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 - February 13, 2000

Cross to the Crown #9

Seven spiritual skills (2Pe 1:5-8). Diligence (2Co 5:14, 2Ti 1:6, 1Th 5:19) is our general charge -- inner motivation to count for eternity -- living for others; commitment; we are His workmanship (Eph 2:10). (1) Virtue - spiritual power from God the Spirit displayed - self control; (2) knowledge - Word of God; (3) temperance; (4) patience - perseverance; (5) godliness - God's life lived out in a human (1Ti 3:16, Gal 2:20); (6) brotherly kindness - sacrifice not sentiment - illustrated by Christ; (7) charity - love for all - sacrifice ourselves (1Co 13:4). Results of spiritual skills is outlined in 2Pet 1:8-11: (a) our life will count, (b) we'll be saved from an ungrateful life, (c) we won't stumble and stay down, and (d) abundant entrance into the kingdom.

Scripture References: Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 2:10

From Series: "The Cross to the Crown"

To get from 'the cross to the crown' we need to make decisions to live a life of spiritual dynamics using God's provisions -- His Word and Spirit. This series given in early 2006 before Gene moved back to the States outlines ten aspects of our discipleship.

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