TEXTS AND APPLICATION: The Christian life is not nearly as difficult to figure out as some people think. The letter of 1 John, for example, calls believers to three characteristics that should mark every Christian life: right doctrine, obedient living, and passionate love for God. Specifically, John called believers to live this way because he knew Jesus could return any day.
The New Testament is clear that Jesus is going to return in bodily form, and we are to be ready for that return any day. John called us to believe, live, and love in such a way that we are ever ready to stand before Him:
1 John 2:28 So now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears we may have boldness and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
1 John 4:17 In this, love is perfected with us so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, for we are as He is in this world.
We can, in fact, live this way because Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). Now, He who lives in us is greater than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). We who follow Jesus can have victory over the evil one (1 John 2:13-14).
We do not have to live in defeat since Jesus abides in us. And, it’s really this simple: faithful living that marks the true believer–faithful living that's possible only because He lives in us–also prepares us to meet Him.
What about you? If you were to stand before God today in judgment, would you stand there boldly and unashamed? Would you be found walking confidently in Him?
ACTION STEPS: The early church lived under the urgency of the impending return of Jesus. Today, we are obviously much closer to His coming. Live today in faithfulness, knowing that Jesus could come back today. If you don't have a personal relationship with Him, I plead with you to turn from your wrong and ask Jesus to forgive and save you.
PRAYER: “Father, do whatever You must in my life so I might stand confidently before You in judgment today if that’s Your call.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 John 1; 3 John 1