Bible Pathways - December 21, 2005
December 21, 2005
Read 1 John 4
In Today's
How to test the spirits; an appeal for brotherly love; the witness of the Spirit
The Holy Spirit directed the Apostle John to write: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (I John 4:1). Jesus also revealed that many who believe they are the children of the Kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:12). The consequence of deception is horrifying. Just think! The majority of "religious" people will be cast . . . into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth (13:42). Doctrinal deception is widespread and often difficult to discern. Therefore, Jesus warned: Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven (7:21).
It requires far more than just believing certain facts about Jesus Christ It affects the whole life — the heart as well as the head. It molds character and guides conduct. If we have genuinely put our faith in Jesus as the Son of God (I John 4:15), we will have a desire to be obedient to His Commandments (5:2).
Nothing could be more consequential than to remove all doubt that we are included with the few there be that find it (eternal life) (Matthew 7:14). Since it determines our destiny for eternity, we are told: Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith (II Corinthians 13:5). Jesus admonished: Take heed that ye be not deceived (Luke 21:8). We are also warned: Seducers (imposters) shall wax worse and worse (progress from bad to worse), deceiving, and being deceived (II Timothy 3:13). Because of this the Holy Spirit led John to write: This is the love of God, that we keep His Commandments. . . . For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (I John 5:3-5).
Word Studies:
5:18 He that is begotten of God keepeth himself = He that is saved will not become involved in sinful activities.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast for in memory of Kenneth Roy Roberts Jr · Government Official: Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA) · Country: Brunei (400,000) on the northern coast of Borneo · Major languages: Malay and English · Limited religious freedom · 66% Muslim; 19% Chinese religions; 6% animist; 4% Protestant; 4% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for guiding you to sacrifice freely for what pleases Him (Psalm 54:6).
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Peter 2:22
