Begin
Silence and Stillness (2 minutes)
Silence and Stillness (2 minutes)
Scripture
12 I
am writing to you who are God’s children
because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus.
13 I am writing to you who are mature in the faith
because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I am writing to you who are young in the faith
because you have won your battle with the evil one.
14 I have written to you who are God’s children
because you know the Father.
I have written to you who are mature in the faith
because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I have written to you who are young in the faith
because you are strong.
God’s word lives in your hearts,
and you have won your battle with the evil one. 1 John 2:12-14
because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus.
13 I am writing to you who are mature in the faith
because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I am writing to you who are young in the faith
because you have won your battle with the evil one.
14 I have written to you who are God’s children
because you know the Father.
I have written to you who are mature in the faith
because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning.
I have written to you who are young in the faith
because you are strong.
God’s word lives in your hearts,
and you have won your battle with the evil one. 1 John 2:12-14
Reflect
Because
John (probably John the Elder) is probably quoting familiar, creed-like
statements in 2:12-14, many translations like the one above, make this passage
look like a quotation. Just as we might quote a hymn, creed or verse of
Scripture to remind ourselves what we believe and to what we are committed, so
here John quotes these lines to serve exactly that purpose.
They are lines of encouragement and reminder.
John
is taking his readers back to the beginning of their faith, and reminding them
of what they have always believed. He has talked about the message that they
have had from the beginning (1:1; 2:7), and now he summarizes its content
at greater length. He wants his readers to remember who they are, what they have
been given, and to remain strong in that.
Question to Consider
Take a few minutes to reread today's passage. Which one line encourages
you the most? Why? What would it mean for you to "live
out" the truth of that line as you go through your day today?
Prayer
"Lord, it is astonishing to think that I am actually your child, that you forgive the worst of my sins, that you have won the battle over evil because of which I am not a victim, rather I am through you a victor over sin and evil. Help me today to breathe deep these truths, to stand tall today knowing that wherever I go, you have gone ahead of me and have prepared the way. In Christ's name, Amen."
Conclude with Silence (2 minutes)
For
more:
follow on Twitter @jefflampl
No comments:
Post a Comment