Gene Cunningham - July 23, 2000
In, but not of #3
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God's promise to Hagar, regarding her son illustrates our sense of God's distance, but also the reality God is here with us (Gen 21:14-20). Joh 14:19-24 Jesus said He'd be visible to the disciples - "You will see ("theoreo") me". In Joh 20:5-8 "blepo" means glance - John at the tomb; "theoreo" means observe - Peter went into the tomb. Jesus said they'd share in His resurrection life. "In that day (Pentecost), you'll know (experience as a living reality)" the union we have (Joh 14:20). Personal revelation of Jesus Christ to believers (Joh 14:21). Conscious living as with a family in a "dwelling place" (Joh 14:23, Rom 8:9-11). "Manifest" or "revealed" in Joh 14:20 is same word found in Joh 2:1, Joh 9:3, 1Jo 1:2, 1Jo 3:5-6, 1Jo 4:9, and 2Co 4:11. Similar is "visit" or "visitation" found in Psa 8:4, Luk 1:68-78, 1Sa 2:21, Luk 19:44, and 1Pe 2:12. We need assurance that God cares, that our decisions matter, that we are significant in the sight of God, and that His hand is on us. What does Christs promise to reveal Himself to us be like? (1) a conscious realization more real than the world around us (Joh 14:19-21). (2) evidence seen continually of answered prayers (Joh 15:8). (3) a joy filled experience of friendship with Christ (Joh 15:9-14). (4) life has a quality of communion like that of the Father and the Son (Joh 17:17-23). (5) assurance of guidance, blessing, and care. Criteria for this relationship (1) cleansing Joh 5:13-17; Mat 5:8; (2) love one another (Joh 13:34-35, Joh 14:21-23); (3) obedience (Joh 14:21-23, Joh 15:10, Joh 15:14). 1st John is a commentary on the Upper Room discourse: The evidences of fellowship with Him: (1) 1Jo 2:3 - "By this we know if you keep my commandments"; (2) 1Jo 2:24-28 - "abide in Him" so we can have confidence without shame and fear; (3) 1Jo 3:16 - "By this we know love because He lay down His life for us" - Joh 15:17 - we have to set ourselves aside over and over - a reflection of His character. 1Jo 3:18-19 - "we know that we are of the Truth" - when we love in deed and in truth we reflect Him; (4) 1Jo 3:24 - we know we abide in Him because we are living in fellowship; (5) 1Jo 4:12-13 - love is being perfected in us as we give it to others; (6) 1Jo 5:13 - that we have assurance of eternal security and live a life of faith and fellowship - our prayers are fulfilled (Joh 15:17, 1Jo 5:14). (7) 1Jo 5:20 - we know we are in Him -- this is eternal life.
Scripture References: John 5:13, John 14:19-24, John 5:13-17, John 14:20, John 15:14, Psalms 8:4, John 4:12-13, Genesis 21:14-20, John 17:17-23, Romans 8:9-11, John 15:10, John 4:9, John 3:24, John 15:9-14, John 14:23, John 14:21-23, John 3:5-6, John 15:17, John 15:8, John 5:20, John 14:21, John 14:21-23, John 1:2, John 3:16, John 14:19-21, John 5:14, John 14:20, John 13:34-35, John 9:3, John 2:24-28, Luke 19:44, John 15:17, John 20:5-8, Matthew 5:8, John 2:1, John 2:3, Luke 1:68-78
From Series: "In but not of"
This series is a follow-up on the theme of the Arizona camp -- 'In. but not of...'.