Tag: 1 John 5:11-13
Day 5–The Mystery–Christ In You!
Scripture reading for June 5: Colossians 1:27-28 “To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone will all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” 1 John 5:11-13 “And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
The great mystery of God’s indwelling presence in each believer is discussed in this passage by Paul the apostle. God’s specialty is revealing mysteries to those truly seeking answers. He delights in showing grace to the humble, but opposes the proud and arrogant.(1 Peter 5:5-6) Although hidden from many Jews, God had revealed the mystery of His grace made available to Jew and Gentile through Christ Jesus. In Christ, God’s glory was displayed in His death for lost sinners and His resurrection from the grave in power and glory. God was making forgiveness of sins and His indwelling presence in the Holy Spirit available to all, Jew and Gentile, not based on works or deeds of righteousness, but through faith alone.
The mystery was simply, “Christ in you, the hope of glory!” The Holy Spirit reveals the ever-increasing glory of Christ in our mortal bodies as we live by faith. (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) Paul proclaimed Christ as Lord and Savior, warning them to repent and believe, teaching all the revealed mystery that all may become mature in Christ through His indwelling Holy Spirit. John stated plainly, “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” Eternal life through the indwelling Son and Holy Spirit is revealed to whoever believes.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for responding to my need to have Your indwelling presence with me each day by bestowing on me the Holy Spirit. Teach me daily the riches of the glory of this mystery: “Christ in me, the hope of glory.” Use me to proclaim Jesus Christ through my life and service. Amen.
Day 5–Blessed Assurance of Eternal Life
Scripture reading for February 6: 1 John 5: 11-13 “And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the Name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.”
When you work in a dangerous field like most first responders, there is always uncertainty of whether or not this day will be your last on earth. Each incident has the potential to threaten your life or your ability to continue doing your job. But responders have learned to face each incident with courage and optimism. We are realistic about the dangers, but chose to live fearlessly trusting that everything will work out. We respond with hope and courage that keeps us calmly rendering assistance.
But our Chief Responder, Jesus Christ, doesn’t want any of His followers wondering or worrying about their lives or fearful to give their lives as they serve. When we put our trust in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is given as a Gift from the Father to each believer. The Spirit testifies with our human spirit that we are children of God. (Romans 8:15-16) The Spirit testifies that God gave us eternal life in His Son. (1 John 5:6-10) The Spirit moved on John to write down these words for one purpose: “I write these things to you who believe in the Name of the Son of God that you may now that you have eternal life.” The Spirit testifies we belong to God. The Word of God proclaims that as we believe in Jesus, we have eternal life.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the blessed assurance of Your Word and the Holy Spirit Who testifies that I am in God’s family. Because of these assurances, I can face any incident or difficult circumstance and respond in faith that You are in me and will guide me through. Give my brothers and sisters who are fearful this assurance of eternal life. I am available to share Your gift of life. Amen.
I know my Redeemer lives!
Scripture reading for May 23: Job 18-19
The attack on Job’s character by his friends continues with Bildad the Shuhite in Job 18. Bildad harshly accused Job of being wicked, evil and not knowing God. (Job 18:21) He told Job of the destruction that awaited him if he didn’t come to his senses and deal with his problem of sin. These statements are very presumptive and go against all that Job has tried to tell him. They certainly did not give Job any comfort and brought further suffering his way. (Job 19:2-3)
Job was being attacked and it forced him to evaluate his beliefs. He went to God for answers, but even God seemed to be against him. (Job 19:8) He was opposed by his own friends and his wife. He looked at his own body, which was skin and bones and knew that he might not be long for this earth. He asked for pity from his friends and began to state his true feelings! (Job 19:21-22)
Job wished that his words would be recorded! He stated a belief that his Redeemer was alive–that he would see Him one day, even if he died. This foundational belief in resurrection brings hope to us. It is what Christ gives each one of His followers! We know that we will suffer and eventually die while in this life, but that isn’t the end! We have a permanent dwelling place with the Lord to look forward to! (2nd Corinthians 5:1-2) To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord! (2nd Corinthians 5:8) There is the “Blessed Hope” as well, the soon appearing of Jesus Christ for His people! (Titus 2:13) There will be a sudden appearing of Jesus to take His people who are ready to be with Him! (1st Thessalonians 4:13-18) With Job we can say “For I know that my Redeemer lives. . .Whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!” (Job 19:25, 27)
Do you live with the assurance that your Redeemer is alive and watching over you? Do you have the assurance of eternal life? How does Job’s statement of faith match with your personal testimony?
“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son as life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.“ 1st John 5:11-13