1 John 5:18-21

|
"We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him and the evil one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding, in order that we might know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, guard yourselves from idols." 1 John 5:18-21

These last few passages of scripture in the book of 1 John wrap up John's message to us about our relationship with God perfectly.

John begins by speaking of being born of God and how this keep us from evil. If we go back to 1 John 3:6 we are told that whoever abides in God does not sin. Don't both of these carry the same message?

Later on in the above passage John speak of "knowing Him who is true". And, in earlier passages in the book of 1 John he speaks of having fellowship with Jesus Christ, knowing Christ, Jesus wanting us to know Him, having an abiding life of fellowship with Christ. All ties together, doesn't it?

The book of 1 John has such a wonderful message. It tells us of the importance of having a relationship with Christ. Not just believing and telling others about Christ, but having a RELATIONSHIP with Christ. There is a big difference in the two. I can believe in and tell others about, for example, a new pharmaceutical product that helps with allergies. But can I have a relationship with that product? NO! While this may be a silly example to use... I think the point still can be made. The point being that Christ was a man and the true God and eternal life. We can (and we must) do more than just believe and tell others.... we can and must also have a relationship.

Through a relationship with Christ we will grow and we will abide in Him. We will turn from sin.... we will be more equipped to identify evil.... evil will be unable to attach itself to us. What freedom can be found in a relationship with Christ!

As I close out my study on 1 John I pray that we all will grow in our relationship with our Heavenly Father... that we will have the freedom that can be found only in KNOWING our Lord and Savior!


9 Thoughts Shared:

Amydeanne said...

great prayer Melanie! I'm praying for myself to soak up the Son more than i have been!

Tricia said...

Hey Melanie
Thanks for sharing what you have been learning from 1 John! I agree with you that what is so important in our walk with the Lord is having a relationship with Him. What a wonderful thing to know that our Lord and Savior wants a relationship with us, and longs for our fellowship, what a blessing that is and one we should not take for granted...

I have enjoyed visiting today. I have been busy lately and haven't had as much computer time as I would like sometimes, but other things come first, as I am sure you know!

Blessings!

Laurie Ann said...

Wonderful prayer. I have loved reading your thoughts on this study and thank you so much for sharing them...Hugs,

Joyfull said...

I John is a wonderful book and it sounds like you gleaned much from it. Thank you for sharing such great truths from God's Word.

LAURIE said...

What a great study. Thanks for sharing with us. Having a relationship with Christ is the most important foundations we can have. It is the foundation for all other building blocks. Thanks for always sharing from your heart. -Blessings, Laurie

Debra Kaye said...

Nelanie,

Thanks for your encouragement. You are such a sweet sister and I enjoyed your thoughts on this scripture passage this evening.

Blessings to you this evening, sweet one!

DeeDee said...

Thanks for this post Melanie..

Haven't been around lately...but good to be visiting again.

Blessings,
DeeDee

Erica said...

I love the example, and appreciate your insight in the word. What book are we studying next? I always learn when I stop by!

LauraLee Shaw said...

Your example is not silly at all, it gives me a perfect pic of the message you're communicating. Really good insights here.