KesCon23 Wk 1: How We Can Be Sure (2/5) | Sam Allberry | Because we now walk in the light | 1 John 2:3-27
Sep 15, 2023
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Sam Allberry, Christian speaker and writer, discusses the tests that help Christians know they have genuine faith, including keeping God’s commands, loving his people, and recognizing his truth. The podcast explores the concept of the Antichrist, the importance of obeying God's commandments, the dangers of false teachings, and the interconnectedness of obedience, love, and belief in the Christian life.
Keeping God's commandments is not the way to know Jesus, but rather the result of knowing Him.
True Christian love is distinct from the love of the world, being informed by the love of God and directed towards fellow believers.
Deep dives
The Obedience Test: Keeping God's Commandments
The importance of keeping God's commandments is emphasized in this passage. John reassures believers that keeping God's commandments is not the way to know Jesus, but rather the result of knowing Jesus. It is the evidence of abiding in Him. While perfect obedience is not expected, genuine believers will desire to walk in the ways of Jesus and strive to obey His commands. The Christian life is characterized by a changing moral taste buds, where sin becomes less appealing and obedience becomes more desirable.
The Love Test: Loving God's People and Not Loving the World
The love test is about loving God's people and not loving the world. John reminds believers that the command to love one another is not a new commandment, but an old commandment that they have heard from the beginning. The coming of Jesus has shed a new light on this commandment, demonstrating an unparalleled love that believers are called to emulate. This love is distinct from the love of the world, which involves the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life. True Christian love is otherworldly, informed by the love of God and directed towards fellow believers.
The Belief Test: Confessing God's Truth
The belief test focuses on confessing God's truth. John addresses the issue of false teachers, who deny the deity of Jesus Christ. These deceivers have departed from the true apostolic teaching, and by doing so, they deny the Son and the Father. John reassures believers that they have access to the truth from the beginning, which abides in them. Moreover, they have been anointed by the Holy Spirit, who teaches them, enabling them to discern and abide in God's truth. Believers have overcome the evil one through the power of Christ and the indwelling Spirit.
Assurance for Different Groups: Little Children, Fathers, and Young Men
In this passage, John provides direct assurance to different groups within the community of believers. He reassures the little children that their sins are forgiven, and they know the Father. To the fathers, the more mature believers, he affirms their deep knowledge of God from the beginning. He also encourages the young men, the newer believers, by reminding them that they have overcome the evil one, they are strong, and the word of God abides in them. These affirmations serve as a reminder that they are secure in their faith and have eternal life in Christ.
How We Can Be Sure - 1 John Because we now walk in the light: 1 John 2:3-27
John introduces us to the “tests” that can help Christians know they have genuine faith — keeping God’s commands, loving his people, and recognising his truth.
- Episode 1 - Because Christ has come: 1 John 1:1-2:2 - Episode 2 - Because we now walk in the light: 1 John 2:3-27 - Episode 3 - Because of how we love: 1 John 2:28-3:24 - Episode 4 - Because we have the Spirit: 1 John 4:1-5:5 - Episode 5 - Because of what we believe: 1 John 5:6-21
Recorded live at Keswick Convention 2024. This session will be live streamed and available on catch-up.
Keswick Convention is organised by Keswick Ministries. The central vision of Keswick Ministries is to see the people of God refreshed, inspired and equipped to fulfill that calling, directed and guided by God’s Word in the power of his Spirit, for the glory of his Son. So that they Hear God’s Word, Become like God’s Son and Serve God’s mission.
For more information, visit https://keswickministries.org
For more information about books mentioned during the talks, please go to www.10ofthose.com/uk/partners/keswickministries
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