A pure religion…AND undefiled before God and the Father.
There is a religious expression that is acceptable (undefiled) before God. The word undefiled is translated from the Greek as not defiled, unsoiled; free from that by which the nature of a thing is deformed and debased, or its force and vigour impaired.2 That sounds a lot like pure and acceptable…
What is a pure religion that is undefiled before God and the Father?
One of the reasons we’re unsuccessful against temptation and sin is we don’t take an active stance against it.
1 Peter 5:8-10 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
If you’ve ever watched a nature show with lions, you would witness how they select their prey. The female lions wait in a distance to select the weakest, youngest, animal that has strayed from the pack. They do not select the strongest, fastest, or one among the group. They choose the one they would have the most success in overtaking. Our adversary is the same.
He will wait for moments of weakness in our heart, mind, or lives to attack us and tempt us into sin. Honestly, you may notice that he uses the same tactics/things to get you over and over…and over again. Therefore, it is important that we understand what we must do to combat the attacks of the enemy.
Many people are talking about reaching new levels or being elevated in the Lord. They’re waiting for their season of blessing, joy, peace, overflow, and abundance. Little thought goes into their current season – besides wanting out of it. However, the Lord uses seasons of trials and tribulations to mold us into mature disciples that resemble His Son (Romans 8:29).
Many people will find that when they complete one ‘test’ of life, another is right around the corner. Then, when they finish that one, another one awaits (but maybe not right away). Our lives are filled with various situations and circumstances that challenge the comfortable ground we’re on, want to remain on, and desire to be.
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