I Am an Overcomer | 1 John 4:1-6 Meditations

1 John 4:1-6
1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

I don't know if anyone else really relates to the concept of overcoming the spirit of antichrist, but I surely didn't.

I couldn't exactly put my finger on what it really was, and well.... I just couldn't understand it.

The other day, though, I was reading through definitions, and came across the meaning of the word antichrist - quite simply, it means "the adversary/opponent of Christ." In other words, he that is "anti" Christ.
So that's every spirit that is not of Christ. How very simple! Should've known that earlier.

This brought to mind a verse from John that described the devil- "...[h]e was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." (John 8:44)

Satan = the father of lies. He abode not in the truth.
On the other hand, as the child of God, Who is The Truth, I am called to abide in The Truth.

So, I asked God to show me the lies I was believing and replace them with His Truth.

I think elusive would be a good description of lies. They look so right and so good and so almost-like-truth. The day soon passed and I still haven't identified any lies I was believing. Desperation starting to sink in, I begged God to show me the areas where I was listening to the world. (I have a blog post to write soon, and I got to write about something!)

I'm so grateful that God is a good Father and cares for His children. He does answer prayer!

I was working on my verses (again! Forgive me for being so redundant, but everything does seem to happen when I work on my verse cards...), which were yet again falling behind schedule, when a certain Anonymous requested my help in preparing meals.

Now, preparing meals means time consumed, which is not good for working on verse cards. Therefore, I, being very logical, refused. Well, almost refused.

You see, God started to convict me of how much I trusted Him.

Thus began the "Inner Dialogue".

I may have asked Him to make me a blessing, but did I let Him? 

Why don't I?

Ahhh... ummm... Well, I just need to be in control. If I had complete control of my schedule, then everything would be great and on schedule. 

Really? Do I really believe that God does everything well?
If I really did believe, then would I worry about following God's call (i.e. cooking for Anonymous)?

Well, then maybe I suppose I might be struggling with that a bit. 

I started to ponder what I had been learning and what I had just been thinking.
By then it was getting obvious what lie I was believing, but I started to realize I had a deeper problem - trust in Who God is.

The last 1 John "chunk" I had meditated on mentioned doing things that were pleasing in God's sight. As I had studied that, it became quite apparent that "without faith it is impossible to please Him" (Heb. 11:6).

Faith.  The "Inner Dialogue" resumed. 

Did I have faith that The Truth is Who He says He is? 

Of course I ought to.
He says He's good, so regardless of what I feel now, I'm going to choose to trust Him.

So if I really trusted the fact that He's good, what would I do? 

Help Anonymous cook, of course. 

Down went the verse cards and up went spatulas, pots, and pans.

It's an incredible thing that communion with God is possible even when one is processing beef. Such a revelation!

I may struggle with lies that the spirit of antichrist tries to feed me with, but in Him, who am I? What does He call me?

An overcomer (1 John 4:4). 

One who gets the victory.

Always victorious (2 Cor. 2:14).

Because He has won the victory.

Because GREATER is HE THAT IS IN ME than he that is in the world.

(1 John 4:4)

I have no need to fear. Just to choose faith. Faith in the Greatest, Most High One. Who loves me.

He cares for me so much. In fact, those verse cards that were set down in order to help with cooking actually got perfected by the time we ate. No kidding.  And I don't think I've gotten so many verses "done" in such a little time before.

In Him, I am an overcomer. 

Thoughts, Notes, Lists, and such. Disclaimer somewhere in here.

Attributes of the Father:

• Has Spirit
• Has children

Attributes of the Son:

• Come in the flesh

Attributes of the Spirit:

• Greater than he that is in the world 

Cross-References:

vs 1 --> Matt. 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

vs 3 --> 2 John 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

vs 4 --> Rev. 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. 

vs 4 --> Rev. 21:7-8  He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. 

Mini Study - To Overcome

Overcome (1 John 4:4) Gr. nikaō

 1. to conquer

    A. to carry off the victory, come off victorious

        i. of Christ, victorious over all His foes

        ii. of Christians, that hold fast their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, and                   temptations and persecutions

        iii. when one is arraigned or goes to law, to win the case, maintain one's cause

Definition above taken from Outline of Biblical Usage

Who can overcome/is an overcomer?

• The Lord (Ex. 14:14)
• Jesus (John 16:33, Rev. 5:5, 6:2, 17:14)
• Young men (1 John 2:13-14)
• Little children (1 John 4:4)
• Whatsoever is born of God (1 John 5:4)
• He that believes that Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 5:5)

What is to be overcome?

• Evil (Rom. 12:21)
• The wicked one (1 John 2:13-14)
• The spirit of antichrist (1 John 4:3-4)
• The world (1 John 5:4-5)
• The beast (Rev. 15:2)
• The beast's image (Rev. 15:2)
• The beast's mark (Rev. 15:2)
• The number of the beast's name (Rev. 15:2)

How can one overcome?

• When the LORD fights for us - and our job is not to fear, but to be strong and of good courage, and to hold our peace (Ex. 14:14, Deut. 1:30, 3:22, Josh. 10:14, 10:25, 23:3, 10, 2 Chron. 20:29, 32:8, Jer. 1:19)
• [overcome evil] with good (Rom. 12:21)
• By our faith (1 John 5:4)
• By the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 12:11)
• By the word of "their" testimony (Rev. 12:11)

What are the rewards of an overcomer?

• To be given to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God (Rev. 2:7)
• Not to be hurt of the second death (Rev. 2:11)
• To be given to eat of the hidden manna (Rev. 2:17)
• To be given a white stone that has a new name written in it, which only the recipient knows (Rev. 2:17)
• To be given power over the nations (Rev. 2:26)
• To be clothed in white raiment (Rev. 3:5)
• To have name in the book of life (Rev. 3:5)
• To have name confessed by Jesus before the Father and His angels (Rev. 3:5)
• Pillar in the temple of God (Rev. 3:12)
• To have the name of God, the name of the city of God, and Jesus' new name written upon the overcomer (Rev. 3:12)
• To sit with Jesus in His throne (Rev. 3:21)
• To inherit all things (Rev. 21:7)

Notes: 

2 Chron. 13:12 And, behold, God himself is with us for our captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the LORD God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper.
Rev. 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

To Lay Down My Life | 1 John 3:11-24 Meditations

1 John 3:11-24
11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

I don't think I've ever had to place my life in jeopardy for the sake of anyone else.
Thankful for that fact, definitely.

But, how am I supposed to "lay down my life for the brethren (paraphrased part of 1 John 3:16)"?
What does that mean?

I was meditating on this a while back and came across the definition of the word psychē (the Greek word for life in 1 John 3:16).

Not only does life encompass the physical life, but also the soul, which includes "the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul etc.)."

Feelings.

Desires.

Affections.

Aversions.

This is "life"? Jesus is calling me to lay those down for the brethren?

Then again, what has He done for me?
He laid down His life. His feelings. His desires. His affections. His aversions.

Absurd.

Is that really how much He loves me?

Yes, yes indeed.

And He's called me to do the same.

Absurd.

Only possible with Him.

A couple days ago, I was finally settling down to study. Finally!
It had so happened that I was cooking dinner that day, and we had all just finished eating. A very kind person was already cleaning up the kitchen, and ventured to ask for a little help with clearing tables.

You must know that there was also an anonymous person sitting and studying beside me, who, take note, did not prepare dinner. However, Anonymous had the nerve to strongly suggest/ask/command me to go clear the table!

That is absurd, my friends.

People who have already "done their duty" by preparing meals ought not to be required to be on KP duty!

Nevertheless, because of the holiness and righteousness possessed by yours truly, off the kitchen I went. Fuming with "righteous indignation", I probably had enough passion to kick start a campaign for the non-existent Association for the Just Treatment of the Righteous.


Ahem.


"Come into My presence now."

That still small "feeling". It had to come again!

"Love as I have loved."

Well... It was probably a good thing that "feeling" is there, though. I knew it was right, but oh! Do you know how hard it is to lay down your life?

Feelings, desires, affections, aversions, all!

But I want! I want to have a right to peaceful, undisturbed study! I want to have a right to seethe about Anonymous! I want to have a right to anger!

Finally, though, I gave in.

"Lord, I come in Your presence. I choose joy and peace in You."

It really is a choice to lay down my life.
Satan tries so hard to deceive me that no, it's not a choice. Just being victimized by circumstances. It just happens, you know?

However, praise God Who has made me His! For He that is in me is greater than he that is in the world. He has already won the victory. And He works in me.

When at length I decided to go into His presence, He had fullness of joy and rest there for me (Psalm 16:11, Matt. 11:28).

Why He invites His unruly, infuriated children to dwell in His presence, I don't know.

That is love.

In Hebrews 12, it exhorts us to look to Jesus, "who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

'For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."

After all, what's the big deal? It's just clearing tables, after all.

He laid down His life for me.

Should I do any less?

Thoughts, Notes, Lists, and such. Disclaimer somewhere in here.

Attributes of the Father:

• Has love
• Greater than our heart
• Knows all things
• Can be pleased
• Has commandment
• Gave us His Spirit

Attributes of the Son:

• Laid down life
• We should believe on Him

Cross-References:

vs 12/15 --> Matt. 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

vs 13 --> John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

vs 13 --> Matt. 24:4-14 [Too long to put here:)]

vs 16 --> Luke 10:26-37 [Too long to put here, too:) This is the answer of the question "Who is my neighbor?", which is similar to asking "Who is my brother" of 1 John 3:16.]

vs 16 --> John 15:13  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
vs 19 --> 2 Tim. 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
vs 22 --> Heb. 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Thoughts

1 John 3:23 outlines His commandment: To believe on the name of His Son + love one another.

I know that believing on the name of the Son results in salvation (John 1:12) - what glorious news - but as a Christian, what further implications does it have to my behavior?

Pisteuō denotes having faith in, entrusting. Am I entrusting myself to God every daily, every hour, even every minute?

My physical welfare? Spiritual? Emotional? My past? My present? My future? Myself? My surroundings?

Paul was not afraid of suffering, because he knew Whom he believed.

He was peithō, he was assured/persuaded/convinced that "He is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." (2 Tim. 1:12)

Do I know Whom I have believed?

Am I peithō?

He says that without pistis it is impossible to please Him.

Do I do those things that are pleasing in His sight?

Do I have confidence toward Him?

Do I have faith in Him? Constant faith?

Mini Study - Pleasing to God

What is pleasing to God?

• "To make you His people" (1 Sam. 12:22)
• That Solomon asked for an understanding heart (1 Kings 3:10)
• Uprightness (1 Chro. 29:17)
• The prosperity of His servant (Psalm 35:27)
• Sacrifices of praise - "the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name" (Heb. 13:15)
• Children obeying parents (Col. 3:20)
• To give us the kingdom (Luke 12:32)
• To "by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (1 Cor. 1:21)
• That all fullness should dwell in Jesus (Col. 1:19)

Who pleases God?

• Those who fear Him (Psalm 147:11)
• Those who hope in His mercy (Psalm 147:11)
• His people (Psalm 149:4)
• Jesus (John 8:29)
• Enoch (Heb. 11:5)

Who/what cannot please God?

• Wickedness (Psalm 5:4)
• Those who are in the flesh (Rom. 8:8)
• Those who "both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us" (1 Thes. 2:15)
• Those who entangle themselves with the affairs of this life (1 Tim. 2:4)
• Those without faith (Heb. 11:5)

Benefits of pleasing God

• Our enemies will be at peace with us (Pro. 16:7)
• We will prove the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God (Rom. 12:1-2)

Notes: God has revealed what is pleasing to Him through His Word (1 Thes. 4:1, also CR Deut. 12:28)! 

In 1 John 3:22, the Greek word for pleasing is arestos, meaning pleasing/agreeable. 

To do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

Child of God | 1 John 3:1-10 Meditations

"How we see ourselves determines how we conduct ourselves. 
This is why Satan attacks Christians at the level of their identities." 
- David and Jason Benham

1 John 3:1-10
1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

I remember when I first started to hear messages on finding one's identity in Christ.

"Identity? What's that?" I had thought to myself.

Granted, this was quite a while back, but I could hardly understand what it meant, much less how it applied to me.

One could "identify" one's self as many different things - an achiever of a particular educational status, a partaker (sorry, been reading too much old-er English :P) of a special familial heritage, a completer of many tasks, etc.

However, if I place my identity in things that can change, my identity is subject to change as well. Only when I recognize that who I am is determined by Christ can I have assurance.

This isn't a one time thing, though! It's definitely been something I've been struggling with a lot recently.

Over the past couple days, this thing called a to do list commanded my respect. It seemed to have titled itself "Mission Insurmountable" - you know, the un-do-able list of to do's.

I tried very hard to complete that pile of tasks, and one by one they would be checked off (or colored in, in my case - that way it's a whole lot easier to see progress at a glance). But as soon as they were almost done, the day would end. Then the sun would rise again, and bring a fresh and untouched sheet of to do's with it. When that list would be almost done, down went the sun again.

How terribly frustrating!

And then I started meditating on this passage.

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God!" (1 John 3:1a)

Shortly after that verse came verse 3 - And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

What hope? Hope purifies? How? I honestly didn't know, but I figured that verse 2 must contain that "hope", so verse 2 went on a piece of paper and into my pocket.

"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."

What powerful truth! When He appears, I'll be like Him, for I'll see Him as He is.

Seeing Him as He is.

Because when I see Him as He is, I will see myself as who I really am.
My true identity in Him.

And that's where my struggles lie so often. Like those past couple days of fighting mountains filled with the daily grind.

God started to convict me of what I was placing my identity in. I was both astounded and ashamed when I realized I was measuring my worth in direct proportion to amount of completed vs. not completed to do list items.

And that translated to exasperation and discouragement. I tried so hard to "do more" the next day, but inevitably I was needed to lend a hand or extra projects would come up. So when it was supposedly time to review my Bible Bee verses that were already steadily disappearing from my memory, I was busy re-memorizing the already forgotten passages that were supposed to be re-memorized earlier that day.

Then everything would be pushed back, and then I end up with this terrible feeling of condemnation at the end of the day.

But what does He say?

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. (Rom. 8:1a, emphasis added)"

IN Him there is NO condemnation! Because with the hope that I'll see Him as He is, I'll be purified. I'll know who I am.

My identity - found in Him. Not in piece of paper holding the to do list of the day.

In Him, I am beloved.

If not everything gets done, so what? Even if the world does come crashing down because of a couple unfinished items, what is there to fear?

I am His child.

He loves His children. 

Thoughts, Notes, Lists, and such. Disclaimer somewhere in here.

Attributes of the Father:

• Has love
• Has sons/children
• The world does not know him
• Shall appear
• Those who are born of Him cannot sin

Attributes of the Son:

• Manifested to take away our sins
• Has no sin
• Righteous
• Manifested to destroy the works of the devil

Cross-References:

vs 3 --> 2 Cor. 6:17-7:1  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 

vs 7 --> Jer. 33:16 In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.
vs 7 --> Isa. 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
vs 7 --> Rev. 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
vs 7 --> Heb. 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

Mini Study - As the Sons of God 

A note for all the BB people out there: I was wondering why the BB passages had so many verses (alright... there's not that many, but still a number) on how God corrects His children. I couldn't see its relation to 1 John until I was meditating on this passage - as the sons of God, He chastens us as our Father! (I'm sure most of y'all already knew that, though... :P)

Anyway, here's a list of verses in BB passages that deal with sons/children of God (1 John passages excluded).

(Primary, Junior, and Senior are age divisions of the National Bible Bee)

        Primary Verses

Psalm 78:4-6

We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:

Matthew 5:44-45
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Romans 8:16-17
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.


        Junior Verses

Luke 6:35
But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

John 12:36
While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

Romans 8:14-21
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

Ephesians 1:5
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Hebrews 2:14
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

        Senior Verses

Deuteronomy 32:5-6
They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation. Do ye thus requite the Lord, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee?

Psalm 45:2
Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.

Proverbs 3:1-18
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

Ephesians 5:1-2
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Hebrews 12:5-11
And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

1 Peter 1:14
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

Thoughts

2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1 is a beautiful cross-reference to 1 John 3:2-3. One thing that has been so helpful to me is to write the three points of 2 Cor. 6:17-7:1 (at least when I first read it I only found three... 1. God will receive me 2. God is my Father 3. I am His daughter) and put it in my pocket. Whenever distractions (the more specific these are, the better - for me it was checking my email) would come, I'd remind myself of these three points. 
It's amazing what God can do!

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Cor. 6:17-7:1)

Eternity | 1 John 2:25-29 Meditations

1 John 2:25-29
25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.
27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

Eternity.

I cannot comprehend that concept. My brain throbs when I try to think about the infinity. Me! In eternity? I don't even know what everlasting means!

As a result, when messages exhort me to spend my time on earth with eternity in perspective, I don't know what to do. Although I dimly know of its importance, I couldn't understand it and, well... I decide it's a little too hard to be done.

In 1 John 2:25, I have a reminder that God has promised to me eternal life. His promises never, never fail. His Word is Truth.
Then, if His promises are true, and He's promised to me eternal life, what can I say?

I live in eternity today. 

What does that mean? I cannot understand!

As I was thinking about this, God led me to a verse. The verse that contained the only occurrence of eternity in the Bible - Isaiah 57:15.
"For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."

The high and lofty One that inhabits eternity! He is the One I worship! I cannot comprehend Him, but that is all the better. This way it's easier for me to know that He is so much bigger than I.

He dwells in the high and holy place, and calls those who are of a contrite and humble spirit to dwell with Him. This same call I hear again in 1 John 2:28. To be with Him and in Him!

But here I hit another problem. How can I be contrite and humble? This I understand about as much as I understand eternity.

All I can ask is for Him to make me contrite and humble. After all, apart from Him I can do nothing (John 15:5). 

How incredible it is that He does answer!

The next day, someone was in the kitchen cooking in a way that I didn't "approve" of. 

Now, I'm not exactly a radical fan of the art of preparing food to fill the stomach, but I do like to think that I have some expertise over certain other members in the family. In those cases, a public reprimand of their cooking trespasses naturally followed. To be honest, it didn't matter if they really did any wrong, I just didn't like them in the kitchen. I've asked for their forgiveness for this matter time and time before, but it was still a great trial to keep my mouth shut. 

So as the thoughts came about potential kitchen violations that could have been occurring, God brought Isaiah 57:15 to my mind again. 

"Make me humble and contrite!"

And in that moment, I started to realize that God was working in me. He began to help me see from His perspective. 

Those people were in the kitchen to help me! And really, they weren't doing anything wrong. Maybe their way was acceptable, and maybe... even better than mine. 

And finally, I could actually feel grateful for them. And thank them. 

I couldn't believe what God did. I had tried "being nice" in those situations before, but in my own human strength, the efforts were as futile as ever. In Him, though, I am a new creation. What freedom! 

Then, He would continually remind me to ask Him to make me humble and contrite. 

I began to realize something.

When I asked Him to teach me to be of a contrite and humble spirit, what did He say?

"Learn of Me" (Matt. 11:28-30).

The puzzle pieces started to come together.
All I had to do was learn of Him - He is meek and lowly. He is high and lofty. He does not contradict Himself (Malachi 3:6). He inhabits eternity. And all His actions matter in eternity.

Now, I still can't understand what it means to "make everything count in eternity". But, I can follow Someone Who does understand. Whether that means encouraging certain family members in their kitchen endeavors or washing dishes, He leads me. I just learn of Him.


To live in eternity.

What simplicity - just follow Him.
What joy - He leads me.

Thoughts, Notes, Lists, and such. Disclaimer somewhere in here.

Attributes of the Trinity:

• Promised us eternal life
• Given us anointing
• We can abide in Him
• Is coming
• Righteous

Cross-References:

vs 25 --> 1 Kings 8:56  Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. 

vs 25 --> 1Tim. 1:17  Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

vs 25 --> Psalm 21:4 He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever.

vs 25 --> Isa. 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

vs 27 --> John 8:31-32  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 

Mini Study - Eternity

What is Eternal?

Of God

• The Godhead (Rom 1:20)
• The Father (Gen. 21:33)
• The Son (John 8:35, Heb. 13:8)
• The Holy Spirit (John 14:16, Heb. 9:14)

Of God's Character

• God's mercy (1 Chro. 16:34, Psalm 118:2, Psalm 136:1)
• God's power (Matt. 6:13, Rom. 1:20)
• God's glory (Matt. 6:13, Gal. 1:5, 2 Tim. 2:10)
• God's truth (Psalm 117:2)
• God's righteousness (Psalm 111:3, Psalm 112:9, Psalm 119:142)
• God's kindness (Isa. 54:8)
• God's love (Jer. 31:3)
• God's blessedness (Psalm 21:6)

Of God's Actions/"Things"

• God's reign/throne/kingdom (Ex. 15:18, Psalm 10:16, Psalm 45:6, Psalm 89:29, Daniel 7:27, Matt. 6:13, 2 Pet. 2:11)
• God's counsel (Psalm 33:11)
• God's consolation (2 Thes. 2:16)
• God's covenant (Gen. 9:16, Gen. 17:7)
• God's commandment, which is life everlasting (John 12:50)
• God's purpose (Eph. 3:11)
• God's heavenly building (2 Cor. 5:1)
• God's Word (Isa. 40:8, 1 Pet. 1:25)
• God's name (Psalm 135:13)
• Specifically, God's name of "The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" (Ex. 3:15)
• Jesus' priesthood (Num. 25:13, Psalm 110:4, Heb. 5:6, Heb. 5:20)
• Jesus' dominion (1 Pet 4:11)
• The betrothal of God to us (Hos. 2:19-20)
• The way everlasting (Psalm 139:24)
• Redemption (Heb. 9:12)
• The Gospel (Rev. 14:6)

Of People and People's Actions/"Things"

• Jesus' seed/Those who keep Jesus' saying/Jesus' sheep/Those who believe Jesus (Psalm 89:29, John 8:51, John 10:28)
• The reign of God's servants (Rev 22:5)
• The perfection of the sanctified (Heb. 10:14)
• The inheritance of the upright (Psalm 37:18)
• The fear of the Lord (Psalm 19:9)
• The praising of Jesus (Psalm 45:17, Psalm 145:2, 1 Pet. 4:11)

Of Eternal Fate

• Torment in the lake of fire and brimstone (Rev. 20:10)
• Everlasting fire/punishment/damnation (Matt. 18:8, Matt. 25:46, Mark 3:29)
• Everlasting life (Mark 10:30, John 3:16, Gal. 6:8, 1 Tim. 6:12)

Other

• Mount Zion (Psalm 125:1)

Mini Study - Humble and Contrite

Humble (Isa. 57:5) Hebrew shaphal
1. depressed, literally or figuratively

Definition above based on The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

Contrite (Isa. 57:5) Hebrew dakka'
1. crushed (literally powder, or figuratively, contrite)
Definition above based on The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

Note on the definitions:
I found it really interesting that both of the above words could be used both literally and figuratively. Shaphal, the word used for "humble", is also used in Leviticus 13:26, where priests are instructed in diagnosing leprosy. It says, "But if the priest look on it, and, behold, there be no white hair in the bright spot, and it be no lower (shaphal) than the other skin, but be somewhat dark; then the priest shall shut him up seven days:".
Dakka', meaning "contrite", also has the connotation of being crushed, literally used, it refers to dust.

The analogy the definitions of these words hold is beautiful. Without God, I am low, and I am crushed. I am from dust, and I can do nothing.
However, in Him, I am a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17).
Can I boast in this? No! This is none of my doing! I can do nothing apart from Him after all!
Because of His love, He has done this.
Who do I boast in then? I boast in Him (1 Cor. 1:31).
That is humility. Not I, but Christ.

Loving One Another | 1 John 2:15-24 Meditations

1 John 2:15-24
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

"That we should love one another." Ah, yes. We've probably all heard it many, many times.
The Bible agrees - it says this is the message we've heard from the beginning (1 John 3:11)!

1 John 2:24 has the command to "Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning..." The question, then, must be "What is it that is heard from the beginning?"

And we all know - it is "that we should love one another." (1 John 3:11)

And 1 John 2:24 now says that I should let that thought - that I should love one another - abide in myself.
God called me to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5), and now He is calling me to let the message that I heard from the beginning abide in myself. 

To transform me through the renewing of my mind (Rom. 12:2).
Fascinating how God doesn't tell me "Try harder!", but rather, abide. Him in me, me in Him, His Word in me.

As I meditate on this message to love one another, think on this message, let this message abide in me, this message will affect my beliefs and my actions, transforming my life.

It's true. The past couple days I challenged myself to think this message whenever I got thirsty (very random, I know... It was because I was thirsty when I was trying to think of an application :P).

One of the first things it did was to convict me of how much I didn't love others. And I began to see how much the Father loves me. And how much those around me (a.k.a. family) loved me.

But then thoughts really do turn into actions.
While I was washing the dishes the other day, it seemed like the Father was prompting me to help by tidying up the rest of the kitchen as well. It wasn't that difficult, and because of the whole "I should love one another" thing, I just quickly straightened up the counters.

On a side note, I found out the next day that guests were coming that same day. Yours truly usually has the job of cleaning kitchens on such occasions, and it was so nice to have it already tidied up.

The whole thing was no big deal, yet it's incredible how much the Father delights in His children. And how wonderful it is to feel His pleasure.

After that, I was encouraged to listen to His voice and show His love. It's hard, though! Still hard. Because it often means giving up my agenda, my wants, my will.

"If you want to be happily married to the Lamb, you must be divorced to yourself."
That's the paraphrased version of a quote I came across. How true it is!

He calls me to love Him, and then to love others. And to care neither of the big and long to-do list nor the clock that reminds me of the big and long to-do list.
How outrageous! Shouldn't I at least get to keep my most beloved, wide and lofty, big and long to-do list? But no, He calls me to forsake all, and follow Him.

"And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof" -  that's my to-do's, my desires, and my will right there. And God promises they'll all pass away! "But he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." (1 John 2:17)
He cares for His children. And in His presence is fullness of joy! (Psalm 16:11)

When He calls me to help so-and-so prep lunch, it's not because He would like to make memorizing the verses on the card in my hand a painfully slow chore, generously topped with a variety of distractions. No!

He is a loving Father, and He urges me, His beloved, to love - as He loved.

Because "if that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you" - that ye should love one another - "ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father." (1 John 2:24)
And in His presence is fullness of joy.

Thoughts, Notes, Lists, and such. Disclaimer somewhere in here.

Attributes of the Father:

• Has love
• All that is in the world (lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life) is not of Him
• Has will
• If one denied Jesus, one would not have the Him
• If one acknowledged Jesus, one would have Him
• Can be "continued in"

Attributes of the Son:

• If one denied Him, one would be a liar 
• If one denied Him, one would not have the Father
• If one acknowledged Him, one would have the Father
• Can be "continued in"

Attributes of the Holy Spirit:

• Has anointing (unction) 

Cross-References:

vs 15 --> Ga.l 1:10  For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
vs 15 --> Col. 3:1-2  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
vs 16 --> Gal. 5:16-17  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
vs 17 --> 1 Tim. 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
vs 18 --> 2 Tim. 3:1  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
vs 18 --> Rev. 22:20  He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
vs 19 --> John 15:2  Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

vs 20 --> 2 Cor. 1:21-22  Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 

vs 23 --> John 10:30  I and my Father are one. 

vs 24 --> 1 John 3:11  For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
vs 24 --> John 14:23  Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

menō in 1 John 2:15-24

• "...he that doeth the will of God menō for ever." (vs 17)
• "...if they had been of us, they would no doubt have menō with us..." (vs 19)
• "Let that therefore menō in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall menō in you, ye also shall menō in the Son, and in the Father." (vs 24)

Mini Study - The Will of God

Note: This study was done on the Greek word thelēma in the New Testament (Strong's G2307).

What is the will of God?

• That none of the little ones perish (Matt. 18:14)
• That of all which He has given Jesus,  should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day (John 6:39)
• That everyone which sees the Son, and believes on him, may have everlasting life: and He will raise them up at the last day (John 6:40)
• That Jesus gave Himself for our sins, that Jesus might deliver us from this present evil world (Gal. 1:4)
• That we are predestined to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself (Eph. 1:5)
• That we should abstain from fornication (1 Thes. 4:3)
• That everyone of us should know how to possess our vessel in sanctification and honour (1 Thes. 4:4)
• That none of us go beyond and defraud our brother in any matter (1 Thes. 4:6)
• That we would give thanks in everything (1 Thes. 5:18)
• That with well doing we may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men (1 Pet. 2:15)
• That all things are and were created (Rev. 4:11)

Characteristics of the will of God

• Knowable (Rom. 2:18)
• Good (Rom. 12:2)
• Acceptable (Rom. 12:2)
• Perfect (Rom. 12:2)
• Has good pleasure (Eph. 1:5)
• We are sanctified by it, through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all (Heb 10:10)

What should we do with the will of God?

• Prove it, by not being conformed to this world, but being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2)
• Understand it (Eph. 5:17)
• Do it from the heart (Eph 6:6)
• Stand perfect and complete in all of it (Col. 4:12)
• Live the rest of our earthly lives to it, not to the lusts of men (1 Pet. 4:2)

What happens when we follow the will of God?

• We enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 7:21)
• We are called Jesus' brother/sister/mother (Matt. 12:50, Mark 3:35)
• We will know if Jesus' doctrine is His or God's (John 7:17)
• God will hear us (John 9:31, 1 John 5:14)
• We will abide forever (1 John 2:17)

Jesus and the will of God

• Jesus asked that the Father's will be done (Matt. 26:42)
• Jesus' food (meat) = do God's will (John 4:24)
• Jesus sought the Father's will (John 5:30)

Notes:

Will and kingdom seem to have some kind of a link.

If know the Lord's will, but don't do it, shall be beaten with many stripes (Luke 12:47)

The sons of God are born according to God's will (John 1:12-13)

Ananias to Saul (Paul): "The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth." (Acts 22:14)

Paul prayed that we might be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Col 1:9)

"Now the God of peace... Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Heb. 13:21-22)

Mini Study - Anointing/Unction

Anointing/Unction (1 John 2:20) Gr. chrisma
1. Anything smeared on, unguent, ointment, usually prepared by the Hebrews from oil and aromatic herbs. Anointing was the inaugural ceremony for priests

Definition above taken from Outline of Biblical Usage

Characteristics of chrisma (this word only occurs twice in the NT):

• From the Holy One (1 John 2:20)
• Teaches you of all things (1 John 2:27)

The Three Anointed Types of People in the OT

• Prophets (1 Kings 19:16)
• Priests (Ex. 28:41)
• Kings (1 Sam. 15:1)

Anointing oil described:

• With spices (Ex 25:6)
• Recipe: 500 shekels of pure myrrh, 250 shekels of sweet cinnamon, 250 shekels of sweet calamus, 500 shekels of cassia, 1 hin of olive oil (Ex. 30:23-24)
• Holy - whatever is anointed with the holy anointing oil is most holy and sanctified, and whatever touches them is holy (Ex 30:29, 31)

Notes:

• God anoints with oil of gladness (Psalm 45:7)
• God is the saving strength of His anointed (Psalm 28:8)
• "the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek" (Isa. 61:1)
• God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power (Acts 10:38)
• "...I shall be anointed with fresh oil." (Psalm 92:10)

My Advocate | 1 John 2:1-14 Meditations

1 John 2:1-14
1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

7 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.

8 Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.

9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.

13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

It seems like I feels like I fail most miserably when I expect it to turn out the best. Kind of like Proverbs 16:18. And kind of like a few days ago. 

I was reading 1 John 2:1, and this incredible thought dawned on me that if "these things" were really written that we sin not (and they are), then "these things", which are God's Word, keeps us from sin (CR Psalm 119:11).

That's amazing. 

"Ha! Perfect!" I continued thinking, "I know exactly what application step I could take - I'll just stop sinning! To be more specific, I'll, well... how should I say this... be nicer to certain people who also happen to be related to me. Since God's Word keeps me from sin, I'll just recite 1 John 2:1 to myself to next time I'm tempted to get angry at the aforementioned individuals. 

'Then I just won't sin anymore! That'd be wonderful. And the following verses in 1 John 2 about Jesus being my Advocate and the Propitiation for my sins - that's great! However, that's only for when I sin, but of course I won't, so I don't really need that part."

In essence, I was thinking I could free myself from sin - without Jesus. 

Crazy what I think sometimes. Much like Genesis 6:5 - And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Yep.

Long story a bit shorter, it couldn't have been more than a few minutes after the above thoughts when I was sitting in the couch, reading my memory verses. Suddenly, a rubber band, with great determination, flew off into the air from a pair of hands and chose my chin as its favored target.

Exaggerated narration above. Truthfully, I think my brother was just playing with rubber bands and it was probably an accident that I happened to be in the way.

But of course I only had time for the exaggerated version, and I really wanted to lecture the little guy. How dare he intrude upon my precious study time in such a way?

Then, I had to remember my previously set application step. I soon realized, though, that 1 John 2:1 had long escaped my memory. Whatever. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I did get angry at my brother and gave him quite the scolding.

It was for such a little thing.
Conviction did come without fail, though, and I had to go back and ask for his forgiveness.

The next day I started to begin to see what a horrible sinner I was. I couldn't believe how incredibly terrible I was to my family. Just being "nicer", like I had decided the day before, obviously was not going to work.

After God really humbled me through more incidents like the previously described one, I decided I had to get back into fellowship with Him - and my family. It's painful living on one's own strength.

So I confessed my sin to Him. Finally! How wonderful that God is always, always faithful and true. I always have an Advocate with the Father. His name is Jesus Christ the Righteous. He is the Propitiation for my sin and the sins of the whole world. For His name's sake my sins are forgiven me.

What joy!

I am so thankful for His forgiveness. And thankful for the forgiveness of my family. What magnanimous people God surrounded me with! How wonderful it is to walk in the light, in fellowship with Him and fellow believers.

What a beautiful thing it is to have an Advocate.

On another note, it is starting to make sense why verses 9-11 are in 1 John 2:1-14. :)

Thoughts, Notes, Lists, and such. Disclaimer somewhere in here.

Attributes of the Father:

• Jesus is our Advocate with Him
• Has love
• Can be known
• Has Word

Attributes of the Son:

• Our Advocate
• Righteous
• The Propitiation for our sins
• The Propitiation for the sins of the whole world
• Has commandments
• We can be in Him
• Is our example on how to walk
• Our sins are forgiven us for His name's sake
• From the beginning
• Can be known

Cross-References:

vs 1 --> John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you
vs 1 --> Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
vs 2 --> 1 Pet. 2:24  Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
vs 5 --> John 14:15  If ye love me, keep my commandments.
vs 6 --> John 13:15  For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
vs 8 --> Isa. 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. 

vs 11 --> 2 Cor. 4:4  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

The Word of God

• Keeps us from sin (vs 1)
• Makes us know that we know Him (vs 2)
• Perfects the love of God in us (vs 5)
• By the above, we know that we are in Him (vs 5)
• Is from the beginning (vs 7)
• Is true (vs 8)

"I Write unto You" (vs 1, 12-14)

Little Children - that you sin not

Little Children - because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake

Fathers - because you have known him that is from the beginning

Young Men - because you have overcome the wicked one

Little Children - because you have known the Father

Fathers - because you have known him that is from the beginning

Young Men -  because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one

Mini Study - Walking as He Walked

Note: While none of those studies are meant to be exhaustive, this one barely even scratches the surface of the rich treasures of God's Word. This is such an incredible topic, and I'm sure that there are so, so much more to be found as we continue in Him:)

Walk (1 John 2:6) Gr. peripateō

 1. to walk

    A. to make one's way, progress; to make due use of opportunities

    B. Hebrew for, to live

        i. to regulate one's life

        ii. to conduct one's self

        iii. to pass one's life

Definition above taken from Outline of Biblical Usage

How did Jesus walk?

• Humbly serving us (John 13:1-17)
• Having been raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, in newness of life (Rom. 6:4)
• Loving us (Eph. 5:2)
• Giving Himself for us as an offering (Eph. 5:2)
• Giving Himself to God for a sweet-smelling savor (Eph. 5:2)
• Suffering for us (1 Pet. 2:21)
• In the light (1 John 1:7)

What happens when we walk as He walked?

• We find rest (Matt. 11:29)
• We will be happy (John 13:17)
• We have fellowship one with another (1 John 1:7)
• Jesus' blood cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7)