Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for August 24, 2014

“Where Do You Stand?” 1 John 5:18-21 Bible Study 08/24/14

In the final section of his letter, John offers up a powerful resume of the believer’s new life in Christ. Verses 18-20 all begin with a “know” emphasis/affirmation. The three affirmations are then followed by an appeal/exhortation in verse 21. John’s final words in this letter challenge the reader to careful self-examination. Progress demands knowing where you stand and evaluating all information according to the standard of God’s revelation. In light of what you can know for sure, guard yourself from idols.

I. A word about sin (18)

-Sin stands in contrast to your new nature.
-Jesus stands guard to preserve and protect you.

II. A word about influence (19)

-You stand under the influence of the source of your life-God.
-The world you live in lies under the influence of Satan.

III. A word about truth (20)

-In Jesus alone you receive the revelation of the true God.
-Jesus enables you to know God.

IV. A word of warning (21)

-Don’t bow to a false view of God.
-Beware of imitations and reject all substitutes.

V. So what?

-A word from Ora Rowan (1834-1879)

Hast thou heard Him, seen Him, known Him? Is not thine a captured heart? Chief among ten thousands own Him, joyful choose the better part.
Idols once they won thee, charmed thee, lovely things of time and sense; gilded thus does sin disarm thee; honeyed lest thou turn thee thence.
What has stripped the seeming beauty from the idols of the earth? Not a sense of right or duty, but the sight of peerless worth.
Not the crushing of those idols, with its bitter void and smart; but the beaming of His beauty, the unveiling of His heart.
Who extinguishes their taper till they hail the rising sun? Who discards the garb of winter till the summer has begun?
Tis the look that melted Peter, tis the face that Stephen saw, tis the heart that wept with Mary can alone from idols draw.
Draw and win and fill completely, till the cup overflow the brim. What have we to do with idols who have fellowshipped with Him?