Scripture:
1 John 2:18-3:10
Wed, 19 January 2022

Do We Have Family Resemblance?

Observation:

What does this passage say about the children of God (see v.28-1 Jn 3:10)?

Deeper Reflection
THE TERM “ANTICHRIST” (GREEK ANTICHRISTOS)48 REFERS to a false teacher who opposes Christ. Antichrists arose from within the Christian communities (v.19) and propagated two central lies – Jesus is not the Christ (v.22) and Jesus Christ has not come in the flesh (1 Jn 4:1-3). Essentially, they denied that Jesus was both fully God and fully man. In denying the Son, they also denied the Father (vv.22-23). Under demonic influence directed by Satan,49 antichrists will continue to arise and oppose the true knowledge of Jesus in “the last hour” (v.18) – the final period before His Second Coming (v.28).50 Taught by the Holy Spirit, true believers know the truth and can discern the lies (vv.20, 27).The Holy Spirit also empowers God’s children to practise righteousness (v.29; 1 Jn 3:7). When we abide in Christ, we will not keep on sinning (1 Jn 3:6). It is the devil’s children who make a practice of sinning (1 Jn 3:4, 8, 10). No one born of God will keep practising sin (1 Jn 3:9). It is not that Christians are perfectly righteous and do not sin at all in this present life.51 Rather it is that God’s children have been transformed by God’s Word and Spirit, such that they cannot live in a pattern of continual sin. When we do sin, we must confess and repent of our sins, receive God’s forgiveness and cleansing,52 and renew our fellowship with God. The glorious truth is that when Jesus returns, all of God’s children will be like Jesus (1 Jn 3:2) – conformed to Jesus’ image, perfected in purity and righteousness, and without any sin in us!53
48 Mentioned only five times in the Bible and all in John’s letters (vv.18, 22, 1 Jn 4:3; 2 Jn 7). 49 See 1 John 4:1-6. 50 See further https://thirdmill.org/studybible/note.asp/id/42444 51 See 1 John 1:8-10. 52 On account of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice for our sins: 1 John 2:1-2; 4:10. 53 Cf. 1 Jn 3:3, 5, 7. Jesus is perfectly pure and righteous, without any sin.
Application:

How can I abide in Christ and practise righteousness (vv.27-29; 1 Jn 3:6-7)?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for Singapore: That our nation will turn to Christ and multitudes will be born again into God’s family in this last hour
  • Pray for self

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 5:17, 25-31; 6:1-2
Mon, 5 June 2023

Serving from Babylon to Persia

Observation:

What is the significance of Daniel serving in the Babylonian and Persian
courts successively?

Deeper Reflection
God’s word to Belshazzar that He would “put an end” to his kingdom and give it “over to the Medes and Persians” was fulfilled immediately – “that same night” (v.30) – after Daniel’s interpretation of the inscription on the wall (vv.25-31). God can fulfil His Word immediately or after a long time. Whatever time God may take to fulfil His Word, He is “trustworthy in all His promises and faithful in all He does” (Psa 145:13b, NIV).The demise of the Babylonian hegemony was not just a historical event, but primarily a theological one. Nebuchadnezzar was “My servant” whom God raised to judge His unfaithful people in the seventy-year Babylonian exile (Jer 25:8-9, 11). When God had accomplished His purpose through Babylon, “I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation” (Jer 25:12). This is how God deals with arrogant and evil nations: “And Babylon, the beauty of kingdoms, the glory of the Chaldeans’ pride, will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah” (Isa 13:19).The end of Babylon does not mean an insecure future for Daniel. However drastically our circumstances may change, God’s call for our lives remains when we walk with Him faithfully. We are secure in God’s call, because it is God’s call. Daniel became one of “the three commissioners” in Persia (Dan 6:1-2). It wasn’t that having lost his job Daniel applied to serve the Persian king. Daniel couldn’t do that. It was purely by royal appointment. But behind the “It seemed good to Darius to appoint” (Dan 6:1) was God’s call for Daniel to serve Him from Babylon to Persia.
Application:

How do I relate God’s call for me in drastic changes of my life situations?

Prayer:
Lord, I believe You have a calling for my life which You have intended to be distinctive for me. I want to live my life with a deep sense of answering Your calling. Help me to walk with You faithfully, knowing that as I do so, You will unfold Your plans for me in that calling. Grant me wisdom and understanding to discern Your calling for my life.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self
 

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