ENCOURAGEMENT FOR YOU !

Encouragement for you

There are only four more verses in the book of 1 John. In the second Epistle of John there are only thirteen verses in the whole book. Most of these verses are saying the same truths that John reviewed in 1 John; however, some are unique. I would like to go over the last four verses in 1 John and select some uplifting verses in the book of 2nd John because I do not wish to go over the same biblical content with you that was already reviewed in previous articles. 

If we are truly born again we really do not want to sin. Wise Christians will keep themselves so the devil will not be able to touch them. If we are in reach of demons sin is the next stumbling block that will confuse our minds and hurt our hearts. I will explain as the article progress what ... "But he that is begotten of God keepeth himself " ... because we should be on guard. If we leave our guard down then that is when the problems start in our life.

We are children of God through His Son Jesus Christ and verse nineteen says ...  "The whole world lieth in wickedness."

We have an understanding not only that Jesus Christ is true but that ... "We are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ."

We are also instructed by the Apostle John to keep ourselves from idols. If there is one thing I learned about the subject of idols is it comes in various abstract forms more than it comes in obvious forms. Let me quote 1 John 5:18-21. You will be able to see the original text and make reference to it if this is applicable for you and this particular Bible study.

(18) " We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. (19) And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. (20) And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. (21) Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen." 1 John 5:18-21. 

We have a new nature because upon acceptance of Jesus Christ in our hearts the Holy Spirit dwells in our spirit. The more we allow the Holy Ghost to shine through our hearts the less we sin. In this case we are fortified against demons destructive ambushes in our life.

It is our duty to be on guard against the enemy 24 hours a day. We need to pray a prayer of protection to God before we go to sleep. When we wake up the very first thing we should do is once again pray to God. I would rather not tell you what to pray for because that is between you and God. Remember the Holy Spirit dwells in you and will guide your words to God through His Son Jesus Christ. By the way the mere fact that we are on guard against the devil is a reality of the power we have in the Person of Jesus Christ.

Humanity is divided into two parties. One group belongs to God and the other belongs to wickedness. We belong to God, we are of God, we are from Him, we are to Him and we are for Jesus Christ.

In this passage the Bible says the whole world lieth in wickedness. I love to see Christians demolish the devil's dominion that he has in this world and see souls being translated into the Kingdom of God. Christians are supposed to be enlightened in the knowledge of the true eternal God who is Jesus Christ. 

When we give Jesus Christ our devotion the Son of God leads us to the Father and have the love and favor of both because when we are in union with our Lord we are in union with His Father. At the end of verse twenty this passage says ... "This is the true God, and eternal life." Isn't it comforting to be united to the true God and eternal life?

We should let our light and love guard us in the Person of Jesus Christ. We need to flee from any false gods in this wicked world. Jesus Christ is our God. False gods can not forgive us of our sins nor can they give us eternal life. We need to have faith, love and obedience in Jesus Christ. He is the Living and true God. He is the one that is going to receive glory and dominion for ever and ever. 

At this point we have finished the whole book of 1 John and I did promise you that I would quote select verses in the book of 2nd John which has thirteen verses in the whole book. Many are what I would refer to as repeat verses that the Apostle John already went over in the book of 1 John. Be encouraged as you read these blessed verses.

"For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever." 2nd John 1:2. I am just going to give you a general analysis of each verse. Jesus Christ dwelleth in us and He promises His children that He will be with us for all eternity.

" Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love." 2nd John 1:3. We are obviously very rich in Jesus Christ. Grace, mercy and peace to us from both God the Father and Jesus Christ but this is given to us in truth and love.

How could we possible receive this from the world? I don't see much grace, mercy or peace and if it is given it is rare. God the Father and His Son desire to bestow this on us with truth and love. If you can be blessed enough for someone to do something for you with a good pure spirit and no strings attached then you are receiving more than most people in this world. 

"I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father." 2nd John 1:4. To walk in truth is to not walk in a lie which is the essence of this world. No wonder John rejoiced when he heard this but it was not just because they were obeying God; therefore, being glad that these children of God through Jesus Christ were not being pulled into the deception of life gave the Apostle John such incredible joy.

"Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward." 2nd John 1:8. Obviously I went over very detailed in previous articles how we are to give ourselves an honest evaluation before God.

As sincere Christians the loss of those things we have worked for is bad because to get a full reward in heaven will last for eternity. I do not know much about this subject of rewards in the afterlife. John is only speaking in general terms to continue with strong faith in Jesus Christ. If we "Look to ourselves" ... by giving "Ourselves" an honest judgment before God about our hearts and lives the implication in this verse is to continue to labor for Jesus Christ with the right motives until He returns for His church. 

There is only one more verse I can go over in the book of 2nd John which is only comprised of thirteen verses because once again the other verses that are in 2nd John I reviewed at least once in previous articles. The Apostle John is repeating himself because it is a different book and many various people read both first and second John. To make this simple John had to review the same biblical truths so everybody would get the messages.

"Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full." 2nd John 1:12. That was just a very warm and kind statement John wrote to his audience. When we meet someone face to face with the right loving spirit our joy does become full.

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord now may be a good time to repent of all your sins and invite the Son of God in your life. You have probably read this article but to personally get to know Jesus Christ is something more intimate. The Apostle John desired to speak to his audience face to face so their joy might be full. This same principle applies to anyone that has read about Jesus Christ but does not know Jesus Christ. The Son of God desires to speak to you face to face that your joy may be full.

God Bless you,
Bob D.