John’s primary PURPOSE is that believers will enter and maintain fellowship with God, with the RESULT of inner joy.“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 - May 23, 2000
Living Sacrifice 21
As a priest, Isaiah's pen was a weapon in the arsenal of God (Isa 49:1-3, Heb 4:12). Isaiah went through private testings from God to work the reflection of Christ - "polished shaft" (Isa 49:2, 1Pe 1:5-7). Isaiah called himself a "Sharp sword" as God's short-range weapon, and a "polished arrow" as the long-distance impact. God vindicates Isaiah's faithfulness (Isa 49:4). God has selected us as weapons of righteousness in His arsenal; He wants to use us in the spiritual conflict (Rom 6:16). "Righteousness or Rightness" means right relation to God. Two distortions of the Grace of God: (1) "you can live in the power of the sin nature" (Rom 5:20; Rom 6:1-14); we've died to the sin nature (2) "shall we sin sporadically?" (Rom 6:15-23). Counters to the distortions of Grace -- three stages: (1) we have to begin with accurate knowledge of Christ (Rom 6:3, Rom 6:6, Rom 6:9); we've died with Christ, been buried and raised with Him (Rom 6:6-12); (2) We have to make a decision of commitment (Rom 6:11) - "reckon" (Rom 4:3); (3) we need to present ourselves (Rom 6:13-16, Rom 12:1) -- be obedience to the faith; keys: consistency, spirituality, weaponry, freedom (Rom 6:14, Gal 5:1). To "present ourselves", we become slaves to the will of God (Rom 6:19). Examples of those who "presented themselves": Abraham (Gen 22:1); Moses (Exo 3:4); Samuel (1Sa 3:9-10), and Mary (Luk 1:38). Presenting ourselves requires the desire to do the will of God (Joh 7:17). Doing the will of God is the key to effectiveness or success in God's plan (Joh 9:1-41). Pursuit of God's will is the key to wisdom (Eph 5:10) -- we need to seek to learn the will of God (Jer 29:13) then we'll understand and walk in wisdom (Eph 5:17; Eph 5:15). The desire for God's will is the key to effective prayer (Joh 9:31, 1Jo 5:14-15). Example of desire (Mat 26:29-42); self-presentation is pictured by taking up your cross; this is like picking up your compass.
Scripture References: Luke 1:38, Romans 6:3, Ephesians 5:15, Romans 6:13-16, Hebrews 4:12, Exodus 3:4, Romans 6:15-23, Ephesians 5:17, Romans 4:3, Isaiah 49:1-3, Genesis 22:1, Romans 6:1-14, Jeremiah 29:13, Romans 6:11, Romans 6:19, Romans 5:20, Ephesians 5:10, Romans 6:6-12, Matthew 26:29-42, Galatians 5:1, Romans 6:16, John 9:1-41, Romans 6:9, John 5:14-15, Romans 6:14, Isaiah 49:4, John 7:17, Romans 6:6, John 9:31, Romans 12:1, Isaiah 49:2
From Series: "Living Sacrifice (1995)"
Romans 12 and specifically Rom 12:1-2 is a pivot point between the doctrinal section and application of the book. This series methodically uses this passage to outline aspects or doctrines of the christian life -- God's provision and our prospect. Our lives can be acceptable to God if we progress on the path He intends. Living Sacrifice presents 12 doctrines: (1) redeeming time; (2) standing (positional truth); (3) self-presentation - availability; (4) approval; (5) service; (6) provision; (7) spiritual warfare; (8) conformity; (9) spiritual advance; (10) renewal; (11) divine guidance; (12) abundant life.