1st John – The Transforming Power of Abiding in Christ – 2007 – Northern VA

John’s primary PURPOSE is that believers will enter and maintain fellowship with God, with the RESULT of inner joy.

His secondary PURPOSE is to give believers ASSURANCE of their salvation, with the RESULT that they will continue to live by faith.

“That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that our joy may be full … These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may [continue to] believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1Jo 1:3-4; 1Jo 5:13 (emphasis added)

This compilation of notes represents the truths found in the Epistle of First John.

Gene Cunningham - January 20, 2003

A Faith That Endures #7

Listen

We need to rejoice in our position in Christ. Repentance should be a daily exercise -- examining ourselves (Jam 4:7-10, Jam 1:2-4). While trials build patience and endurance, we have to realize our spiritual poverty -- dependence on God (Jam 4:10). When we make ourselves judge we usurp Christ's role (Jam 4:11, Mat 7:1). We will be judged by the law of liberty (Jam 2:12), and don't know enough to judge (Jam 4:12, Rom 14:10). A "Judge" puts down others (Jam 2:4). We'll be judged with the measure we judge others (Luk 27:6-20). The standard we need to hold is in Jam 3:17. The hearer knows (oida in greek) to do good but doesn't and sins (Jam 4:17). Self-centered believers don't take action when they see others in need (Jam 5:1-6). Christ is the "Just" we have killed (Jam 5:6). Only Christians can "crucify" the Son afresh and put Him to open shame (Heb 6:10, Heb 10:17, Heb 10:25).

Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]

Scripture References: Matthew 7:1, James 3:17, Hebrews 10:25, James 4:11, Luke 27:6-20, Hebrews 10:17, James 4:10, James 2:4, Hebrews 6:10, James 1:2-4, Romans 14:10, James 5:6, James 4:7-10, James 4:12, James 5:1-6, James 2:12, James 4:17

From Series: "James - A Faith That Endures"

Given a the Washington DC Conference in November 2007 this 8-part study in James examines our faith. We are to be 'doers' and not 'hearers' only. By this we are 'justified' before men (not God). In this way James complements (and precedes) Paul writings.