Scripture: “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” – 1 John 4:16
Examination: John writes about God’s character in this chapter. He starts by telling the believers to use discernment regarding those who teach about the Lord. He cautions the Christians that there are many false teachers, so they must be diligent. Additionally, John writes that it is God’s indwelling Spirit in one’s life that allows believers to show love to others because the love is from the Lord. We will naturally radiate God’s love when we belong to Him.
Application: Today is National Polar Bear day. These huge bears live in the Arctic and spend a great deal of time in the water. Their thick white fur is water repellent and covers black skin that helps absorb and retain heat. I was very surprised to learn the actual color of the polar bear’s skin as I had believed it to be a pinkish-white color!
This reminded me of sin. It rarely looks as destructive and deadly as it really is. James 1:14-15 explains, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed, then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” Satan uses every trick possible to lure us into sin, but it is always deceptively presented. Why? Because if the temptation to sin is disguised, we stumbled more easily into the entrapment of sin, and that can destroy our relationship with God. 1 Peter 5:8 compares Satan to a dangerous predator. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
Choosing sin creates a barrier between us and God. Isaiah 59:2 warns, “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Satan never reveals the consequences when he tempts us to sin. His lies cause us to rationalize and choose the disguised evil, thus alienating us from our Lord.
On the other hand, God’s love for us is completely transparent. He doesn’t hide who He is or what it means to follow Him. 2 Timothy 3:12 states, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” However, Jesus has also promised us a victorious life on earth and a glorious eternal life with Him in heaven when we choose to follow Him. John 16:33 records Jesus’ words, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
In James 1:12, we are assured, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” Following Christ is not an easy carefree life; we will have challenges and struggles, but with His power, we can have victory. 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
When Jesus faced struggles in His earthly life, He prayed. When He was tempted by Satan, He quoted Scripture each time. When we do as Jesus did, we can be assured that God will hear us and deliver us from evil… every time.
After all, His love is an open book… and that book is the Bible.
Memory Verse: “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;” – Titus 1:2
Our God is truth, most faithful is His Word;
Beyond thy strength He’ll suffer no temptation;
In all thy need He’ll aid to thee afford;
A Father’s love may be thy consolation;
O hear His voice in such kind accents cheer!
Why shouldst thou fear?
Then hope in God, on Him cast all thy care,
Thy Father ne’er will leave His child in danger;
He knows thy case, O why shouldst thou despair?
To all thy grief thy Savior is no stranger;
He hears thy sigh; to Him tell thy complaint;
Why shouldst thou faint?
(from “Our God is Truth, Most Faithful is His Word” by Johann Daniel Herrnschmidt)