2019 Nov 20-Nov 21 Third (Profaning) of the Ten, 1John 1
2019 Nov 20-Nov 21 Third (Profaning) of the Ten, 1John 1
Let’s consider Exodus 20:7
“7 “You must not take up the name of Jehovah your God in a worthless way, for Jehovah will not leave unpunished the one who takes up His name in a worthless way.””
MISUSING GOD'S NAME. So what is meant by taking up God’s name “in a worthless way?” Let’s compare other Bible translations. One says this: “You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse His name.” (NLT, New Living Translation). King James Version says “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain...” By comparing these, we can see that we must not worship the true God Jehovah in a false way, intending to misrepresent Him in any way. With imperfection, unintentional mistakes are understandable. Many newer ones to the Christian path have just begun to learn, but are making significant changes in their thinking and habits! However, there are some who know the truth about God, even how to do what is right before Him. They repeat this information to others in a religious setting, and appear, even claim, to be the most faithful of men, but then, out of public eye, they often choose to violate His laws and even intentionally practice outright evil! They do almost whatever they think they can get away with--what a reproach to Jehovah's name! For this reason, Jesus warned his followers about the religious leaders of his day, as we read at Matthew 23:1-3: “23 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying: 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the seat of Moses. 3 Therefore, all the things they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds, for they say but they do not practice what they say.” Rather than humbly serving God faithfully, these men were arrogantly lifting themselves up over others, claiming greatness before God. This haughty attitude was actually sinful in itself, although leading to further sin and, if unchecked, a terrible fall. Proverbs 21:4 says “ 4 Haughty eyes and an arrogant heart —The lamp that guides the wicked is sin.” And Proverbs 16:18 says “18 Pride is before a crash, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.”
PONDER TO HEED. The importance of pondering over God’s word or spiritual instruction as it is read cannot be overstated. The divine truth of God is not about mere “head knowledge,” but one must convince his heart to heed divine instruction, to consider how to apply it in everyday life, for the benefit of others and oneself. Prayer for God's blessing on one's spiritual intake should be taken seriously. Also, perhaps each paragraph of instruction should accompany reflection upon it, to ensure proper understanding of it’s benefits and application. At least two questions should be occasionally asked to gain the most from study material. The first is “Why is this instruction beneficial, and perhaps beautiful, or to be appreciated?” The second is, “How do I apply this information in my personal life, for the benefit of others and myself?” Thus in short, "Why B&B?" and "How apply?" Thoughtfully considering such things should help the material to penetrate our heart, where it will move us to act upon it. May we thus choose the right things to study, things upholding God’s word and it’s beneficial truths. While we may reasonably choose balanced entertainment to enjoy, Philippians 4:8 overviews standards evidently for the type of material a congregation of God should give spiritual attention to in a religious setting. It is good to be aware of these beneficial standards. We read: “8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well-spoken-of, whatever things are virtuous, and whatever things are praiseworthy, continue considering these things.” May we thus take seriously the things we feed our minds and hearts upon, that we not be persuaded away from the truth of God leading to true happiness, peace, and love, with eternity in view!
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At 1John 1:1-4, John writes, bearing testimony as to his dealings with Jesus, his "fellowship" with him, having seen him and witnessed his speech, teachings, and actions. The eyewitness accounts of Jesus' life and ministry are not "artfully contrived stories," as some opposers may have claimed toward the end of the first century as John wrote, but are entirely true, with God's spirit upon the writers. John writes with regard to the fellowship that believers can have amongst one another, but underscores it to be a "fellowship with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ." True peace, love, and unity is only genuinely possible among those who love and fear, or highly regard, Jehovah God, the God who "is love," and respect His Son, Jesus, even loving him and his teachings. John's words read as follows: "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have observed and our hands have felt, concerning the word of life,2 (yes, the life was made manifest, and we have seen and are bearing witness and reporting to you the everlasting life that was with the Father and was made manifest to us),3 that which we have seen and heard we are reporting also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us. And this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete." When all have fellowship with the Father and the Son, the unselfish love, peace, and unity possible is well expressed at Psalm 133:1-3. Verse 2 highlights the anointing of the high priest, Aaron, which foreshadowed Christ's priestly duties, looking after the welfare and interests of all spiritual Israel, "all those who will walk orderly by this (Christian) rule of conduct." (Galat 6:16). Verse 1 exclaims the blessing of true peace, and verse 3 it's refreshing value. Here we read: "Look! How good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like fine oil poured on the head That runs down the beard, Aaron’s beard, And runs down onto the collar of his garments. 3 It is like the dew of Herʹmon That descends on the mountains of Zion. That is where Jehovah decreed his blessing—Life everlasting."
1John 1 alerts us to what it means to be close to God. 1John 1:5-7 says:
"This is the message that we heard from him and are announcing to you:
God is light, and there is no darkness at all in him.6 If we make the
statement, “We are having fellowship with him,” and yet we go on walking
in the darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth.7
However, if we are walking in the light as he himself is in the light,
we do have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son
cleanses us from all sin." May we love the light of truth, and walk
accordingly, hating the darkness that prevents others from seeing the
truth, threatening their eternal life. May we shine the light of truth
for others to see the beauty of God's love and His word of truth.
Find Life and See
Between Winchester, Virginia, and hopefully, Washington D.C., having confidence that our thankful trust in God will not fail to inspire us to the peace He has purposed via His Kingdom!
