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Sunday School Lesson
There is a popular attempt to “rewrite history.” Some of the current writers are not pleased with the records that have been passed down by eyewitnesses. These writers of old were interested in recording the sequence of events, while these “modern ancient historians” seem to think that these accounts need some kind of “modern twist.” The “leaving of the facts” for “personal interpretation from a distance” becomes no “history” at all. This idea of “manipulating history” is not a new idea. Not long after the establishment of the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, following that momentous Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1- 42), people began to “invent” teachings that might have contained a bit of truth, but were loaded with errors. Many false word pictures of Jesus Christ were thrust upon any willing ear. Obviously, this condition led to great confusion. The Apostle John had been part of the “inner circle” of the disciples of Jesus. He had been present at the time of the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8), he was “lying on Jesus’ breast” (John 13:25) at the Last Supper, he was at the cross at the time of the crucifixion (John 19:26, 27), and he was by the Sea of Galilee when Jesus prepared food for the disciples (John 21:7- 12). This man was aware of the many errors that had become woven into many of these “doctrines.” John wrote the gospel that bears his name, three general letters to the believers, and the Revelation — when he was exiled on the Isle of Patmos (Revelation 1:9). His first letter was the “cover letter” for his gospel. In this letter, he wanted the readers to know the reality of the one whom they served. Since he had witnessed the physical life of Jesus, he wrote, “That which was from (in) the beginning (i.e., the origin), which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, that which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the word of life (see Luke 24:39) ... That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship (communion) with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:1, 3. This declaration was made to verify the physical existence of Jesus, since some of the teachings denied this fact. “(For the life was manifested [to make visible; clear], and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew [report] unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)” 1 John 1:2. It was — and is — ridiculous for “theory” to take priority over eyewitness accounts. John wanted to correct this error. There is no spiritual joy in the confused mind. In the Christ-centered life, divine joy is assured. “And these things write we unto you, that your joy (rejoicing; gladness) may be full (holding all that it can; to satisfy).” 1 John 1:4. The apostle summarized the clear message from God. “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare (announce; report) unto you, that God is light (the essential condition for vision), and in him is no (absolute negative) darkness (used of sin and/or moral depravity) at all.” 1 John1:5. John wrote words of warning to those who had turned from the “light of the gospel” to these false teachings. “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk (the whole round of activities of life) in darkness, we lie, and do (practice) not the truth (used of the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the apostles): But if we walk in the light, as (in the manner that) he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth (to cleanse from defilement) us from all sin (to miss the mark).” 1 John1:6, 7. The fact of “sin” is not a pleasant thought. It is easy for one to deny — or at best ignore — the fact of this condition in the human race. “If we say (affirm) that we have (possess) no (absolute negative) sin, we deceive (delude; seduce) ourselves, and the truth is not (absolute negative) in us.” 1 John 1:8. There is an assurance. “If (conditional) we confess (to say the same thing) our sins, he (i.e., Christ) is faithful (trusted; reliable) and just (righteous) to forgive (send forth; send away) us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (not being in right relation with God).” 1 John 1:9. The warning was stated again — “If we say that we have (possess) not sinned, we make him (i.e., Christ) a liar (one who utters falsehood), and his (i.e., Christ’s) word (expression of thought) is not (absolute negative) in us.” 1 John 1:10. Since “all have sinned, and come short (i.e., come behind; to be inferior) of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), the need for “spiritual protection” is quite obvious. We are all “human.” This declaration is a “fact”, not an “excuse.” Thus, all mankind is in need of a Savior. “My little children (a favorite phrase John uses to address believers), these things write I unto you, that ye sin not (relative negative). And if (condition) any man (one) sin, we have an advocate (one along side of) with (before the face of) the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation (can be used of an atoning sacrifice; means by which God shows mercy to the whole world) for (around) our sins: and not (absolute negative) for ours only (alone),but also for the sins of the whole world (order; system).” 1 John 2:1, 2. Since some of the teachings seemed to have “specialized in doubt”, as to the personal relationship with God, John gave a “measuring stick” that each can use in his or her own life. “And hereby (by this) we do know (know by experience) that we know (take in knowledge; recognize) him, if we keep (guard; preserve) his commandments (injunctions; charges; precepts).” 1 John 2:3. Humans are quite good at “playing word games” with the things that pertain to God. It is easy for us to “say the right words”, and, thus, produce a “spiritual smoke screen” around our lives. However, “actions speak louder than words.” “He that saith (affirms), I know him, and keepeth not (relative negative) his commandments, is a liar, and the truth (that which conforms to reality) is not (absolute negative) in him.” 1 John 2:4. Following the negative picture, John gave the positive standard. “But whoso keepeth (watch over; preserve) his word, in him verily (truly) is the love of God perfected (has been finished; made complete): hereby (by this) know we that we are in (indicates relation) him.” 1 John 2:5.
Life is made up of “hum drum” — less than exciting — activities. “He that abideth (lives) in him (i.e., Christ) ought (it is necessary; is under obligation) himself also so to walk (all the activities of life), even as (in the manner that) he walked.” 1 John 2:6. We have an example. Rev. Temples can be contacted at P.O. Box 1569, Auburndale, Fla. 33823; 863-965-0157. Email: jctjet@ aol.com
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