[Practical Application Review – Week 47]
Greetings,
We continue our journey of exploring all 260 chapters of the New Testament, five (5) chapters each week. Let us review the book of 1 John.
Schedule – Week 47:
Please read and/or listen to 1 John 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Even though reading and listening to the Bible being read is valuable, our primary goal is learning to live the Bible (to the best of our ability).
Consider our Practical Application Review process…
For “every” chapter:
Step 1: Select a passage of interest
Step 2: Identify area of teaching
Step 3: Consider a practical application
Now let us explore an example (of our three-step process) for each of these five chapters…
Text #1: 1 John 1
Passage: (vv. 9-10)
Teaching: If we confess our sins, Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all our unrighteousness. If we deny having sin, God’s Word is not in us.
Application: Since my youth, I have learned to admit my short comings to my Lord Jesus. I want to be forgiven and cleansed by God. And I hold nothing back from Him.
Text #2: 1 John 2
Passage: (vv. 15-16)
Teaching: Love not the world, neither the things that are in it. The lust of the flesh, covetousness of the eyes and pride of material things are not of God but the world.
Application: Throughout my life, I have noticed many distractions. My spirit is pulled one way and my flesh another. My mind thinks this, but my heart feels that. Still learning.
Text #3: 1 John 3
Passage: (v. 10)
Teaching: The children of God can be distinguished from those of the devil. Whoever does not practice righteousness and love other Christian believers does not belong to God.
Application: I must live a life that focuses on God and His people. Doing that which the Holy Spirit leads me to perform. Loving even those who are more difficult for both of our sakes.
Text #4: 1 John 4
Passage: (vv. 20-21)
Teaching: How can you love God (whom you have not seen) and yet hate your brother (whom you have seen)? As believers, we must have love for both.
Application: Though some people within the Church may rub me the wrong way at times, I choose to love them anyway. All while desiring God’s very best for their lives.
Text #5: 1 John 5
Passage: (vv. 18-20)
Teaching: Those born of God guard themselves against sin and the devil. The Son of God has given us an understanding of truth in Him.
Application: Thank God for the work of our Lord Jesus. I have hope in His example of overcoming sin and the devil. May His life flow strong in and through me.
“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),
Shawn Episcopo