Navigating the Bible: 1, 2 & 3 John

Dear friends, Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment I am not writing a new commandment I am not writing a new commandment [music] for you. [music] for you. [music] for you. Rather, it is an old one you have had Rather, it is an old one you have had Rather, it is an old one you have had from the [music] very beginning. from the [music] very beginning. from the [music] very beginning. This old commandment This old commandment This old commandment to love one another to love one another to love one another is the same [music] message you heard is the same [music] message you heard is the same [music] message you heard before. before. before. Yet, it is also new. Yet, it is also new. Yet, it is also new. Jesus lived the truth of this Jesus lived the truth of this Jesus lived the truth of this commandment and you are also living it. commandment and you are also living it. commandment and you are also living it. For the darkness [music] is disappearing For the darkness [music] is disappearing For the darkness [music] is disappearing and the true light and the true light and the true light is already shining. is already shining. is already shining. First John First John First John >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> chapter 2 >> chapter 2 >> chapter 2 verses 7 and 8. verses 7 and 8. verses 7 and 8. John's John's John's >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> epistles, first, second, and third John, >> epistles, first, second, and third John, >> epistles, first, second, and third John, are a beautiful extension [music] are a beautiful extension [music] are a beautiful extension [music] from John's gospel. from John's gospel. from John's gospel. John continues his central themes of John continues his central themes of John continues his central themes of abiding and living out [music] the call abiding and living out [music] the call abiding and living out [music] the call to love one another to love one another to love one another while spending considerable time on while spending considerable time on while spending considerable time on [music] a new theme, [music] a new theme, [music] a new theme, confidence confidence confidence in salvation. in salvation. in salvation. John talks a lot about [music] sin, John talks a lot about [music] sin, John talks a lot about [music] sin, about false teachers, about issues of about false teachers, about issues of about false teachers, about issues of the heart, the heart, the heart, but he does all of this under the cloak but he does all of this under the cloak but he does all of this under the cloak of what it means to be a [music] child of what it means to be a [music] child of what it means to be a [music] child of God, of God, of God, to be in fellowship with Jesus, to be in fellowship with Jesus, to be in fellowship with Jesus, and yes, to love one another.

and yes, to love one another. and yes, to love one another. To help us navigate John's [music] To help us navigate John's [music] To help us navigate John's [music] letters letters letters is Dr. I Gary Derickson, is Dr. I Gary Derickson, is Dr. I Gary Derickson, recently retired recently retired recently retired professor emeritus at Corban University professor emeritus at Corban University professor emeritus at Corban University and author of a commentary and author of a commentary and author of a commentary on John's letters. on John's letters. on John's letters. My name is Jason Weeland and this is My name is Jason Weeland and this is My name is Jason Weeland and this is doable discipleship, doable discipleship, doable discipleship, navigating the Bible. navigating the Bible. navigating the Bible. First, second, third First, second, third First, second, third John. All right, I am here with All right, I am here with a Gary Derickson. Gary, thank you so a Gary Derickson. Gary, thank you so a Gary Derickson. Gary, thank you so much for being here and being our guide much for being here and being our guide much for being here and being our guide today through John's three letters that today through John's three letters that today through John's three letters that we're going to be talking about today. I we're going to be talking about today. I we're going to be talking about today. I appreciate it. appreciate it. appreciate it. >> Thank you. Good to be here. >> Thank you. Good to be here. >> Thank you. Good to be here. >> Good. So, um okay, so we are um once >> Good. So, um okay, so we are um once >> Good. So, um okay, so we are um once again in this back half of the New again in this back half of the New again in this back half of the New Testament, right? We spent a ton of time Testament, right? We spent a ton of time Testament, right? We spent a ton of time in Paul, and then we start to kind of in Paul, and then we start to kind of in Paul, and then we start to kind of meet these other authors and see these meet these other authors and see these meet these other authors and see these other letters. So, this is our entry other letters. So, this is our entry other letters. So, this is our entry into John's letters, or at least the into John's letters, or at least the into John's letters, or at least the letters that are ascribed to John. I'm letters that are ascribed to John. I'm letters that are ascribed to John. I'm going to let you talk about authorship going to let you talk about authorship going to let you talk about authorship here, and so I'm going to ask you to set here, and so I'm going to ask you to set here, and so I'm going to ask you to set the table for us. What do we know about the table for us. What do we know about the table for us. What do we know about who wrote these letters, and maybe when who wrote these letters, and maybe when who wrote these letters, and maybe when do we think that they were written? And do we think that they were written? And do we think that they were written? And how does knowing these things, author, how does knowing these things, author, how does knowing these things, author, date, how do how does knowing these date, how do how does knowing these date, how do how does knowing these things affect how we approach these things affect how we approach these things affect how we approach these letters?

letters? letters? >> Okay, um I believe that uh John wrote >> Okay, um I believe that uh John wrote >> Okay, um I believe that uh John wrote the epistles. the epistles. the epistles. Uh and in fact uh church fathers Uh and in fact uh church fathers Uh and in fact uh church fathers believed that, too. believed that, too. believed that, too. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh there have there have been some >> Uh there have there have been some >> Uh there have there have been some scholars who've questioned it. They've scholars who've questioned it. They've scholars who've questioned it. They've talked about some uh elder John or talked about some uh elder John or talked about some uh elder John or something like that. But actually um something like that. But actually um something like that. But actually um uh uh uh we can be confident that it's John's we can be confident that it's John's we can be confident that it's John's because for one thing, because for one thing, because for one thing, the uh writing style matches the gospel the uh writing style matches the gospel the uh writing style matches the gospel and Revelation. Uh and and those are are and Revelation. Uh and and those are are and Revelation. Uh and and those are are clearly attributed to John by church clearly attributed to John by church clearly attributed to John by church fathers as well. fathers as well. fathers as well. Uh Uh Uh and and so uh and and so uh and and so uh you know, it it it just makes sense. But you know, it it it just makes sense. But you know, it it it just makes sense. But but also uh uh but also uh uh but also uh uh the the church fathers knew. We're the the church fathers knew. We're the the church fathers knew. We're We're talking about people who were the We're talking about people who were the We're talking about people who were the disciples of his disciples. disciples of his disciples. disciples of his disciples. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh and so we can have confidence. Now, >> Uh and so we can have confidence. Now, >> Uh and so we can have confidence. Now, what this does is because it's what this does is because it's what this does is because it's apostolic, it has the same authority as apostolic, it has the same authority as apostolic, it has the same authority as the rest of the New Testament. the rest of the New Testament. the rest of the New Testament. But I think it gets it gets actually a But I think it gets it gets actually a But I think it gets it gets actually a second level of authority that often second level of authority that often second level of authority that often people don't think about.

people don't think about. people don't think about. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And that is that that John was probably >> And that is that that John was probably >> And that is that that John was probably the most intimate of the 12 apostles the most intimate of the 12 apostles the most intimate of the 12 apostles with Jesus. They called him the beloved with Jesus. They called him the beloved with Jesus. They called him the beloved disciple. disciple. disciple. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> That really meant teacher's pet. >> That really meant teacher's pet. >> That really meant teacher's pet. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Uh you know, he he was Jesus' favorite. >> Uh you know, he he was Jesus' favorite. >> Uh you know, he he was Jesus' favorite. But he was also the most sensitive of But he was also the most sensitive of But he was also the most sensitive of them and I think he understood the heart them and I think he understood the heart them and I think he understood the heart of Jesus better than of Jesus better than of Jesus better than all the others. all the others. all the others. I'm not to say that they didn't I'm not to say that they didn't I'm not to say that they didn't understand Jesus. Uh but his writings understand Jesus. Uh but his writings understand Jesus. Uh but his writings reflect that. reflect that. reflect that. Uh and so uh when when he wrote these Uh and so uh when when he wrote these Uh and so uh when when he wrote these epistles is probably between the gospel epistles is probably between the gospel epistles is probably between the gospel and Revelation. We know Revelation was and Revelation. We know Revelation was and Revelation. We know Revelation was last. Uh and so it would be somewhere in last. Uh and so it would be somewhere in last. Uh and so it would be somewhere in his latter life. Uh likely the late his latter life. Uh likely the late his latter life. Uh likely the late '80s, maybe around '90. '80s, maybe around '90. '80s, maybe around '90. Uh and one of the things that I've Uh and one of the things that I've Uh and one of the things that I've noticed is that if you look at the noticed is that if you look at the noticed is that if you look at the subject of the upper room discourse, subject of the upper room discourse, subject of the upper room discourse, John 13 through 17. John 13 through 17. John 13 through 17. And the things Jesus talked about there, And the things Jesus talked about there, And the things Jesus talked about there, they're the same things that John talks they're the same things that John talks they're the same things that John talks about in 1 John. And I I I I see 1 John about in 1 John. And I I I I see 1 John about in 1 John. And I I I I see 1 John is almost like a reflection on the upper is almost like a reflection on the upper is almost like a reflection on the upper room. It's based upon Jesus' heart in room. It's based upon Jesus' heart in room. It's based upon Jesus' heart in the upper room.

the upper room. the upper room. Uh and the things that he emphasized Uh and the things that he emphasized Uh and the things that he emphasized there. And we need to understand that there. And we need to understand that there. And we need to understand that that uh when when Jesus was facing his that uh when when Jesus was facing his that uh when when Jesus was facing his crucifixion, uh he's talking to the crucifixion, uh he's talking to the crucifixion, uh he's talking to the disciples about the things that really disciples about the things that really disciples about the things that really really matter. really matter. really matter. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And John makes that clear in in his >> And John makes that clear in in his >> And John makes that clear in in his first epistle that loving one another is first epistle that loving one another is first epistle that loving one another is central to the heart of God. Uh and so central to the heart of God. Uh and so central to the heart of God. Uh and so uh we need to uh uh we need to uh uh we need to uh uh reflect that and adopt it. uh reflect that and adopt it. uh reflect that and adopt it. Um and so I uh Um and so I uh Um and so I uh I think that when someone approaches 1 I think that when someone approaches 1 I think that when someone approaches 1 John, they need to to realize that that John, they need to to realize that that John, they need to to realize that that we're really getting the heart of John we're really getting the heart of John we're really getting the heart of John >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> uh which is the heart of Jesus. >> uh which is the heart of Jesus. >> uh which is the heart of Jesus. And and and the things he focuses on are And and and the things he focuses on are And and and the things he focuses on are central to what God wants to see in our central to what God wants to see in our central to what God wants to see in our lives. lives. lives. >> Yeah. No, I think that's >> Yeah. No, I think that's >> Yeah. No, I think that's that's a wonderful entry into kind of that's a wonderful entry into kind of that's a wonderful entry into kind of this this this this main point of what John is is is this main point of what John is is is this main point of what John is is is getting at. Is as you said, John has getting at. Is as you said, John has getting at. Is as you said, John has this way of this way of this way of of unpacking and pointing to the heart of unpacking and pointing to the heart of unpacking and pointing to the heart of Jesus of Jesus of Jesus that makes John's gospel ring so that makes John's gospel ring so that makes John's gospel ring so differently than the other three.

differently than the other three. differently than the other three. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And it's why so many people feel such a >> And it's why so many people feel such a >> And it's why so many people feel such a strong attachment to it, I think, strong attachment to it, I think, strong attachment to it, I think, because it's it's it's pointing at this because it's it's it's pointing at this because it's it's it's pointing at this heart piece in Jesus and it's just kind heart piece in Jesus and it's just kind heart piece in Jesus and it's just kind of oozing through the way that John of oozing through the way that John of oozing through the way that John writes, the way that he writes about writes, the way that he writes about writes, the way that he writes about Jesus, the way that he writes about the Jesus, the way that he writes about the Jesus, the way that he writes about the things that are important to Jesus. And things that are important to Jesus. And things that are important to Jesus. And so we see that again on display here. so we see that again on display here. so we see that again on display here. But again, from a later stage of John's But again, from a later stage of John's But again, from a later stage of John's life. And so it it is interesting to life. And so it it is interesting to life. And so it it is interesting to take that into account that he is is take that into account that he is is take that into account that he is is writing these letters for a different writing these letters for a different writing these letters for a different reason than he is writing the gospel. So reason than he is writing the gospel. So reason than he is writing the gospel. So I'm excited to get into that with you I'm excited to get into that with you I'm excited to get into that with you in a little bit, too. Here we have three in a little bit, too. Here we have three in a little bit, too. Here we have three letters. We haven't covered three letters. We haven't covered three letters. We haven't covered three letters in one episode yet. We've done letters in one episode yet. We've done letters in one episode yet. We've done two, but now we have three. So I'm two, but now we have three. So I'm two, but now we have three. So I'm giving you a hard challenge here, I giving you a hard challenge here, I giving you a hard challenge here, I understand. understand. understand. But okay, But okay, But okay, let's talk about let's talk about let's talk about I should say this. I'll give you the I should say this. I'll give you the I should say this. I'll give you the option because this is what I did in our option because this is what I did in our option because this is what I did in our second Peter and Jude episode. Well, second Peter and Jude episode. Well, second Peter and Jude episode. Well, I'll give you the option. I usually ask I'll give you the option. I usually ask I'll give you the option. I usually ask my guest to describe the book in one my guest to describe the book in one my guest to describe the book in one sentence. So I'm going to give it to you sentence. So I'm going to give it to you sentence. So I'm going to give it to you this way. You can either describe all this way. You can either describe all this way. You can either describe all three epistles in one sentence or you three epistles in one sentence or you three epistles in one sentence or you can take one at a time and describe each can take one at a time and describe each can take one at a time and describe each one in one sentence. It's up to you, one in one sentence. It's up to you, one in one sentence. It's up to you, Gary.

Gary. Gary. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Okay, I'll actually I will do each one >> Okay, I'll actually I will do each one >> Okay, I'll actually I will do each one in one sentence. in one sentence. in one sentence. >> Great. >> Great. >> Great. >> Because they are each one is unique. >> Because they are each one is unique. >> Because they are each one is unique. And they're addressing different issues. And they're addressing different issues. And they're addressing different issues. In one sense, they really are talking In one sense, they really are talking In one sense, they really are talking about again loving one another in the about again loving one another in the about again loving one another in the broad sense. broad sense. broad sense. But the first John gives us instructions But the first John gives us instructions But the first John gives us instructions on how to experience communion with God on how to experience communion with God on how to experience communion with God and express the life of Jesus and express the life of Jesus and express the life of Jesus to others. to others. to others. Uh Jesus who is eternal life incarnate. Uh Jesus who is eternal life incarnate. Uh Jesus who is eternal life incarnate. Uh one of the major concepts in 1 John Uh one of the major concepts in 1 John Uh one of the major concepts in 1 John is the fact that Jesus is eternal life. is the fact that Jesus is eternal life. is the fact that Jesus is eternal life. The his person is eternal life. He The his person is eternal life. He The his person is eternal life. He doesn't just give eternal life. We doesn't just give eternal life. We doesn't just give eternal life. We experience it in relationship with him. experience it in relationship with him. experience it in relationship with him. Uh 2 John tells us how to protect the Uh 2 John tells us how to protect the Uh 2 John tells us how to protect the church from false teachers. church from false teachers. church from false teachers. Uh and uh primarily to to walk in truth Uh and uh primarily to to walk in truth Uh and uh primarily to to walk in truth and don't invite false teachers into and don't invite false teachers into and don't invite false teachers into your church. your church. your church. Uh Uh Uh 3 John tells us how to respond to 3 John tells us how to respond to 3 John tells us how to respond to arrogant, controlling church leaders. arrogant, controlling church leaders. arrogant, controlling church leaders. Uh Uh Uh and in each case it is still a question and in each case it is still a question and in each case it is still a question of love and truth.

of love and truth. of love and truth. Uh but uh Uh but uh Uh but uh 3 John is not about a false teacher, 3 John is not about a false teacher, 3 John is not about a false teacher, it's about an arrogant teacher uh and it's about an arrogant teacher uh and it's about an arrogant teacher uh and how a church should handle those. So, we how a church should handle those. So, we how a church should handle those. So, we get some great insights into the church get some great insights into the church get some great insights into the church in its two in in its two letters. in its two in in its two letters. in its two in in its two letters. >> Yeah, what do you think it it was that >> Yeah, what do you think it it was that >> Yeah, what do you think it it was that John was specifically responding to John was specifically responding to John was specifically responding to with these letters? It's very clear from with these letters? It's very clear from with these letters? It's very clear from Paul's letters he's in communication Paul's letters he's in communication Paul's letters he's in communication with these churches that he planted and with these churches that he planted and with these churches that he planted and he's responding to issues that had come he's responding to issues that had come he's responding to issues that had come up and whatnot. What do you think John up and whatnot. What do you think John up and whatnot. What do you think John is specifically responding to here? is specifically responding to here? is specifically responding to here? >> Um in 1 John uh he is he he he's >> Um in 1 John uh he is he he he's >> Um in 1 John uh he is he he he's responding probably to the growing responding probably to the growing responding probably to the growing uh false teachings in the area because uh false teachings in the area because uh false teachings in the area because there were were false teachers there were were false teachers there were were false teachers uh that were introducing ideas uh that were introducing ideas uh that were introducing ideas questioning the deity of Christ. Uh we questioning the deity of Christ. Uh we questioning the deity of Christ. Uh we would call it proto-gnosticism. would call it proto-gnosticism. would call it proto-gnosticism. Uh Uh Uh 50 years later it was in full bloom in 50 years later it was in full bloom in 50 years later it was in full bloom in the church where there was the denial of the church where there was the denial of the church where there was the denial of the humanity of Christ. He was all God, the humanity of Christ. He was all God, the humanity of Christ. He was all God, he was spirit, he had no physical body.

he was spirit, he had no physical body. he was spirit, he had no physical body. And so, John is is addressing what is And so, John is is addressing what is And so, John is is addressing what is beginning to develop and he's beginning to develop and he's beginning to develop and he's anticipating it. anticipating it. anticipating it. Uh and so he's warning against that, but Uh and so he's warning against that, but Uh and so he's warning against that, but he's also bringing people back to what he's also bringing people back to what he's also bringing people back to what really matters, which is walking in really matters, which is walking in really matters, which is walking in truth, living a pure life, loving one truth, living a pure life, loving one truth, living a pure life, loving one another, uh and believing the right another, uh and believing the right another, uh and believing the right things about Jesus. It's interesting in things about Jesus. It's interesting in things about Jesus. It's interesting in 1 John, the solution to the danger is 1 John, the solution to the danger is 1 John, the solution to the danger is good Christology. good Christology. good Christology. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Uh and and believing the right things >> Uh and and believing the right things >> Uh and and believing the right things about Jesus. Uh and and in 2 John, I I about Jesus. Uh and and in 2 John, I I about Jesus. Uh and and in 2 John, I I believe he's doing two things. He's believe he's doing two things. He's believe he's doing two things. He's urging urging urging uh a woman who has a church in her home, uh a woman who has a church in her home, uh a woman who has a church in her home, but also warning her about these false but also warning her about these false but also warning her about these false teachers, that she has a responsibility teachers, that she has a responsibility teachers, that she has a responsibility to protect that congregation and not to protect that congregation and not to protect that congregation and not invite them in. invite them in. invite them in. Uh and so I I see it as a personal Uh and so I I see it as a personal Uh and so I I see it as a personal letter addressing a problem that the letter addressing a problem that the letter addressing a problem that the church was facing at that time of of church was facing at that time of of church was facing at that time of of traveling false teachers, if you want to traveling false teachers, if you want to traveling false teachers, if you want to think of it that way. think of it that way. think of it that way. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh and then uh 3 John, he's dealing with >> Uh and then uh 3 John, he's dealing with >> Uh and then uh 3 John, he's dealing with a problem in a church uh a problem in a church uh a problem in a church uh uh where you have a leader in the church uh where you have a leader in the church uh where you have a leader in the church who's making it into his kingdom who's making it into his kingdom who's making it into his kingdom and he's being abusive.

and he's being abusive. and he's being abusive. Uh and John is going to solve it. It I I Uh and John is going to solve it. It I I Uh and John is going to solve it. It I I find it fascinating. He doesn't question find it fascinating. He doesn't question find it fascinating. He doesn't question the man's salvation or his theology. the man's salvation or his theology. the man's salvation or his theology. It's his attitude. It's his attitude. It's his attitude. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Uh and uh his practices. And so he's >> Uh and uh his practices. And so he's >> Uh and uh his practices. And so he's addressing uh and and he's writing to addressing uh and and he's writing to addressing uh and and he's writing to Gaius who's probably also got a part of Gaius who's probably also got a part of Gaius who's probably also got a part of that local church in his home because that local church in his home because that local church in his home because they used home churches at that time. they used home churches at that time. they used home churches at that time. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And so he's probably uh >> And so he's probably uh >> And so he's probably uh the both of these men have meetings in the both of these men have meetings in the both of these men have meetings in their homes and Gaius is picking up the their homes and Gaius is picking up the their homes and Gaius is picking up the pieces. pieces. pieces. And so he's encouraging him. And so he's encouraging him. And so he's encouraging him. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. I I think that 3 John is so I I think that 3 John is so I I think that 3 John is so important as a pastoral note. It's it's important as a pastoral note. It's it's important as a pastoral note. It's it's it's such a it's it's so helpful that it's such a it's it's so helpful that it's such a it's it's so helpful that it's in there because we spend so much it's in there because we spend so much it's in there because we spend so much time throughout all the different time throughout all the different time throughout all the different epistles talking about false teachers. epistles talking about false teachers. epistles talking about false teachers. And that's a helpful thing for a you And that's a helpful thing for a you And that's a helpful thing for a you know, know, know, and what to be aware of, what to be wary and what to be aware of, what to be wary and what to be aware of, what to be wary of, to making sure that we're pointing of, to making sure that we're pointing of, to making sure that we're pointing back to a honest picture of Christ as in back to a honest picture of Christ as in back to a honest picture of Christ as in pointing to and then you have third John pointing to and then you have third John pointing to and then you have third John that just takes a little bit of a that just takes a little bit of a that just takes a little bit of a different approach. And it it can and I different approach. And it it can and I different approach. And it it can and I just love that it's like, yeah, it's not just love that it's like, yeah, it's not just love that it's like, yeah, it's not about it's not about are you preaching about it's not about are you preaching about it's not about are you preaching the right way, it's not about this, but the right way, it's not about this, but the right way, it's not about this, but it's about your attitude which is an it's about your attitude which is an it's about your attitude which is an overflow of your heart and it's and it's overflow of your heart and it's and it's overflow of your heart and it's and it's really pointing to making sure that you really pointing to making sure that you really pointing to making sure that you are we are looking um not just as do I are we are looking um not just as do I are we are looking um not just as do I have it right, but am I approaching have it right, but am I approaching have it right, but am I approaching things in people and caring for people things in people and caring for people things in people and caring for people in the right way.

in the right way. in the right way. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And um >> And um >> And um I think that's an important thing I think that's an important thing I think that's an important thing specifically for pastors, but for specifically for pastors, but for specifically for pastors, but for everybody, too, to spend time going back everybody, too, to spend time going back everybody, too, to spend time going back in third John somewhere right in just in third John somewhere right in just in third John somewhere right in just almost like a little audit. It's just a almost like a little audit. It's just a almost like a little audit. It's just a little heart check. How am I doing? little heart check. How am I doing? little heart check. How am I doing? >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Oh, yeah. And also >> Oh, yeah. And also >> Oh, yeah. And also in the in the early church when they in the in the early church when they in the in the early church when they when a mother church sent someone out to when a mother church sent someone out to when a mother church sent someone out to the daughter churches, the daughter churches, the daughter churches, they sent them with a letter of they sent them with a letter of they sent them with a letter of recommendation. And if you'll notice, recommendation. And if you'll notice, recommendation. And if you'll notice, this is what that is. He's telling this is what that is. He's telling this is what that is. He's telling Gaius, you can trust Demetrius. He's a Gaius, you can trust Demetrius. He's a Gaius, you can trust Demetrius. He's a good man. And I want you to take care of good man. And I want you to take care of good man. And I want you to take care of him. him. him. Uh again, it gives us a great insight Uh again, it gives us a great insight Uh again, it gives us a great insight into that. It also it gives us an into that. It also it gives us an into that. It also it gives us an insight into why we support insight into why we support insight into why we support missionaries. missionaries. missionaries. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Cuz this guy went out not taking >> Cuz this guy went out not taking >> Cuz this guy went out not taking anything from anybody, but is to be anything from anybody, but is to be anything from anybody, but is to be taken care of by the church. And so some taken care of by the church. And so some taken care of by the church. And so some great some great uh instructions for the great some great uh instructions for the great some great uh instructions for the church. church. church. >> Very short, but very powerful. >> Very short, but very powerful. >> Very short, but very powerful. >> [laughter] >> So so normally I I would ask um how >> So so normally I I would ask um how would you describe would you describe would you describe the trajectory or the flow of these the trajectory or the flow of these the trajectory or the flow of these letters? I feel like we've been doing letters? I feel like we've been doing letters? I feel like we've been doing that, but is there anything else that that, but is there anything else that that, but is there anything else that you would want or feel like you need to you would want or feel like you need to you would want or feel like you need to add in at add in at add in at for this question as you had been for this question as you had been for this question as you had been preparing and you've already have these preparing and you've already have these preparing and you've already have these questions in advance. Is there anything questions in advance. Is there anything questions in advance. Is there anything more that you wanted to say around this more that you wanted to say around this more that you wanted to say around this question?

question? question? >> Um uh not for 2nd and 3rd John. I I >> Um uh not for 2nd and 3rd John. I I >> Um uh not for 2nd and 3rd John. I I think I've covered their trajectories. think I've covered their trajectories. think I've covered their trajectories. And And In 1st John, um, And And In 1st John, um, And And In 1st John, um, one of the trajectories is that one of the trajectories is that one of the trajectories is that believing the right things about Jesus believing the right things about Jesus believing the right things about Jesus and his expectations and his expectations and his expectations and then living them out is the and then living them out is the and then living them out is the trajectory of this epistle. Mhm. Uh, it trajectory of this epistle. Mhm. Uh, it trajectory of this epistle. Mhm. Uh, it really is. What do What What do you really is. What do What What do you really is. What do What What do you believe? Because we cannot believe? Because we cannot believe? Because we cannot uh, live truly Christian lives if we uh, live truly Christian lives if we uh, live truly Christian lives if we don't have good Christology. don't have good Christology. don't have good Christology. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh, you have to know God's heart and you >> Uh, you have to know God's heart and you >> Uh, you have to know God's heart and you have to live God's kind of life, but you have to live God's kind of life, but you have to live God's kind of life, but you can't do it in a vacuum. You can't do it can't do it in a vacuum. You can't do it can't do it in a vacuum. You can't do it following the culture, following the culture, following the culture, uh, and that. You have to know Jesus. uh, and that. You have to know Jesus. uh, and that. You have to know Jesus. You know, that That's why I really You know, that That's why I really You know, that That's why I really emphasize studying the Gospels. And And emphasize studying the Gospels. And And emphasize studying the Gospels. And And And getting the personality because the And getting the personality because the And getting the personality because the personality of Jesus is the personality personality of Jesus is the personality personality of Jesus is the personality of God the Father. of God the Father. of God the Father. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Uh, and one of the things that a lot of >> Uh, and one of the things that a lot of >> Uh, and one of the things that a lot of people don't recognize is God has a dry people don't recognize is God has a dry people don't recognize is God has a dry sense of humor. sense of humor. sense of humor. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> He has humor. >> He has humor. >> He has humor. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And, uh, and and and you have to pick up >> And, uh, and and and you have to pick up >> And, uh, and and and you have to pick up on that. And you see that in Jesus, but on that. And you see that in Jesus, but on that. And you see that in Jesus, but you also see things like you also see things like you also see things like little children really matter to God.

little children really matter to God. little children really matter to God. Why do I know that? Because of how Jesus Why do I know that? Because of how Jesus Why do I know that? Because of how Jesus reacted to the disciples when they reacted to the disciples when they reacted to the disciples when they pushed little kids away. pushed little kids away. pushed little kids away. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You know, And And so, these things. But >> You know, And And so, these things. But >> You know, And And so, these things. But you you find this in 1st John as as a you you find this in 1st John as as a you you find this in 1st John as as a longer you think about what John is longer you think about what John is longer you think about what John is talking about, talking about, talking about, uh, one of the things that you see is it uh, one of the things that you see is it uh, one of the things that you see is it And as a As As a father, you'll And as a As As a father, you'll And as a As As a father, you'll understand this, especially once you understand this, especially once you understand this, especially once you have multiple kids. have multiple kids. have multiple kids. >> I got four. Yep. >> I got four. Yep. >> I got four. Yep. >> You got four, so [laughter] you know >> You got four, so [laughter] you know >> You got four, so [laughter] you know about this. You want your kids to love about this. You want your kids to love about this. You want your kids to love one another. one another. one another. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And you want them to treat each other >> And you want them to treat each other >> And you want them to treat each other right. And that's That's a great deal of right. And that's That's a great deal of right. And that's That's a great deal of 1st John. It It really matters to God 1st John. It It really matters to God 1st John. It It really matters to God how we treat one another. how we treat one another. how we treat one another. >> Yeah. I I What I love >> Yeah. I I What I love >> Yeah. I I What I love as we've been talking about this And I as we've been talking about this And I as we've been talking about this And I think we'll get more into this with the think we'll get more into this with the think we'll get more into this with the next question about themes, too. So, I'm next question about themes, too. So, I'm next question about themes, too. So, I'm just going to just going to just going to preempt it a little bit, I guess, is I I preempt it a little bit, I guess, is I I preempt it a little bit, I guess, is I I that constant reminder, as you said, of that constant reminder, as you said, of that constant reminder, as you said, of pointing back to a pointing back to a pointing back to a a high Christology, a pointing back to a high Christology, a pointing back to a high Christology, a pointing back to looking at Jesus for who he is. What do looking at Jesus for who he is. What do looking at Jesus for who he is. What do the Gospels say about like and and the Gospels say about like and and the Gospels say about like and and painting a true, honest picture painting a true, honest picture painting a true, honest picture of Jesus and pointing back to that. Um I of Jesus and pointing back to that. Um I of Jesus and pointing back to that. Um I think that was I mean, obviously, it was think that was I mean, obviously, it was think that was I mean, obviously, it was an incredibly important message even an incredibly important message even an incredibly important message even back then at the time. You have these back then at the time. You have these back then at the time. You have these new churches still still in develop They new churches still still in develop They new churches still still in develop They only hadn't even been 100 year, you only hadn't even been 100 year, you only hadn't even been 100 year, you know, these know, these know, these These churches are still new and growing These churches are still new and growing These churches are still new and growing and they have, as you said, these false and they have, as you said, these false and they have, as you said, these false teachers. You have these outside the teachers. You have these outside the teachers. You have these outside the cultural influences of being in a pagan cultural influences of being in a pagan cultural influences of being in a pagan areas or whatever it is that could be in

areas or whatever it is that could be in areas or whatever it is that could be in infecting or impacting and these infecting or impacting and these infecting or impacting and these constant reminders to point back to constant reminders to point back to constant reminders to point back to Jesus. But, I'll tell you what, we still Jesus. But, I'll tell you what, we still Jesus. But, I'll tell you what, we still need these reminders today need these reminders today need these reminders today because there are so many times that we because there are so many times that we because there are so many times that we can kind of start to distort a little can kind of start to distort a little can kind of start to distort a little bit or paint different picture or take bit or paint different picture or take bit or paint different picture or take other parts and and make other parts and and make other parts and and make and and try to make high theologies and and try to make high theologies and and try to make high theologies um apart from Christ. And I love that um apart from Christ. And I love that um apart from Christ. And I love that reminder from first John saying, "Go reminder from first John saying, "Go reminder from first John saying, "Go back to Jesus." Because if you want to back to Jesus." Because if you want to back to Jesus." Because if you want to know the heart of God, you see that know the heart of God, you see that know the heart of God, you see that right there in the heart of Jesus. If right there in the heart of Jesus. If right there in the heart of Jesus. If you want to know what you want to know what you want to know what what God thinks or how God would act and what God thinks or how God would act and what God thinks or how God would act and think, that's that's how Jesus would and think, that's that's how Jesus would and think, that's that's how Jesus would and so I I just love that constant reminder so I I just love that constant reminder so I I just love that constant reminder of pointing back to Jesus, back to of pointing back to Jesus, back to of pointing back to Jesus, back to Jesus, back to Jesus. Um so, let's then Jesus, back to Jesus. Um so, let's then Jesus, back to Jesus. Um so, let's then serve that as kind of a launch point serve that as kind of a launch point serve that as kind of a launch point into the other themes of this book. What into the other themes of this book. What into the other themes of this book. What are the major themes from John's are the major themes from John's are the major themes from John's letters? And I always kind of frame it letters? And I always kind of frame it letters? And I always kind of frame it this way, too. How does knowing these this way, too. How does knowing these this way, too. How does knowing these themes affect our reading of them themes affect our reading of them themes affect our reading of them of the letters?

of the letters? of the letters? >> Um you know, one of the major themes in >> Um you know, one of the major themes in >> Um you know, one of the major themes in first John first John first John is living and expressing God's life is living and expressing God's life is living and expressing God's life through a healthy relationship with through a healthy relationship with through a healthy relationship with Jesus Christ who is eternal life Jesus Christ who is eternal life Jesus Christ who is eternal life incarnate. Um and it it it becomes incarnate. Um and it it it becomes incarnate. Um and it it it becomes important to recognize that because in important to recognize that because in important to recognize that because in the prologue of the of the epistle, the the prologue of the of the epistle, the the prologue of the of the epistle, the first four verses is is the introduction first four verses is is the introduction first four verses is is the introduction to the epistle. to the epistle. to the epistle. He surprises us with saying that eternal He surprises us with saying that eternal He surprises us with saying that eternal life is a person, it's not a possession. life is a person, it's not a possession. life is a person, it's not a possession. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh and then as he develops his message, >> Uh and then as he develops his message, >> Uh and then as he develops his message, he talks about who this eternal life is he talks about who this eternal life is he talks about who this eternal life is uh and that you have to for example, a uh and that you have to for example, a uh and that you have to for example, a acknowledge his incarnation acknowledge his incarnation acknowledge his incarnation to be walking in truth. to be walking in truth. to be walking in truth. Uh and the the the humanity and deity of Uh and the the the humanity and deity of Uh and the the the humanity and deity of Christ is a is a is a central theme of Christ is a is a is a central theme of Christ is a is a is a central theme of of this epistle. of this epistle. of this epistle. Um one probably the most Um one probably the most Um one probably the most complex or difficult one for people to complex or difficult one for people to complex or difficult one for people to recognize recognize recognize but needs to be absorbed but needs to be absorbed but needs to be absorbed is the idea of abiding in Christ.

is the idea of abiding in Christ. is the idea of abiding in Christ. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Uh he actually uses three terms. He >> Uh he actually uses three terms. He >> Uh he actually uses three terms. He introduces it with the idea of introduces it with the idea of introduces it with the idea of fellowship. Fellowship with God and fellowship. Fellowship with God and fellowship. Fellowship with God and fellowship with one another. fellowship with one another. fellowship with one another. Uh and and this is the only place in all Uh and and this is the only place in all Uh and and this is the only place in all of John's writings where he uses the of John's writings where he uses the of John's writings where he uses the Greek term koinonia. Greek term koinonia. Greek term koinonia. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Uh and uh instead of koinonia, he he he >> Uh and uh instead of koinonia, he he he >> Uh and uh instead of koinonia, he he he usually uses the word for abiding or usually uses the word for abiding or usually uses the word for abiding or remaining. remaining. remaining. And this goes right back to what Jesus And this goes right back to what Jesus And this goes right back to what Jesus said in the upper room. said in the upper room. said in the upper room. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh and there he said, you have to abide >> Uh and there he said, you have to abide >> Uh and there he said, you have to abide in me, I abide in you, my word abides in in me, I abide in you, my word abides in in me, I abide in you, my word abides in you, you you know, the Holy Spirit you, you you know, the Holy Spirit you, you you know, the Holy Spirit abides in you. abides in you. abides in you. Um and and so John uses that and he also Um and and so John uses that and he also Um and and so John uses that and he also uses the idea of to be in Christ. uses the idea of to be in Christ. uses the idea of to be in Christ. He takes these three concepts or these He takes these three concepts or these He takes these three concepts or these three words and builds three words and builds three words and builds uh a concept of mutual relationship and uh a concept of mutual relationship and uh a concept of mutual relationship and influence. influence. influence. Uh and what I mean by that is the real Uh and what I mean by that is the real Uh and what I mean by that is the real idea behind abiding is that when Christ idea behind abiding is that when Christ idea behind abiding is that when Christ abides in me, the Holy Spirit abides in abides in me, the Holy Spirit abides in abides in me, the Holy Spirit abides in me, it's not just his presence, it's his me, it's not just his presence, it's his me, it's not just his presence, it's his influence. When God's word abides in me, influence. When God's word abides in me, influence. When God's word abides in me, it's not that I've memorized it, it's it's not that I've memorized it, it's it's not that I've memorized it, it's it's guiding my decisions.

it's guiding my decisions. it's guiding my decisions. And when I abide in Christ, that's And when I abide in Christ, that's And when I abide in Christ, that's expressed in answered prayer. expressed in answered prayer. expressed in answered prayer. I influence God when I'm abiding in him. I influence God when I'm abiding in him. I influence God when I'm abiding in him. I actually have an influence through I actually have an influence through I actually have an influence through prayer with God just as God is prayer with God just as God is prayer with God just as God is influencing me. influencing me. influencing me. And then in 1 John, this abiding concept And then in 1 John, this abiding concept And then in 1 John, this abiding concept then then then goes on to be developed in terms of it's goes on to be developed in terms of it's goes on to be developed in terms of it's reflected in us, for example, being the reflected in us, for example, being the reflected in us, for example, being the agents of God's love for one another. agents of God's love for one another. agents of God's love for one another. Uh chapter 4 is really all about that. Uh chapter 4 is really all about that. Uh chapter 4 is really all about that. That God's love expressed through me That God's love expressed through me That God's love expressed through me always expresses itself in actions always expresses itself in actions always expresses itself in actions towards other believers. And there's an towards other believers. And there's an towards other believers. And there's an interesting verse there where he says, interesting verse there where he says, interesting verse there where he says, "No one has ever seen God." "No one has ever seen God." "No one has ever seen God." And you go, "Where did that verse come And you go, "Where did that verse come And you go, "Where did that verse come from in the middle of this discussion?" from in the middle of this discussion?" from in the middle of this discussion?" And I think the point is no one can see And I think the point is no one can see And I think the point is no one can see God except through us. And when when God except through us. And when when God except through us. And when when they see us loving one another, they see they see us loving one another, they see they see us loving one another, they see the heart of God. the heart of God. the heart of God. Uh that's John's real point. Uh and Uh that's John's real point. Uh and Uh that's John's real point. Uh and that's an important one. Another major that's an important one. Another major that's an important one. Another major theme is his Christology. You must theme is his Christology. You must theme is his Christology. You must believe the right things about Jesus.

believe the right things about Jesus. believe the right things about Jesus. Uh and there is there is a theme of our Uh and there is there is a theme of our Uh and there is there is a theme of our salvation or our assurance of our salvation or our assurance of our salvation or our assurance of our salvation. salvation. salvation. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um uh in fact, I'll talk about this >> Um uh in fact, I'll talk about this >> Um uh in fact, I'll talk about this a little later. One of the major points a little later. One of the major points a little later. One of the major points made is that God wants us to know we're made is that God wants us to know we're made is that God wants us to know we're saved. We cannot have this abiding saved. We cannot have this abiding saved. We cannot have this abiding relationship. We cannot express God's relationship. We cannot express God's relationship. We cannot express God's love to others if we're not confident love to others if we're not confident love to others if we're not confident that we're a child of God. that we're a child of God. that we're a child of God. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh another major theme in in 1 John is >> Uh another major theme in in 1 John is >> Uh another major theme in in 1 John is is is is is is is uh moral purity. uh moral purity. uh moral purity. Uh when he says God is light, he's not Uh when he says God is light, he's not Uh when he says God is light, he's not talking about revelation, he's not talking about revelation, he's not talking about revelation, he's not talking about God is a light. What he's talking about God is a light. What he's talking about God is a light. What he's talking about is God is absolutely talking about is God is absolutely talking about is God is absolutely morally pure and if we want to have morally pure and if we want to have morally pure and if we want to have communion with him, we have to reflect communion with him, we have to reflect communion with him, we have to reflect that purity which is accomplished that purity which is accomplished that purity which is accomplished through Christ. through Christ. through Christ. Uh and that uh uh again, through through Uh and that uh uh again, through through Uh and that uh uh again, through through the epistle, we see the importance of of the epistle, we see the importance of of the epistle, we see the importance of of of reflecting the character of God. So, of reflecting the character of God. So, of reflecting the character of God. So, these would be the major dominant these would be the major dominant these would be the major dominant things.

things. things. >> These are some of the like >> These are some of the like >> These are some of the like most most most profound themes and there's so much profound themes and there's so much profound themes and there's so much >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> that >> that >> that that could be said and time spent in that could be said and time spent in that could be said and time spent in those and in just these short little those and in just these short little those and in just these short little letters and it's so like and I I love letters and it's so like and I I love letters and it's so like and I I love I love that. I wanted to go go back to I love that. I wanted to go go back to I love that. I wanted to go go back to the um that part of of the second theme the um that part of of the second theme the um that part of of the second theme that you mentioned in talking about that you mentioned in talking about that you mentioned in talking about having confidence in your salvation. having confidence in your salvation. having confidence in your salvation. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um >> Um >> Um because as as you were talking about because as as you were talking about because as as you were talking about that, I that, I that, I I I kept thinking of of of of this idea I I kept thinking of of of of this idea I I kept thinking of of of of this idea of if you feel like you constantly have of if you feel like you constantly have of if you feel like you constantly have to live a life of trying to earn your to live a life of trying to earn your to live a life of trying to earn your salvation, salvation, salvation, then that distorts the motives in which then that distorts the motives in which then that distorts the motives in which you are living out you know acting and you are living out you know acting and you are living out you know acting and doing good. It's it's no it's it's it's doing good. It's it's no it's it's it's doing good. It's it's no it's it's it's so that I can try to so that I can try to so that I can try to add to my ledger if you will or try to add to my ledger if you will or try to add to my ledger if you will or try to put the scales in my favor put the scales in my favor put the scales in my favor >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> as opposed to having you know being >> as opposed to having you know being >> as opposed to having you know being anchored in that confidence that hey, I anchored in that confidence that hey, I anchored in that confidence that hey, I am a new creation because of what Christ am a new creation because of what Christ am a new creation because of what Christ did for me.

did for me. did for me. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And I am now a a child of God, a a >> And I am now a a child of God, a a >> And I am now a a child of God, a a co-heir with Christ and then out of the co-heir with Christ and then out of the co-heir with Christ and then out of the overflow of that salvation of the overflow of that salvation of the overflow of that salvation of the overflow of that is that love of Christ overflow of that is that love of Christ overflow of that is that love of Christ that then overflows and lives out into that then overflows and lives out into that then overflows and lives out into how I how I how I how I act in the world, how I love how I act in the world, how I love how I act in the world, how I love others as I love myself as I as I love others as I love myself as I as I love others as I love myself as I as I love one another as John would say and that one another as John would say and that one another as John would say and that looks like in in in what the love in looks like in in in what the love in looks like in in in what the love in that picture of love that picture of love that picture of love that John paints, you know, he it it's that John paints, you know, he it it's that John paints, you know, he it it's one thing to just say one thing to just say one thing to just say um love one another, right? That has a um love one another, right? That has a um love one another, right? That has a that can mean so many different things. that can mean so many different things. that can mean so many different things. And he means all of those. And he means all of those. And he means all of those. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Because your genuine love for another >> Because your genuine love for another >> Because your genuine love for another shows in your words, it shows in your shows in your words, it shows in your shows in your words, it shows in your proximity, it shows in your genuine proximity, it shows in your genuine proximity, it shows in your genuine affection and care, it shows in service, affection and care, it shows in service, affection and care, it shows in service, it shows in all these things. And yes, it shows in all these things. And yes, it shows in all these things. And yes, John means all of those. John means all of those. John means all of those. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Um and so I I just I would got really >> Um and so I I just I would got really >> Um and so I I just I would got really stuck with that idea of thinking um stuck with that idea of thinking um stuck with that idea of thinking um about people who about people who about people who wonder about their salvation, who wonder wonder about their salvation, who wonder wonder about their salvation, who wonder and are left trying to work things out and are left trying to work things out and are left trying to work things out in not in the way that Paul ties but in not in the way that Paul ties but in not in the way that Paul ties but about the working out of your salvation about the working out of your salvation about the working out of your salvation it he's but in terms of the striving, it he's but in terms of the striving, it he's but in terms of the striving, the trialing, the trialing, the trialing, >> Yeah.

>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> the toiling, which is still kind of >> the toiling, which is still kind of >> the toiling, which is still kind of leaves you in in the life of Adam, the leaves you in in the life of Adam, the leaves you in in the life of Adam, the toiling of the of the land. But what toiling of the of the land. But what toiling of the of the land. But what Christ is offering is like, no, you can Christ is offering is like, no, you can Christ is offering is like, no, you can rest assured in what I have done for you rest assured in what I have done for you rest assured in what I have done for you and and and live into that. Because uh and and and live into that. Because uh and and and live into that. Because uh and in that you will and in that you will and in that you will find peace, freedom, and that will show find peace, freedom, and that will show find peace, freedom, and that will show itself in love. And um itself in love. And um itself in love. And um so I just I I I I really strongly so I just I I I I really strongly so I just I I I I really strongly resonate with that theme. So I'm so glad resonate with that theme. So I'm so glad resonate with that theme. So I'm so glad that you highlighted it here. that you highlighted it here. that you highlighted it here. >> In fact, that's you know, that's the >> In fact, that's you know, that's the >> In fact, that's you know, that's the point of 1 John chapter 5. point of 1 John chapter 5. point of 1 John chapter 5. The witness of God The witness of God The witness of God about Jesus Christ is that life is in about Jesus Christ is that life is in about Jesus Christ is that life is in him. him. him. And he who has the son has the life. And And he who has the son has the life. And And he who has the son has the life. And the important thing that again, in the important thing that again, in the important thing that again, in English it's hard to pick up on this. English it's hard to pick up on this. English it's hard to pick up on this. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh he says, "These things are written so >> Uh he says, "These things are written so >> Uh he says, "These things are written so that you may know that you have eternal that you may know that you have eternal that you may know that you have eternal life." Well, the term he uses for know life." Well, the term he uses for know life." Well, the term he uses for know there, you know, in Greek there's two there, you know, in Greek there's two there, you know, in Greek there's two terms for know. One is experiential terms for know. One is experiential terms for know. One is experiential knowledge, ginosko. The other is knowledge, ginosko. The other is knowledge, ginosko. The other is intellectual knowledge, oida.

intellectual knowledge, oida. intellectual knowledge, oida. Or knowledge by instruction. He chose Or knowledge by instruction. He chose Or knowledge by instruction. He chose oida. oida. oida. He says, you can know you're saved apart He says, you can know you're saved apart He says, you can know you're saved apart from your experience. Yeah. Because you from your experience. Yeah. Because you from your experience. Yeah. Because you know God has made you a promise. know God has made you a promise. know God has made you a promise. So like when I have uh So like when I have uh So like when I have uh someone come to me and says, you know, I someone come to me and says, you know, I someone come to me and says, you know, I when I was young I believed in Jesus, when I was young I believed in Jesus, when I was young I believed in Jesus, but I've walked away for the last 10 but I've walked away for the last 10 but I've walked away for the last 10 years and my life has just been a mess. years and my life has just been a mess. years and my life has just been a mess. Do I need to get saved? I mean, you Do I need to get saved? I mean, you Do I need to get saved? I mean, you know, was I never really actually saved? know, was I never really actually saved? know, was I never really actually saved? I don't ask them about their works. I don't ask them about their works. I don't ask them about their works. I ask them about what did you believe? I ask them about what did you believe? I ask them about what did you believe? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And when they tell me, well, you know, I >> And when they tell me, well, you know, I >> And when they tell me, well, you know, I believe that Jesus died for my sins and believe that Jesus died for my sins and believe that Jesus died for my sins and he rose from the dead and I asked him to he rose from the dead and I asked him to he rose from the dead and I asked him to forgive my sins and make, you know, and forgive my sins and make, you know, and forgive my sins and make, you know, and make me a child. I said, you're still a make me a child. I said, you're still a make me a child. I said, you're still a child of God. You always were since you child of God. You always were since you child of God. You always were since you believed that. Because it's what you believed that. Because it's what you believed that. Because it's what you believe, it's not what you do. believe, it's not what you do. believe, it's not what you do. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And so what you need to do now is repent >> And so what you need to do now is repent >> And so what you need to do now is repent and get right with God knowing that he's and get right with God knowing that he's and get right with God knowing that he's never forgotten that you're his child. never forgotten that you're his child. never forgotten that you're his child. Uh so I, you know, I I think real Uh so I, you know, I I think real Uh so I, you know, I I think real assurance of salvation goes back to I assurance of salvation goes back to I assurance of salvation goes back to I know that I asked God and God is know that I asked God and God is know that I asked God and God is faithful. And our our confidence comes faithful. And our our confidence comes faithful. And our our confidence comes in in what God has promised, not what we in in what God has promised, not what we in in what God has promised, not what we can produce. So just like you said, it's can produce. So just like you said, it's can produce. So just like you said, it's it's, you know, 1 John 5 is just so it's, you know, 1 John 5 is just so it's, you know, 1 John 5 is just so powerful.

powerful. powerful. >> Yeah, it also kind of just highlights >> Yeah, it also kind of just highlights >> Yeah, it also kind of just highlights the beauty of repentance and it doesn't the beauty of repentance and it doesn't the beauty of repentance and it doesn't have to be some some scary judgment have to be some some scary judgment have to be some some scary judgment anymore. Instead, it's coming to the anymore. Instead, it's coming to the anymore. Instead, it's coming to the Father who loves his kids and says and Father who loves his kids and says and Father who loves his kids and says and says, yeah, says, yeah, says, yeah, I know you messed up, but I forgive you. I know you messed up, but I forgive you. I know you messed up, but I forgive you. And hey, we're good. We're right, you And hey, we're good. We're right, you And hey, we're good. We're right, you know, and know, and know, and um and and just the just the kind of the um and and just the just the kind of the um and and just the just the kind of the confidence, the peace that you can have confidence, the peace that you can have confidence, the peace that you can have in that in in in um is beautiful. The in that in in in um is beautiful. The in that in in in um is beautiful. The other, you know, that first theme about other, you know, that first theme about other, you know, that first theme about about abiding, you're just like speaking about abiding, you're just like speaking about abiding, you're just like speaking my love language in everything that my love language in everything that my love language in everything that you're saying. That's like you're saying. That's like you're saying. That's like >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> It's why John 15 is like my favorite >> It's why John 15 is like my favorite >> It's why John 15 is like my favorite chapter to enjoy and you know, to time chapter to enjoy and you know, to time chapter to enjoy and you know, to time in over and over again. And I love that in over and over again. And I love that in over and over again. And I love that John's themes continue to resonate John's themes continue to resonate John's themes continue to resonate through the through his letters, through the through his letters, through the through his letters, especially with regards to abiding. And especially with regards to abiding. And especially with regards to abiding. And I love how you mentioned how he he's I love how you mentioned how he he's I love how you mentioned how he he's using that fellowship word here for that using that fellowship word here for that using that fellowship word here for that first time. And what that really looks first time. And what that really looks first time. And what that really looks like and how he's talking about abiding like and how he's talking about abiding like and how he's talking about abiding in almost it's in a similar way, but in almost it's in a similar way, but in almost it's in a similar way, but from a a little bit of a different angle from a a little bit of a different angle from a a little bit of a different angle of the diamond facet here.

of the diamond facet here. of the diamond facet here. Um, and so it paints a broader picture Um, and so it paints a broader picture Um, and so it paints a broader picture of what that abiding means. That it's of what that abiding means. That it's of what that abiding means. That it's not just it's not just what it means for not just it's not just what it means for not just it's not just what it means for us to abide in Christ and have that flow us to abide in Christ and have that flow us to abide in Christ and have that flow of the vine connection there, but also of the vine connection there, but also of the vine connection there, but also of us being abiding in him and and what of us being abiding in him and and what of us being abiding in him and and what that looks like. So, that looks like. So, that looks like. So, um, um, um, yeah, just a beautiful picture. Spend yeah, just a beautiful picture. Spend yeah, just a beautiful picture. Spend time with all of John's stuff. time with all of John's stuff. time with all of John's stuff. It's just my encouragement to readers It's just my encouragement to readers It's just my encouragement to readers or to listeners, spend time with John in or to listeners, spend time with John in or to listeners, spend time with John in in the gospel and in these letters. And in the gospel and in these letters. And in the gospel and in these letters. And read them back-to-back, I think could be read them back-to-back, I think could be read them back-to-back, I think could be helpful, too, cuz you cuz you get a helpful, too, cuz you cuz you get a helpful, too, cuz you cuz you get a continued flow of these themes and his continued flow of these themes and his continued flow of these themes and his thoughts. And specifically with his thoughts. And specifically with his thoughts. And specifically with his writing style, uh, just kind of just writing style, uh, just kind of just writing style, uh, just kind of just carries you through. carries you through. carries you through. Um, so I I I love that. Um, yeah, Um, so I I I love that. Um, yeah, Um, so I I I love that. Um, yeah, please. What please. What please. What One thing that, uh, often people don't One thing that, uh, often people don't One thing that, uh, often people don't realize, too, difference between Paul realize, too, difference between Paul realize, too, difference between Paul and John. and John. and John. Paul is Greek in his thinking pattern Paul is Greek in his thinking pattern Paul is Greek in his thinking pattern that he chose to use in his writings. that he chose to use in his writings. that he chose to use in his writings. It's linear. It's linear. It's linear. John is Eastern. Yeah. And so he goes in John is Eastern. Yeah. And so he goes in John is Eastern. Yeah. And so he goes in circles and he muses on this thing and circles and he muses on this thing and circles and he muses on this thing and then this and then he puts the two then this and then he puts the two then this and then he puts the two together and he thinks about a third together and he thinks about a third together and he thinks about a third thing. So it's very difficult to outline thing. So it's very difficult to outline thing. So it's very difficult to outline the uh, 1 John. But it also requires the uh, 1 John. But it also requires the uh, 1 John. But it also requires that we do the same thing. We need to that we do the same thing. We need to that we do the same thing. We need to muse on it. We need to meditate on it.

muse on it. We need to meditate on it. muse on it. We need to meditate on it. We need to let the ideas meld together We need to let the ideas meld together We need to let the ideas meld together and and and the more you do that, the and and and the more you do that, the and and and the more you do that, the more you begin to get the points he's more you begin to get the points he's more you begin to get the points he's making. Cuz he's John is very making. Cuz he's John is very making. Cuz he's John is very deep and philosophical. deep and philosophical. deep and philosophical. Paul is theological. John philosophical Paul is theological. John philosophical Paul is theological. John philosophical and and so that takes a lot more and and so that takes a lot more and and so that takes a lot more thinking and just letting it the ideas thinking and just letting it the ideas thinking and just letting it the ideas absorb. absorb. absorb. >> I think the hard thing with >> I think the hard thing with >> I think the hard thing with First John in particular is First John in particular is First John in particular is there are so many great little there are so many great little there are so many great little one-liners one-liners one-liners >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> that it's often just taken in one-liner >> that it's often just taken in one-liner >> that it's often just taken in one-liner bites, right? People can pick out, you bites, right? People can pick out, you bites, right? People can pick out, you know, it's it's easy to see a verse of know, it's it's easy to see a verse of know, it's it's easy to see a verse of the day and it's this quote from First the day and it's this quote from First the day and it's this quote from First John or it's easy Um and I think that John or it's easy Um and I think that John or it's easy Um and I think that does it almost does First John a does it almost does First John a does it almost does First John a disservice to think of it as just these disservice to think of it as just these disservice to think of it as just these little little little one-liner snippets cuz as you said, John one-liner snippets cuz as you said, John one-liner snippets cuz as you said, John is musing. He is ruminating not just on is musing. He is ruminating not just on is musing. He is ruminating not just on his own stuff, but also going back to his own stuff, but also going back to his own stuff, but also going back to his gospel. So it really does well to his gospel. So it really does well to his gospel. So it really does well to kind of kind of kind of to allow yourself to become enmeshed in to allow yourself to become enmeshed in to allow yourself to become enmeshed in John's writing because then you'll start John's writing because then you'll start John's writing because then you'll start making those other connections with making those other connections with making those other connections with other things that he said either earlier other things that he said either earlier other things that he said either earlier in the letter, one of his other letters, in the letter, one of his other letters, in the letter, one of his other letters, or going back to the gospel. Revelation or going back to the gospel. Revelation or going back to the gospel. Revelation is its own thing and we'll get it is its own thing and we'll get it is its own thing and we'll get it but but but but it honestly it's it's kind of like but it honestly it's it's kind of like but it honestly it's it's kind of like sitting in a bath almost and just sitting in a bath almost and just sitting in a bath almost and just letting like the current of the little

letting like the current of the little letting like the current of the little bath kind of wash over you in different bath kind of wash over you in different bath kind of wash over you in different ways. ways. ways. So So So just an encouragement, don't get caught just an encouragement, don't get caught just an encouragement, don't get caught up in just these little one-line up in just these little one-line up in just these little one-line snippets of First John. It's not that snippets of First John. It's not that snippets of First John. It's not that they're not good or true, but it's that they're not good or true, but it's that they're not good or true, but it's that there is so much there is there is so much there is there is so much there is is more involved in there. is more involved in there. is more involved in there. I think you started to get into your I think you started to get into your I think you started to get into your answer for this one a little bit answer for this one a little bit answer for this one a little bit earlier, but what does what do these earlier, but what does what do these earlier, but what does what do these um um um letters teach us about God? letters teach us about God? letters teach us about God? >> Um several things. They they teach us >> Um several things. They they teach us >> Um several things. They they teach us first and foremost that God is first and foremost that God is first and foremost that God is absolutely morally pure. absolutely morally pure. absolutely morally pure. He's absolutely He's absolutely He's absolutely loving. loving. loving. And he expects us to be the same. And he expects us to be the same. And he expects us to be the same. Uh and in addition to that, he makes it Uh and in addition to that, he makes it Uh and in addition to that, he makes it possible for us to do it through the possible for us to do it through the possible for us to do it through the work of Christ. work of Christ. work of Christ. Uh it's through the work of Christ that Uh it's through the work of Christ that Uh it's through the work of Christ that we can be absolutely morally pure at any we can be absolutely morally pure at any we can be absolutely morally pure at any given time in God's presence. given time in God's presence. given time in God's presence. Uh another uh thing that we learn about Uh another uh thing that we learn about Uh another uh thing that we learn about God is that God is the God of truth. God is that God is the God of truth. God is that God is the God of truth. And he expects us to operate in the same And he expects us to operate in the same And he expects us to operate in the same realm, especially with regard to his realm, especially with regard to his realm, especially with regard to his son.

son. son. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Uh really matters to him what we believe >> Uh really matters to him what we believe >> Uh really matters to him what we believe about Jesus. And someone who rejects about Jesus. And someone who rejects about Jesus. And someone who rejects Christ as God is not worshipping God, Christ as God is not worshipping God, Christ as God is not worshipping God, even if they say they're worshipping the even if they say they're worshipping the even if they say they're worshipping the same God. Yeah. They're not. Uh and also same God. Yeah. They're not. Uh and also same God. Yeah. They're not. Uh and also uh another thing about God is and I've uh another thing about God is and I've uh another thing about God is and I've alluded this is he wants us to commune alluded this is he wants us to commune alluded this is he wants us to commune with his saints. He wants his saints with his saints. He wants his saints with his saints. He wants his saints also to be the agents through whom he also to be the agents through whom he also to be the agents through whom he loves us. loves us. loves us. You know, the the way God answers my You know, the the way God answers my You know, the the way God answers my prayer and shows his love to me is prayer and shows his love to me is prayer and shows his love to me is through other believers. through other believers. through other believers. Uh and he has called us to that, to be Uh and he has called us to that, to be Uh and he has called us to that, to be actually the ones who demonstrate his actually the ones who demonstrate his actually the ones who demonstrate his love to the world. And I I think that's love to the world. And I I think that's love to the world. And I I think that's a a a a a a a a a a different view of God than a lot of a different view of God than a lot of a different view of God than a lot of people have. He's not way out there. people have. He's not way out there. people have. He's not way out there. He's very intimately involved in our He's very intimately involved in our He's very intimately involved in our lives and he wants us to be lives and he wants us to be lives and he wants us to be uh doing that with him and for him. uh doing that with him and for him. uh doing that with him and for him. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Those are the big things we see about >> Those are the big things we see about >> Those are the big things we see about God. God. God. >> Well, I I >> Well, I I >> Well, I I I As you were talking about about these I As you were talking about about these I As you were talking about about these things, about what these teach us about things, about what these teach us about things, about what these teach us about God, God, God, I couldn't help but think of I couldn't help but think of I couldn't help but think of how um how um how um how the New Testament how the New Testament how the New Testament presents itself as such presents itself as such presents itself as such a mosaic and how there's all these a mosaic and how there's all these a mosaic and how there's all these beautiful little snippets that we get beautiful little snippets that we get beautiful little snippets that we get from each but that you can go back and from each but that you can go back and from each but that you can go back and read these other letters and get another read these other letters and get another read these other letters and get another layer added on, another another part

layer added on, another another part layer added on, another another part added on. So, added on. So, added on. So, as you were talking about love and how as you were talking about love and how as you were talking about love and how God is God is God is is loving and calls us to love one is loving and calls us to love one is loving and calls us to love one another, which is so clear in 1 John for another, which is so clear in 1 John for another, which is so clear in 1 John for sure. Like, you know, it's easy to then sure. Like, you know, it's easy to then sure. Like, you know, it's easy to then go back to 1 Corinthians 13 and see, go back to 1 Corinthians 13 and see, go back to 1 Corinthians 13 and see, okay, well, what does Paul say love is? okay, well, what does Paul say love is? okay, well, what does Paul say love is? And then you can paint that on what John And then you can paint that on what John And then you can paint that on what John is saying about loving one another. And is saying about loving one another. And is saying about loving one another. And talking about having a high Christology talking about having a high Christology talking about having a high Christology and making sure that you are are looking and making sure that you are are looking and making sure that you are are looking at a genuine true picture of Jesus, at a genuine true picture of Jesus, at a genuine true picture of Jesus, well, go back into Hebrews and see what well, go back into Hebrews and see what well, go back into Hebrews and see what he is being taught about Jesus or go he is being taught about Jesus or go he is being taught about Jesus or go back into Paul's back into Paul's back into Paul's all these many diatribes he gets in all these many diatribes he gets in all these many diatribes he gets in about who Jesus is about who Jesus is about who Jesus is >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Christ is supreme and all these things >> Christ is supreme and all these things >> Christ is supreme and all these things that that he gets into. And so, it's it that that he gets into. And so, it's it that that he gets into. And so, it's it says such a um says such a um says such a um I it was just this encouragement that I I it was just this encouragement that I I it was just this encouragement that I was reminded of in reading through this was reminded of in reading through this was reminded of in reading through this book again and then in hearing you talk book again and then in hearing you talk book again and then in hearing you talk about this about this about this is these is these is these God doesn't intend for us now to since God doesn't intend for us now to since God doesn't intend for us now to since we have the word, we have the whole we have the word, we have the whole we have the word, we have the whole script scripture ahead of in front of us script scripture ahead of in front of us script scripture ahead of in front of us to read things in isolation. Instead, to read things in isolation. Instead, to read things in isolation. Instead, they're meant they are part of this they're meant they are part of this they're meant they are part of this larger picture. And so, being able to to larger picture. And so, being able to to larger picture. And so, being able to to take these little themes that we've been take these little themes that we've been take these little themes that we've been talking about, which are so powerful and talking about, which are so powerful and talking about, which are so powerful and impactful, and then impactful, and then impactful, and then spend time going back back through these spend time going back back through these spend time going back back through these letters that we've been talking about or letters that we've been talking about or letters that we've been talking about or if if if you've been listening to the if if if you've been listening to the if if if you've been listening to the podcast, go back through some of these podcast, go back through some of these podcast, go back through some of these other episodes going back through and other episodes going back through and other episodes going back through and see everything that's been talked about see everything that's been talked about see everything that's been talked about about love, about Christ, about about love, about Christ, about about love, about Christ, about false teachers. We've talked a lot about

false teachers. We've talked a lot about false teachers. We've talked a lot about those those those in these conversations. And you can kind in these conversations. And you can kind in these conversations. And you can kind of get this broader picture. Um of get this broader picture. Um of get this broader picture. Um especially, right? We only have one especially, right? We only have one especially, right? We only have one episode left in this podcast and it's episode left in this podcast and it's episode left in this podcast and it's Revelation. Revelation. Revelation. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> I'm going through this series. And then >> I'm going through this series. And then >> I'm going through this series. And then we'll do a recap episode at the end, but we'll do a recap episode at the end, but we'll do a recap episode at the end, but I'm just as we've been as we're coming I'm just as we've been as we're coming I'm just as we've been as we're coming near the end of our time navigating the near the end of our time navigating the near the end of our time navigating the Bible through each book it's this Bible through each book it's this Bible through each book it's this opportunity to say, "Wow, there's a lot opportunity to say, "Wow, there's a lot opportunity to say, "Wow, there's a lot of connected pieces here, and that's for of connected pieces here, and that's for of connected pieces here, and that's for a reason. That's because a reason. That's because a reason. That's because God is offering this picture. It's this God is offering this picture. It's this God is offering this picture. It's this revelation of himself through Christ and revelation of himself through Christ and revelation of himself through Christ and his call to us." So, his call to us." So, his call to us." So, it that was just what stood out to me as it that was just what stood out to me as it that was just what stood out to me as you were talking about what this book uh you were talking about what this book uh you were talking about what this book uh teaches about God. It teaches a lot, and teaches about God. It teaches a lot, and teaches about God. It teaches a lot, and it and points back to all these other it and points back to all these other it and points back to all these other little things, too. little things, too. little things, too. >> Yeah. I agree. >> Yeah. I agree. >> Yeah. I agree. >> Good stuff. What do these letters teach >> Good stuff. What do these letters teach >> Good stuff. What do these letters teach us about ourselves, about people? us about ourselves, about people? us about ourselves, about people? >> Um >> Um >> Um I think for me, the thing that I have I think for me, the thing that I have I think for me, the thing that I have come have to have to face because of come have to have to face because of come have to have to face because of what he teaches is number one, how what he teaches is number one, how what he teaches is number one, how selfish we are.

selfish we are. selfish we are. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Uh and as result, how unloving we are. >> Uh and as result, how unloving we are. >> Uh and as result, how unloving we are. Uh Uh Uh and um uh and um uh and um uh and and and uh because we're so self-protective. uh because we're so self-protective. uh because we're so self-protective. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh and if I was to really be able to let >> Uh and if I was to really be able to let >> Uh and if I was to really be able to let go the way he wants, I think my go the way he wants, I think my go the way he wants, I think my lifestyle would be quite different. lifestyle would be quite different. lifestyle would be quite different. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Uh and um uh >> Uh and um uh >> Uh and um uh you know, so so that's the thing that you know, so so that's the thing that you know, so so that's the thing that real really stands out. Uh but also, in real really stands out. Uh but also, in real really stands out. Uh but also, in terms of uh um terms of uh um terms of uh um I guess I would say, in terms of what I guess I would say, in terms of what I guess I would say, in terms of what this this this First John is telling us is that I also, First John is telling us is that I also, First John is telling us is that I also, what it tells me is I am a child of God, what it tells me is I am a child of God, what it tells me is I am a child of God, and it's a privileged position. and it's a privileged position. and it's a privileged position. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And I need to see myself that way. >> And I need to see myself that way. >> And I need to see myself that way. Uh and I need to see myself not as Uh and I need to see myself not as Uh and I need to see myself not as selfish, but as God's agent. selfish, but as God's agent. selfish, but as God's agent. As the person that God has put somewhere As the person that God has put somewhere As the person that God has put somewhere for someone else's benefit. for someone else's benefit. for someone else's benefit. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> I've seen that in my my career in >> I've seen that in my my career in >> I've seen that in my my career in teaching. One of the things that kept me teaching. One of the things that kept me teaching. One of the things that kept me going for 35 years was that every going for 35 years was that every going for 35 years was that every semester there would be one of these semester there would be one of these semester there would be one of these incidences where a student would walk up incidences where a student would walk up incidences where a student would walk up and say, "You didn't know this, but and say, "You didn't know this, but and say, "You didn't know this, but >> Mhm.

>> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> when you said this, I was hurting here >> when you said this, I was hurting here >> when you said this, I was hurting here and this is the answer I needed to hear. and this is the answer I needed to hear. and this is the answer I needed to hear. And so I see myself as as God's agent in And so I see myself as as God's agent in And so I see myself as as God's agent in people's lives people's lives people's lives to be able at that moment in time to be able at that moment in time to be able at that moment in time completely unaware of what I was doing completely unaware of what I was doing completely unaware of what I was doing but yet God was using me and that's but yet God was using me and that's but yet God was using me and that's always exciting and I think that's a always exciting and I think that's a always exciting and I think that's a part of what first John is really part of what first John is really part of what first John is really saying. We are those people and we need saying. We are those people and we need saying. We are those people and we need to see ourselves as his special children to see ourselves as his special children to see ourselves as his special children who can do his work. who can do his work. who can do his work. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. That identity piece That identity piece That identity piece is is is so incredibly important so incredibly important so incredibly important for the believer to for the believer to for the believer to adopt adopt adopt to understand to understand to understand as fully as humanly possible as fully as humanly possible as fully as humanly possible because it is so instrumental in who we because it is so instrumental in who we because it is so instrumental in who we are and then how we operate as you are and then how we operate as you are and then how we operate as you as you said it's a lot harder to be able as you said it's a lot harder to be able as you said it's a lot harder to be able to you know to speak to people's needs to you know to speak to people's needs to you know to speak to people's needs to meet people where they are to have to meet people where they are to have to meet people where they are to have that genuine empathy that genuine empathy that genuine empathy and compassion to be able to be as used and compassion to be able to be as used and compassion to be able to be as used by God in these ways if we're still by God in these ways if we're still by God in these ways if we're still wondering who are we who are we going to wondering who are we who are we going to wondering who are we who are we going to you know what not and what God is saying you know what not and what God is saying you know what not and what God is saying you are my child and and I'm going to you are my child and and I'm going to you are my child and and I'm going to use you in this way use you in this way use you in this way because of who you are because of who you are because of who you are and and again and and again and and again that partners really well with Ephesians that partners really well with Ephesians that partners really well with Ephesians a lot about identity in Christ. So it's

a lot about identity in Christ. So it's a lot about identity in Christ. So it's >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> it's >> it's >> it's it's it's it's it is it is beautiful and the fact that it is it is beautiful and the fact that it is it is beautiful and the fact that he keeps anchoring it in love in love in he keeps anchoring it in love in love in he keeps anchoring it in love in love in love is so important. love is so important. love is so important. What are I mean What are I mean What are I mean we got three little books for you to we got three little books for you to we got three little books for you to choose from here. What are choose from here. What are choose from here. What are you know what I'm going to frame it this you know what I'm going to frame it this you know what I'm going to frame it this way. Are there a couple of verses that way. Are there a couple of verses that way. Are there a couple of verses that for you for you for you throughout these letters have stood out throughout these letters have stood out throughout these letters have stood out as particularly impactful and as particularly impactful and as particularly impactful and meaningful. meaningful. meaningful. >> Uh yes, um >> Uh yes, um >> Uh yes, um for me probably the strongest one, it's for me probably the strongest one, it's for me probably the strongest one, it's actually not just a couple verses. actually not just a couple verses. actually not just a couple verses. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh in in chapter 1 and 2 >> Uh in in chapter 1 and 2 >> Uh in in chapter 1 and 2 they're around 1 John 1:9, confession of they're around 1 John 1:9, confession of they're around 1 John 1:9, confession of sin. That's been a a central verse of my sin. That's been a a central verse of my sin. That's been a a central verse of my life. life. life. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Um but actually it needs to be seen in >> Um but actually it needs to be seen in >> Um but actually it needs to be seen in the context of a chiasm. Uh a a the context of a chiasm. Uh a a the context of a chiasm. Uh a a chiasm is a literary device chiasm is a literary device chiasm is a literary device uh where you have what they call reverse uh where you have what they call reverse uh where you have what they call reverse parallelism. So you have a point A made parallelism. So you have a point A made parallelism. So you have a point A made which later on will be parallel to it, which later on will be parallel to it, which later on will be parallel to it, the final point will be a let's say an A the final point will be a let's say an A the final point will be a let's say an A prime. And then and then as you as you prime. And then and then as you as you prime. And then and then as you as you move in you get to a central point. And move in you get to a central point. And move in you get to a central point. And so you have these parallel ideas.

so you have these parallel ideas. so you have these parallel ideas. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And the center is the point being made. >> And the center is the point being made. >> And the center is the point being made. Well, John does this here in this first Well, John does this here in this first Well, John does this here in this first chapter and and in the beginning of the chapter and and in the beginning of the chapter and and in the beginning of the second chapter. 1:9 is the point. If we second chapter. 1:9 is the point. If we second chapter. 1:9 is the point. If we confess our sins, it's interesting he confess our sins, it's interesting he confess our sins, it's interesting he uses the plural. If we confess the sins uses the plural. If we confess the sins uses the plural. If we confess the sins we know, he's faithful and just to we know, he's faithful and just to we know, he's faithful and just to forgive us of those sins and to cleanse forgive us of those sins and to cleanse forgive us of those sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness. us of all unrighteousness. us of all unrighteousness. Verses 8 and 10 on each side of it is Verses 8 and 10 on each side of it is Verses 8 and 10 on each side of it is the next layer. the next layer. the next layer. And that says if I deny that I have And that says if I deny that I have And that says if I deny that I have sinned or that I have sinned, I'm sinned or that I have sinned, I'm sinned or that I have sinned, I'm deceiving myself and calling God a liar. deceiving myself and calling God a liar. deceiving myself and calling God a liar. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Then when you move the next layer back >> Then when you move the next layer back >> Then when you move the next layer back uh which would be uh verse 7 uh which would be uh verse 7 uh which would be uh verse 7 uh on 1:7 and then 2:1 and 2 uh on 1:7 and then 2:1 and 2 uh on 1:7 and then 2:1 and 2 uh Jesus takes care of my sins. In 1:7 uh Jesus takes care of my sins. In 1:7 uh Jesus takes care of my sins. In 1:7 his his blood cleanses us from all his his blood cleanses us from all his his blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness when we're walking in unrighteousness when we're walking in unrighteousness when we're walking in the light. the light. the light. And 2:1 and 2 he's the propitiation for And 2:1 and 2 he's the propitiation for And 2:1 and 2 he's the propitiation for our sins.

our sins. our sins. So it's Jesus' work that makes me able So it's Jesus' work that makes me able So it's Jesus' work that makes me able to confess my sin and experience this to confess my sin and experience this to confess my sin and experience this cleansing as long as I don't deny that I cleansing as long as I don't deny that I cleansing as long as I don't deny that I have it. have it. have it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And then when you move the next layer >> And then when you move the next layer >> And then when you move the next layer out, you have one, five, and six, which out, you have one, five, and six, which out, you have one, five, and six, which says God is absolutely morally pure, and says God is absolutely morally pure, and says God is absolutely morally pure, and if we're going to have fellowship with if we're going to have fellowship with if we're going to have fellowship with him, we have to be morally pure. him, we have to be morally pure. him, we have to be morally pure. And then in two, three, and four, even And then in two, three, and four, even And then in two, three, and four, even down to six, it says that if, you know, down to six, it says that if, you know, down to six, it says that if, you know, if if we're having a relationship with if if we're having a relationship with if if we're having a relationship with him, him, him, uh we're being honest about the fact uh we're being honest about the fact uh we're being honest about the fact that that that we, you know, that that that that he is we, you know, that that that that he is we, you know, that that that that he is pure. So, so the whole point of this pure. So, so the whole point of this pure. So, so the whole point of this passage is I can have absolute passage is I can have absolute passage is I can have absolute confidence that when I confess the sins confidence that when I confess the sins confidence that when I confess the sins I know about, there's not some secret I know about, there's not some secret I know about, there's not some secret sin there that I missed. sin there that I missed. sin there that I missed. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh and um and that I can then now know >> Uh and um and that I can then now know >> Uh and um and that I can then now know that I'm clean before God. And so, a that I'm clean before God. And so, a that I'm clean before God. And so, a very powerful passage, but 1:9 is is is very powerful passage, but 1:9 is is is very powerful passage, but 1:9 is is is for me for me for me a critical one. a critical one. a critical one. >> No, I really love how you how you unpack >> No, I really love how you how you unpack >> No, I really love how you how you unpack that uh part for us. And that uh part for us. And that uh part for us. And confession is one of those uh areas that confession is one of those uh areas that confession is one of those uh areas that even as Christian, we continue to find even as Christian, we continue to find even as Christian, we continue to find ourselves uncomfortable.

ourselves uncomfortable. ourselves uncomfortable. We continue to feel like, you know, to We continue to feel like, you know, to We continue to feel like, you know, to try to skirt around it or not spend as try to skirt around it or not spend as try to skirt around it or not spend as much time. And my friend J. Ryan Gaudin much time. And my friend J. Ryan Gaudin much time. And my friend J. Ryan Gaudin has a recent book out called Pastoral has a recent book out called Pastoral has a recent book out called Pastoral Confessions that's kind of reiterating Confessions that's kind of reiterating Confessions that's kind of reiterating this call into into this. Because and this call into into this. Because and this call into into this. Because and and again, it goes back to that and again, it goes back to that and again, it goes back to that identity. If we feel genuinely confident identity. If we feel genuinely confident identity. If we feel genuinely confident and genuinely uh abiding in our identity and genuinely uh abiding in our identity and genuinely uh abiding in our identity in Christ and what that means, then in Christ and what that means, then in Christ and what that means, then confession should be confession should be confession should be just uh a desire because we should want just uh a desire because we should want just uh a desire because we should want to continue to find, you know, to to continue to find, you know, to to continue to find, you know, to cleanse ourselves through that cleanse ourselves through that cleanse ourselves through that confession and forgiveness. And knowing confession and forgiveness. And knowing confession and forgiveness. And knowing that it's it's there and it's it's that it's it's there and it's it's that it's it's there and it's it's daily. It's it's it's hourly, it's daily. It's it's it's hourly, it's daily. It's it's it's hourly, it's minutely, is that we can continuously minutely, is that we can continuously minutely, is that we can continuously um lapse ourselves in that um lapse ourselves in that um lapse ourselves in that in that mercy and grace and forgiveness in that mercy and grace and forgiveness in that mercy and grace and forgiveness through confession. through confession. through confession. Um Um Um But again, I understand human nature. But again, I understand human nature. But again, I understand human nature. It's tough. It's tough. It's tough. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Another Another Another single verse that's uh for me the most single verse that's uh for me the most single verse that's uh for me the most frightening verse in 1 John.

frightening verse in 1 John. frightening verse in 1 John. It should terrify everyone who reads it. It should terrify everyone who reads it. It should terrify everyone who reads it. And that is uh chapter 2 verse 28. And that is uh chapter 2 verse 28. And that is uh chapter 2 verse 28. Where he says, "Little children, abide Where he says, "Little children, abide Where he says, "Little children, abide in him that when he appears in him that when he appears in him that when he appears we may have confidence and not be we may have confidence and not be we may have confidence and not be ashamed at his coming." ashamed at his coming." ashamed at his coming." Uh Uh Uh and everyone who has this hope, then and everyone who has this hope, then and everyone who has this hope, then verse 3, he says, "Everyone who has this verse 3, he says, "Everyone who has this verse 3, he says, "Everyone who has this hope purifies himself as he is pure." hope purifies himself as he is pure." hope purifies himself as he is pure." Um Um Um the scary part of this verse is that it the scary part of this verse is that it the scary part of this verse is that it says that for some Christians, when says that for some Christians, when says that for some Christians, when Jesus appears, the first time they stand Jesus appears, the first time they stand Jesus appears, the first time they stand before Jesus, they're going to be before Jesus, they're going to be before Jesus, they're going to be humiliated because they didn't live for humiliated because they didn't live for humiliated because they didn't live for him. him. him. They didn't confess their sin. They didn't confess their sin. They didn't confess their sin. Uh they have not pursued his moral Uh they have not pursued his moral Uh they have not pursued his moral purity. Now, it has a an element of hope purity. Now, it has a an element of hope purity. Now, it has a an element of hope in it, too. in it, too. in it, too. Uh and this is what drives me with this Uh and this is what drives me with this Uh and this is what drives me with this verse. verse. verse. Is that Is that Is that if that my goal in life is to be pure if that my goal in life is to be pure if that my goal in life is to be pure like Jesus, and I'm pursuing his like Jesus, and I'm pursuing his like Jesus, and I'm pursuing his character, then to come into his character, then to come into his character, then to come into his presence is to become like him. Because presence is to become like him. Because presence is to become like him. Because that's what it says. At that moment in that's what it says. At that moment in that's what it says. At that moment in time, I'll become morally like Jesus time, I'll become morally like Jesus time, I'll become morally like Jesus with his values. And I will have have with his values. And I will have have with his values. And I will have have achieved my goal in life. I will be achieved my goal in life. I will be achieved my goal in life. I will be thrilled.

thrilled. thrilled. But if I'm just living for myself But if I'm just living for myself But if I'm just living for myself and I don't care about these things, and and I don't care about these things, and and I don't care about these things, and I'm suddenly in Jesus' presence, I'm I'm suddenly in Jesus' presence, I'm I'm suddenly in Jesus' presence, I'm going to become just like him. Yeah. But going to become just like him. Yeah. But going to become just like him. Yeah. But now I'm going to look back on my life now I'm going to look back on my life now I'm going to look back on my life and see that I wasted the whole time. and see that I wasted the whole time. and see that I wasted the whole time. And I will be ashamed of myself before And I will be ashamed of myself before And I will be ashamed of myself before him rather than thrilled to see him. So, him rather than thrilled to see him. So, him rather than thrilled to see him. So, a very scary but powerful verse. a very scary but powerful verse. a very scary but powerful verse. Uh first And then the other one that was Uh first And then the other one that was Uh first And then the other one that was Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Big for me it is the one Big for me it is the one Big for me it is the one in chapter five about our confidence in in chapter five about our confidence in in chapter five about our confidence in our salvation. You know, those are the our salvation. You know, those are the our salvation. You know, those are the three biggies in in first John. three biggies in in first John. three biggies in in first John. >> And the three of those put together >> And the three of those put together >> And the three of those put together paint a really important picture of what paint a really important picture of what paint a really important picture of what John is talking of of his of his key John is talking of of his of his key John is talking of of his of his key themes that themes that themes that as we've talked about for sure. as we've talked about for sure. as we've talked about for sure. Um is there I I you kind of hit on on Um is there I I you kind of hit on on Um is there I I you kind of hit on on this this this maybe that verse would have been your maybe that verse would have been your maybe that verse would have been your answer but if you have a different one answer but if you have a different one answer but if you have a different one we talk about anything that's sticky we talk about anything that's sticky we talk about anything that's sticky what I call anything that's confusing what I call anything that's confusing what I call anything that's confusing troublesome hard to work through that a troublesome hard to work through that a troublesome hard to work through that a new reader you might need to warn just new reader you might need to warn just new reader you might need to warn just say hey you're going to read this and say hey you're going to read this and say hey you're going to read this and you know maybe a little hard.

you know maybe a little hard. you know maybe a little hard. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Oh yeah, there are there are several in >> Oh yeah, there are there are several in >> Oh yeah, there are there are several in fact fact fact it's not that one. Probably the the it's not that one. Probably the the it's not that one. Probably the the worst ones worst ones worst ones is chapter three verses six and nine. is chapter three verses six and nine. is chapter three verses six and nine. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Uh and the reason is is in fact if if >> Uh and the reason is is in fact if if >> Uh and the reason is is in fact if if you read commentaries on first John you read commentaries on first John you read commentaries on first John uh and they're averaging one page per uh and they're averaging one page per uh and they're averaging one page per verse when they get to these two verses verse when they get to these two verses verse when they get to these two verses they'll write 10 pages they'll write 10 pages they'll write 10 pages >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> and still not come up with an answer >> and still not come up with an answer >> and still not come up with an answer uh because you know what it says is is uh because you know what it says is is uh because you know what it says is is that um that um that um uh you know the the opposites that uh you know the the opposites that uh you know the the opposites that they're without sin. they're without sin. they're without sin. And they sound you know And they sound you know And they sound you know that that that the seed doesn't sin. that that that the seed doesn't sin. that that that the seed doesn't sin. And you go just a minute but he just And you go just a minute but he just And you go just a minute but he just said in chapter one that if we deny that said in chapter one that if we deny that said in chapter one that if we deny that we have sin or that we have sinned we have sin or that we have sinned we have sin or that we have sinned what's going on here? Well, he's using what's going on here? Well, he's using what's going on here? Well, he's using the answer for for readers especially the answer for for readers especially the answer for for readers especially for chapter three is to recognize the for chapter three is to recognize the for chapter three is to recognize the thing they call Johannine dualism.

thing they call Johannine dualism. thing they call Johannine dualism. And what that is is he gives you And what that is is he gives you And what that is is he gives you opposites opposites opposites and then you have to struggle with them. and then you have to struggle with them. and then you have to struggle with them. And the opposites are neither's really And the opposites are neither's really And the opposites are neither's really possible possible possible in that sense. in that sense. in that sense. Uh and so it's impossible for us to be Uh and so it's impossible for us to be Uh and so it's impossible for us to be sinless. sinless. sinless. See, He knows that. But he brings these See, He knows that. But he brings these See, He knows that. But he brings these up to make us struggle with that issue. up to make us struggle with that issue. up to make us struggle with that issue. And in fact, in chapter 3, you have And in fact, in chapter 3, you have And in fact, in chapter 3, you have a couple of dualisms. One is uh that uh a couple of dualisms. One is uh that uh a couple of dualisms. One is uh that uh you either love or you murder you either love or you murder you either love or you murder your Christian brother. your Christian brother. your Christian brother. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Uh not love and hate. >> Uh not love and hate. >> Uh not love and hate. That's what you would expect. That's what you would expect. That's what you would expect. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh but he he it changes it to murder and >> Uh but he he it changes it to murder and >> Uh but he he it changes it to murder and then he tells you that what murder is is then he tells you that what murder is is then he tells you that what murder is is doing nothing. You don't actually kill doing nothing. You don't actually kill doing nothing. You don't actually kill them. You just A Christian has a need. them. You just A Christian has a need. them. You just A Christian has a need. Remember you're God's agent Remember you're God's agent Remember you're God's agent to show God's love and instead of doing to show God's love and instead of doing to show God's love and instead of doing that, you say be warm and be filled. You that, you say be warm and be filled. You that, you say be warm and be filled. You just send them away. just send them away. just send them away. Uh you you do nothing. So, doing nothing Uh you you do nothing. So, doing nothing Uh you you do nothing. So, doing nothing in in chapter 3 is equivalent to in in chapter 3 is equivalent to in in chapter 3 is equivalent to murdering someone.

murdering someone. murdering someone. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Uh and And then there in chapter 3, he >> Uh and And then there in chapter 3, he >> Uh and And then there in chapter 3, he he hits us with a very strange verse he hits us with a very strange verse he hits us with a very strange verse where he says where he says where he says that uh the person who murders his that uh the person who murders his that uh the person who murders his Christian brother doesn't have eternal Christian brother doesn't have eternal Christian brother doesn't have eternal life abiding in him. life abiding in him. life abiding in him. Now, some interpreters say not saved. Now, some interpreters say not saved. Now, some interpreters say not saved. Uh but the problem is it's his Christian Uh but the problem is it's his Christian Uh but the problem is it's his Christian brother. So, he's got to be a Christian brother. So, he's got to be a Christian brother. So, he's got to be a Christian to be able to do that. to be able to do that. to be able to do that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, what does it mean then? Well, you go >> So, what does it mean then? Well, you go >> So, what does it mean then? Well, you go back to the introduction and eternal back to the introduction and eternal back to the introduction and eternal life is a person. life is a person. life is a person. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> And what he's really saying is when I am >> And what he's really saying is when I am >> And what he's really saying is when I am unloving towards other Christians, unloving towards other Christians, unloving towards other Christians, Jesus, who is eternal life incarnate, is Jesus, who is eternal life incarnate, is Jesus, who is eternal life incarnate, is not abiding in me in the sense that he's not abiding in me in the sense that he's not abiding in me in the sense that he's not influencing me. I am not reflecting not influencing me. I am not reflecting not influencing me. I am not reflecting the heart of Jesus when I do nothing. the heart of Jesus when I do nothing. the heart of Jesus when I do nothing. Uh and so, again, this is one of those Uh and so, again, this is one of those Uh and so, again, this is one of those things where the verse by itself, you things where the verse by itself, you things where the verse by itself, you can't get that. You have to see it in can't get that. You have to see it in can't get that. You have to see it in the whole the whole the whole the the whole epistle and see the thrust the the whole epistle and see the thrust the the whole epistle and see the thrust of where John is going.

of where John is going. of where John is going. Uh but but but chapter 3 has several of Uh but but but chapter 3 has several of Uh but but but chapter 3 has several of these, you know, you're either son of these, you know, you're either son of these, you know, you're either son of the God or you're son of the devil. the God or you're son of the devil. the God or you're son of the devil. >> The dualism. >> The dualism. >> The dualism. >> Well, no. >> Well, no. >> Well, no. Uh but, you know, so if you do Uh but, you know, so if you do Uh but, you know, so if you do righteousness, you're son of God. If you righteousness, you're son of God. If you righteousness, you're son of God. If you do the unrighteous, you're you're son of do the unrighteous, you're you're son of do the unrighteous, you're you're son of Again, these are intentional opposites Again, these are intentional opposites Again, these are intentional opposites intended to create tension. intended to create tension. intended to create tension. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh, now what John does do is this. At a >> Uh, now what John does do is this. At a >> Uh, now what John does do is this. At a couple of three key points, he stops to couple of three key points, he stops to couple of three key points, he stops to reassure his readers that they are reassure his readers that they are reassure his readers that they are saved. saved. saved. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And when they stop and that start start >> And when they stop and that start start >> And when they stop and that start start to question their something, he says, to question their something, he says, to question their something, he says, "No, no, no, no. I'm not talking about "No, no, no, no. I'm not talking about "No, no, no, no. I'm not talking about you. I'm talking about these false you. I'm talking about these false you. I'm talking about these false teachers. But you're saved." teachers. But you're saved." teachers. But you're saved." Uh, Uh, Uh, but you you know, that that is but you you know, that that is but you you know, that that is intentional on his part intentional on his part intentional on his part >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> to make it a challenge and again to >> to make it a challenge and again to >> to make it a challenge and again to force us to stop and think and ask the force us to stop and think and ask the force us to stop and think and ask the question, "What am I doing? question, "What am I doing? question, "What am I doing? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> How do I treat people?" >> How do I treat people?" >> How do I treat people?" >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Those kinds of >> Those kinds of >> Those kinds of >> Yeah. And >> Yeah. And >> Yeah. And and to tie that together in with Second and to tie that together in with Second and to tie that together in with Second John and and Third John for sure that John and and Third John for sure that John and and Third John for sure that also kind of invite those also kind of invite those also kind of invite those invite that conversation. I'm so glad invite that conversation. I'm so glad invite that conversation. I'm so glad that you pointed to those because you're that you pointed to those because you're that you pointed to those because you're right. I have I have seen and heard many right. I have I have seen and heard many right. I have I have seen and heard many people struggle with those uh verses people struggle with those uh verses people struggle with those uh verses before, so incredibly helpful to be before, so incredibly helpful to be before, so incredibly helpful to be reminded A, of looking at the whole reminded A, of looking at the whole reminded A, of looking at the whole picture and don't just take the baby picture and don't just take the baby picture and don't just take the baby with the ba out of the bathwater. You with the ba out of the bathwater. You with the ba out of the bathwater. You got to say, "Hey, we got the whole thing got to say, "Hey, we got the whole thing got to say, "Hey, we got the whole thing going." But also to understand this idea going." But also to understand this idea going." But also to understand this idea of this of this of this uh Johannine dualism that he likes to, uh Johannine dualism that he likes to, uh Johannine dualism that he likes to, you know, employ in his writing. Um, you know, employ in his writing. Um, you know, employ in his writing. Um, >> And and by the way, he learned that from

>> And and by the way, he learned that from >> And and by the way, he learned that from Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. >> Yeah. Oh, very clear. Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. Oh, very clear. Yeah. [laughter] >> Yeah. Oh, very clear. Yeah. [laughter] >> Jesus loved to use double meanings. >> Jesus loved to use double meanings. >> Jesus loved to use double meanings. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Uh, and then work out both sets. And >> Uh, and then work out both sets. And >> Uh, and then work out both sets. And John does that several places. John does that several places. John does that several places. >> And Jesus says, "I see where you got >> And Jesus says, "I see where you got >> And Jesus says, "I see where you got that from." that from." that from." >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> You took that from me. >> You took that from me. >> You took that from me. Um, thank you uh so much for your time. Um, thank you uh so much for your time. Um, thank you uh so much for your time. As we start to wrap up today, I want to As we start to wrap up today, I want to As we start to wrap up today, I want to uh uh uh finish by asking, "What do you want to finish by asking, "What do you want to finish by asking, "What do you want to leave our listeners now thinking about leave our listeners now thinking about leave our listeners now thinking about these letters?" these letters?" these letters?" >> Um, I I think uh >> Um, I I think uh >> Um, I I think uh these letters need to be reread and these letters need to be reread and these letters need to be reread and meditated on, digested. meditated on, digested. meditated on, digested. Uh you'll not understand them with a Uh you'll not understand them with a Uh you'll not understand them with a cursory reading or even a single full cursory reading or even a single full cursory reading or even a single full study. study. study. Uh I've been studying them for 35 years Uh I've been studying them for 35 years Uh I've been studying them for 35 years and I'm still learning things. It's and I'm still learning things. It's and I'm still learning things. It's still certain things are finally still certain things are finally still certain things are finally connecting and I'm going, "Boy, that was connecting and I'm going, "Boy, that was connecting and I'm going, "Boy, that was so obvious. Why haven't I seen it for so obvious. Why haven't I seen it for so obvious. Why haven't I seen it for all these years?" [laughter] all these years?" [laughter] all these years?" [laughter] Uh but it takes time for some of these Uh but it takes time for some of these Uh but it takes time for some of these connections to be made. connections to be made. connections to be made. Uh and so this is a book to be digested, Uh and so this is a book to be digested, Uh and so this is a book to be digested, not just not just memorized or studied, not just not just memorized or studied, not just not just memorized or studied, but digested and just let it infuse your but digested and just let it infuse your but digested and just let it infuse your life and just keep thinking about it.

life and just keep thinking about it. life and just keep thinking about it. That's That's how I would read. That's That's how I would read. That's That's how I would read. >> Gary, thank you so much for being our >> Gary, thank you so much for being our >> Gary, thank you so much for being our guide through these letters today. I I guide through these letters today. I I guide through these letters today. I I deeply appreciate it. Would you mind deeply appreciate it. Would you mind deeply appreciate it. Would you mind closing us in prayer? closing us in prayer? closing us in prayer? >> Uh be glad to. >> Uh be glad to. >> Uh be glad to. Our Lord, we come to you and we begin by Our Lord, we come to you and we begin by Our Lord, we come to you and we begin by thanking you for making us [music] your thanking you for making us [music] your thanking you for making us [music] your children. What a unbelievable thing that children. What a unbelievable thing that children. What a unbelievable thing that is. is. is. But also for sending your son to be the But also for sending your son to be the But also for sending your son to be the propitiation for [music] our sins and propitiation for [music] our sins and propitiation for [music] our sins and not for ours only, but for the whole not for ours only, but for the whole not for ours only, but for the whole world. world. world. And that through him we can walk in your And that through him we can walk in your And that through him we can walk in your light. light. light. Uh but I [music] pray that you will help Uh but I [music] pray that you will help Uh but I [music] pray that you will help us us us not only to understand to live it out. not only to understand to live it out. not only to understand to live it out. Uh and to be your [music] agents of love Uh and to be your [music] agents of love Uh and to be your [music] agents of love in a a dark and dying world so that in a a dark and dying world so that in a a dark and dying world so that people can see Jesus through us. people can see Jesus through us. people can see Jesus through us. Uh thank you for giving us this word. Uh thank you for giving us this word. Uh thank you for giving us this word. [music] Thank you for inspiring John to [music] Thank you for inspiring John to [music] Thank you for inspiring John to write these things write these things write these things and how applicable they are today and how applicable they are today and how applicable they are today [music] as they were then. [music] as they were then. [music] as they were then. Uh and how important they are. Uh and how important they are. Uh and how important they are. Uh thank you for revealing your heart Uh thank you for revealing your heart Uh thank you for revealing your heart [music] to us and we love you. And it's [music] to us and we love you. And it's [music] to us and we love you. And it's in your son's name we pray. Amen.