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 - January 8, 2000
The Divine Mentor #4
Psa 23:1-6 It's important to focus on the Shepard and His guidance."He leads me besides the still waters" -- Joh 14:27 Jesus has given us peace; Rom 5:1 we have peace with God (He's our Father; we are reconciled); we can find the "peace of God (Phi 4:6-7); we're lead to and by the Holy Spirit (Joh 4:14 - He'll comfort us; Joh 7:37-39 - we're promised the rivers of living waters). "He restores my soul" : restore means healing like setting a broken bone; this applies to our soul (Psa 51:1-19, Psa 103:1-5) He forgives (1Jo 1:9, Gal 6:1-2), heals, redeems us from distruction, crowns us, and satisfies us (Psa 103:1-5). He cleanses us (Eph 5:26, 1Jo 1:7, Joh 13:10-15). He restores us because the gifts are not changeable (Rom 11:29), and because nothing can separate us from His Love (Rom 8:39); He prays for us. "He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His namesake" -- 'namesake' is His glory. He leads us in righteousness six ways: (1) by His Truth (Joh 14:17, Joh 14:26, Joh 16:13); (2) to bear fruit (3); makes us to be salt and light (Mat 5:13-16); salt preserves; light shows the way; (4) to walk in His Spirit (Gal 5:16, 1Jo 1:7); (5) to faith and obedience (2Co 5:7, Eph 2:10, Eph 4:1, Rom 8:29); (6) to suffer for His namesake (1Pe 1:5-7). Melted gold makes impurities come to the top so the dross to be removed (1Pe 4:12-14, Isa 43:7) We will share His glory; that's His purpose.
Scripture References: Philippians 4:6-7, Ephesians 2:10, Galatians 6:1-2, Romans 8:39, Romans 5:1, John 1:7, John 1:9, Romans 11:29, John 14:27, Galatians 5:16, Psalms 103:1-5, John 13:10-15, Psalms 23:1-6, Matthew 5:13-16, Psalms 51:1-19, Isaiah 43:7, John 1:7, John 16:13, John 7:37-39, Romans 8:29, Ephesians 5:26, John 14:26, John 4:14, Ephesians 4:1, Psalms 103:1-5, John 14:17
From Series: "The Divine Mentor"
The Divine Mentor is God the Holy Spirit. God answered Jesus' prayer to provide us the Spirit not just to be with us but in us -- to pray with us labor with us to guide us teach us and equip us -- the goal being that we'd be prepared for the troubled times in which we live.