Day 236/260: Read 1 John 5

John writes, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”

If I made a list of my favorite hymns, “Faith is the Victory,” written by John Henry Yates and Ira David Sankey, would undoubtedly appear near the top.

The last stanza of the hymn especially resonates with me:

To him that overcomes the foe,
White raiment shall be giv’n;
Before the angels he shall know
His name confessed in heav’n;
Then onward from the hills of light,
Our hearts with love aflame,
We’ll vanquish all the hosts of night,
In Jesus’ conqu’ring name.

What a powerful God we serve! He gives us not only the opportunity to serve Him, but grace to pick us up when we fall short!

Do you have the type of faith in God’s power that overcomes the woes of this world?

Memory (Read aloud 5-10 times)

1 John 5:4. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

Pray

Pray for stronger faith!

Day 235/260: Read 1 John 4

The Scriptures warn against false teachers in a number of passages. Here, John encourages his readers to “test the spirits.” He warns that “many false prophets have gone out into the world.” With all of the technological advances in our modern world, from radio to television to internet, it is easier than ever for false teachers to find followers.

One cannot possibly make a list of every well-known modern false teacher without excluding a few names. Joel Osteen, Benny Hinn, Pat Robertson, and the Pope would certainly be included, but that is only the tip of the iceberg. Even within the local community, preachers should be tested. Hold their sermons up to the light of God’s Word. Do they match up?

It is true that no one is perfect, and even faithful gospel preachers may misspeak occasionally. When error is exposed, the one who wishes to please God will make the appropriate corrections. When discussing possible error with a preacher, be sure to have the spirit of Aquila and Priscilla, who “took him (Apollos) aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26). Your aim should not be to embarrass the preacher, but to help him in his work for the Lord’s kingdom.

Memory (Recite to a friend without looking)

1 John 1:7. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Pray

Pray for your preacher, that he may be true to God’s Word. Pray for your elders, that they may always stand for the truth to be taught in the local congregation.

Day 234/260: Read 1 John 3

Have you found yourself at odds with friends and family members who are not Christians? Have they shown disdain for your doctrine? Have they mocked your motivation? Have they belittled your beliefs?

If you answered, “Yes,” that’s (probably) good! That means you are standing up for the truth and trying to lead others to the pure love of Jesus!

If you answered, “No,” then you might want to think about how you interact with others. Do you wink at their wickedness and encourage their evil ways? Do you timidly tolerate their transgressions so that they don’t even know you disagree with their actions?

This is not a license to be hateful toward those with different beliefs. Rather, it should be seen as an opportunity to tenderly educate them about God’s grace and mercy. “Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.”

Since they don’t know Jesus, why don’t you introduce Him? Tell them about His love and sacrifice, about the hope He offers to all creation! Give them the opportunity to come out of the world and to become a follower of the Savior!

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

1 John 1:7. But if we _____________ in the light as He is in the light, we have _____________ with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son _____________ us from all sin.

Pray

Pray for an opportunity to teach someone in the world about Jesus’ love today and every day.

Day 233/260: Read 1 John 2

There are those who say, “I’m spiritual, but not religious.” They claim to have a love for God, but refuse to spend time learning about Him. They are not interested in what the Bible says. In doing so, they sadly and foolishly turn their backs on the One they claim to love.

Jesus is clear: “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). The apostle repeats the Savior’s teaching in today’s reading.

One cannot truthfully claim to be in Jesus, to know Him or to love Him, if they reject His Word. Reading what He reveals and doing the opposite leads to destruction (Matthew 7:21-23). Many will be surprised at the Judgment, but you don’t have to be. God does not expect anything from us that He doesn’t tell us (John 12:48).

Do you love Jesus? Do you obey His commands? The answer to those two questions must match if one is to be truthful, and they must be “yes” if one is to be faithful. One cannot be spiritual without actively and faithfully living the Word of God.

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

1 John 1:7. But if we walk in the _____________ as He is in the _____________, we have fellowship with one another, and the _____________ of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Pray

Pray for opportunities to obey God wherever you find yourself today: at work, at a restaurant, driving your car. Pray for the wisdom “to walk just as He walked.”

Day 232/260: Read 1 John 1

What a great blessing the blood of Christ is to His followers! John says Jesus’ blood “cleanses us from all sin”—but there is a caveat. We are only cleansed “if we walk in the light.”

We must not take it upon ourselves to decide how to live, or to guess at what pleases God. He tells us what He expects! Jesus called Himself “the light of the world” in John 8:12, saying, “He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

Following Christ means following the inspired Word. The Psalmist declared, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Those who refuse to spend time discovering God’s will in His Word have no fellowship with Him. John equates it to walking in darkness.

God’s blessings are infinitely abundant, but we must keep in mind that His promises are absolutely conditional on our actions. Do you want your sins covered by the blood of Christ? Be faithful. Follow His doctrine. Walk in the light. When you realize your shortcomings (and you will as you read the Bible!), don’t make excuses. Make changes.

Memory (Copy into a notebook 5-10 times)

1 John 1:7. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Pray

Pray for the strength to recognize the sin in your life, the wisdom to repent, and the humility to beg for the forgiveness offered through Christ’s sacrifice.