1 João 3
Samuel Johnson · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 João 3:4
Johnson on lawlessness - The reason we are lawless, the reason we are rebellious, the reason we do not respond to the word of God is that we do not believe the word of God… We’re inclined to think that immorality is sin. Well, it is sin, but the fundamental cause of immorality is unbelief that leads to rebellion, which issues in immorality. Adam disbelieved in his heart first of all, Eve as well. The inclination originated within their hearts that led to the volition, “I will take of the fruit,” And then finally, the action of partaking of the fruit, and eating it. But the sin occurred long before Eve actually tasted the fruit. It occurred when the inclination developed within her heart and Adam likewise. So our sins first of all are inclinations within the heart that issue in a volition, and finally in an action. So unbelief issues in lawlessness, rebellion, and finally is seen in immorality. (The Inadmissibility of Sin) The false teachers that John was confronting were no doubt, as many false teachers in our day, minimizing the serious nature of sin. Steven
1 João 3:18
Johnson points out that our spiritual forebears in 19th-century England battled against slavery, poverty, vice, and illiteracy because of their devotion to God. He wrote, “Generous-minded Victorians, who took big risks by publicly expressing their concern for the poor, did not pretend that they knew everything about the problem or propose specific solutions.” The dynamic of their concern, Johnson asserts, was their solid belief in God. So let our lips and lives express The holy gospel we profess; So let our works and virtues shine, To prove the doctrine all divine. —Watts A living faith is a working faith. A Friend In Need - Read: 1 John 3:11-18 | Not long ago my wife, Janet, and I bought a quantity of beef from a friend who raised cattle on a small farm. It was less expensive than meat from a grocery store, and we put it in the freezer to use throughout the coming months. Then a terrible lightning storm cut power throughout our area. For the first 24 hours we were confident that the freezer would keep the meat frozen. But when the second day came with still no word of getting our power back, we began to be concerned. We contacted Ted, a member of our Bible-study group, to see if he had any advice. He canceled an appointment he had and showed up at our doorstep with a generator to provide power for the freezer. We were thankful that Ted helped us, and we knew it was because of his love for Christ. Father, thank You for making me a part of Your family by giving Your Son Jesus for me. Help me to accept the care of others and also to serve them out of gratitude and out of my love for You. When we love Christ, we love others. Here Am I - Read: 1 John 3:16-23 | Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. —Proverbs 31:9 In the courtroom while waiting for his case to come before the judge, Gary heard story after sad story of people who were losing their homes. Many went through the procedure as if it were familiar to them. But one woman named Leslie seemed bewildered. Gary sensed that she didn’t know what to do or where to turn. He tried to silence the quiet voice inside him that was urging him to help, but he couldn’t. He thought of many reasons not to get involved. First, engaging strangers in conversation is not one of his strengths; second, he was afraid of being misunderstood. But he thought that the prompting was from God, and he didn’t want to risk being disobedient. When Gary saw Leslie leaving the courthouse, he spoke to her. “Ma’am,” he said, “I heard your testimony inside the courtroom, and I believe God wants me to help you.” At first Leslie was suspicious, but Gary assured her of his sincerity. He made some phone calls and got her connected with people in a local church who provided the help she needed to keep her house. God calls into action today All those who are children of light; Whatever our hand finds to do, Let’s do it with all of our might. —Hess We are at our best when we are serving others. A Friend In Need - Read: 1 John 3:11-18 | My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. —1 John 3:18 Not long ago my wife, Janet, and I bought a quantity of beef from a friend who raised cattle on a small farm. It was less expensive than meat from a grocery store, and we put it in the freezer to use throughout the coming months. Then a terrible lightning storm cut power throughout our area. For the first 24 hours we were confident that the freezer would keep the meat frozen. But when the second day came with still no word of getting our power back, we began to be concerned. We contacted Ted, a member of our Bible-study group, to see if he had any advice. He canceled an appointment he had and showed up at our doorstep with a generator to provide power for the freezer. We were thankful that Ted helped us, and we knew it was because of his love for Christ. Father, thank You for making me a part of Your family by giving Your Son Jesus for me. Help me to accept the care of others and also to serve them out of gratitude and out of my love for You.