Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Samuel 5-7; 1 John 2
Devotional Thought:
Isn’t it so encouraging to know that we do not have to live in bondage to our flesh? We can live a victorious Christian life. We can live life, conquering our sinful temptations! This chapter starts off by reminding us of our standing before the Lord. We stand perfect and complete before the Lord, not because of ourselves, but because of the blood of Jesus Christ that was applied to our account at our salvation. We stand before God, ready for heaven, because of the perfection and righteousness of Christ. Furthermore, our Savior stands before our Heavenly Father as our lawyer. When we sin, our Savior reminds God that He willingly and completely has paid for that sin and we stand perfect and righteous in His sight. There are three motivations for why we obey: (1) because we have to, (2) because we need to, and (3) because we want to. The immature child obeys because he has to obey. If he disobeys, he knows he will be punished. The employee many times obeys because he needs to obey. He may not enjoy his work, but he obeys because he needs his paycheck. However, the mature Christian obeys because he wants to obey. He desires to demonstrate his love for the One who has given him so much. He desires to show his gratitude for the sacrifice and love demonstrated toward him. He wants to please the One who has taken his punishment and given him life, eternal life. Obedience that is motivated by a “want to” attitude brings maturity in the life of the believer. “But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” (vs. 5) John reminds the believer about the need to love and not hate. There should be a genuine sweetness about the child of God because of what has been given to him. He stands in awe of the grace that Christ has shown by saving him and defending him. Therefore, to hate our brother does not give evidence of understanding the grace and mercy that has been shown to him. We must walk in the light because of who God is, what His word reveals, and because of what He has done. As we walk in the light we have fellowship with him that helps us to not ‘love the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (vs. 15) But if we will walk in fellowship with Christ, we will have victory over the flesh, the world, and the devil. Oh how we need to walk in the Light and in fellowship with our Savior. Will you strive to walk with Him today?
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me enjoy the fellowship you have made possible through my salvation.
• Lord, please help me to walk in the light of your word, and to want to obey everything you have commanded. Please help me to find fulfillment and joy in wanting to obey your every command.
• Lord, thank you for the victory over my flesh if I walk in fellowship in you.