072912 belonging to god - rev. yong wai yin

BELONGING TO GOD

1 John 2

Belonging to God

Makes us whole Gives real freedom from bondage to

sin Shapes how we live:

WALK IN THE LIGHT

Condition 1: Break with Sin

We are called to holy lives We are helped by the Holy Spirit We have the Scriptures to help

prevent us from sinning

Condition 1: Break with Sin

When we fall into sin, we have help Jesus Christ is our Advocate:

Someone who comes alongside us Someone who pleads our case

Keep short accounts: Personally Communally

Condition 2: Keep the Commandments

An affirmation:Evidence that someone knows God:

Obedience to God’s commandments

All commandments summed up in:Love God

Love neighbour


Shape of obedience 1:2:4 Whoever says

“I know him”without keeping his

commandmentsis a liar

“Know” = personal knowledge Knowing God means experiencing his

love and grace



“I remain him”must act as he acted

“remain”: one of John’s major themes Remaining in God has to do with

permanence, inner life, connection Means to live as Jesus did: a life of

love



“I am in the light”but hates his brotheris still in darkness

Progressing to loving the unlovely

Condition 3: Detachment from the World

A parenthesis: to reassure the flockChildren (2:12, 4a)– Term used for the followers– Assurance of forgiveness and

relationship with God


A parenthesis: to reassure the flockFathers, parents (2:13a, 14b)– Those who are mature in the faith– Known Jesus who is from the beginning,

through diligent study of Scripture and devotion

– Mature knowledge of God– Seasoned wisdom anchors the

community


A parenthesis: to reassure the flockYoung people (2:13b, 14c)– Those who are newer in the faith– Strong and zealous for the faith– Have overcome the evil one


Call to detachment from the world– “World”: the sinful system that is

opposed to God– Contra: the created universe which God

loves and is working to rescue (2:2)


3 things that draw us away from God:1. Disordered bodily desires: sinful

desires or interests2. Disordered desires of the eyes: sinful

passions3. Pride in possession: arrogance from

worldly goods or status


3 things that draw us away from God:– Desires need to be ordered in God’s

scheme of things– We engage with the world but must

guard against being sucked into its values and life


Mature and young Christians make up God’s community– Young Christians have zeal and

enthusiasm– Mature Christians bring steadfastness

Condition 4: Guard Against Anti-Christ

The need to guard against false teachings

The Holy Spirit – the anointing – teaches us and guides us into all truth

Conclusion

We can still fall into sin and need the blood of Jesus to set us free

We are called the keep God’s commandments

We are to be detached from the world and its values and systems

We are to guard against false teachings

Conclusion

Remaining in God will help us do all that:– Study and meditate on Scripture– Pray– Be in community

072912 belonging to god - rev. yong wai yin

Spiritual

Transcript of 072912 belonging to god - rev. yong wai yin