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Behold, what manner of love the Father hath eido; take action and look , note

bestowed upon us, that we didomi; give freely

should be called the kaleo; called, to be named

sons of God: therefore the world teknon; child, offspring: not son

knoweth us not, because it knew him not. ginosko; to take in knowledge, recognise

As no verse can make a doctrine this is one can not be taken on its own either. In fact the scripture is so clear itself when it reads " .Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. "2Pet.1:20, which simply means that it is impossible to make a doctrine out of one verse. This being so let us study this verse and its context.

It is saying "look and take note; note the fact that the Father has determined to do good for us in that we are adopted into His family and He made us His children. The word here is not sons. Above all note the phrase "should be called" which under no circumstances has the meaning of possibility. His love has been bestowed upon us, and we are children of our heavenly Father.

The verse paraphrased is, "Take note of the kind of love the Father have given us which is seen in the fact that He has made us His children." (see next verse).

This is followed by the word "therefore" which can be translated equally well by "for this reason" or "because of this". The sense of the next phrase means "because we are His children", we can not be understood by the unsaved. There are no if, buts, or maybes here because the natural man receiveth not the things of God.

The next phrase says; "because it knew Him not.". This identifies the child of God with the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.. The word for know is ginosko, which means to take in knowledge or learn, and in this case they just could not understand either God or His attitude. It can truly be said as we share His nature we are misunderstood, as well as being disliked by the unsaved.

Surely we should get the message in our practical lives. Should we be accepted by the world, as so many believers are, we have lost all resemblance of the character, and holiness of the Lord. "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." Mt.5:13.

Have we gained popularity in the place in which we live? If you have then you are not exhibiting the character of your heavenly Father, or His Son. These two verses make that quite plain and we have seen in chapter 2. "Love not 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." 1Jo.2:15. The more we love the world the less we exhibit the character of our Father, and the more popular we may become.

If one applies salt to a wound it stings, and it cleanses. The more we exhibit the Lord the more it stings the unsaved, and offends them. The christian has a choice. Choose the world and be chastised by the Father and suffer loss, or choose the Lord, and be chastised by the world, and gain the Father’s approval, and reward. . Be like Joshua!"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD". Jos.24:15 Why does the christian act like salt when in fellowship with the Lord? He does because his witness convicts the unsaved by the fact that their sin is shown up, "Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you." :1Pet.4:4. This is just one example of how the salt works.

The old human nature is so bad that the two following verses describe it’s attitude to the Lord "They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away." Ps 69:4, and on the cross He said, "But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause." John.15:25

it doth not yet appear what we shall be: phaneroo; manifest, reveal one in true character,

The opening word "beloved" expresses the fellowship that should exist between believers. We are the children of the One Father, we have received the one nature, and a spiritual walk is called for: "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1John.1:7. Hence the apostle expresses close affection for his fellow family members.

In this verse the "now" should be emphasised in that it clearly states that the believer is right now the child of God. Not a child of God sometime in the future but one right now, at the time of believing. In the first two verses of this chapter this truth is emphasised, and rightly so. Rightly so because it emphasises the infinite grace of God, not only to His child, but also to the whole of mankind, and all creation. His infinite grace is seen in the fact that He holds up His Son, and His work as the redeemer of mankind from Satanic slavery at infinite cost to Himself. All is infinite grace.

but we know that, when he shall appear, oida; know, fullness of knowledge

we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." homois; resemble, like nature

If ever there was a truth emphasised in the scriptures this is one of them. The Lord is coming back for His purchased possession. Once again it has nothing to do with us whatsoever. He shed His precious life’s blood as the cost of our redemption. On this basis alone, without many other reasons for Him coming back for us, it is sufficient evidence that He will take us to be with Himself. He owns us, He bought us! Now let us be encouraged by the following verses:

1Thes.4:16-17.

In addition the Lord’s own words are: "

We are told in other scriptures, "wherefore comfort one another with these words." What absolute certainty!

Now the last part of our verse with the same assurance tells us that when He is manifested we will be also. What do we get out of that? An eternal association with the One who loved us and gave Himself for us. That we should be like Him is not the real purpose of this incredible act. It glorifies God, and the redeemed christian throughout all eternity praises God.

The manifestation that we shall be like Him does not stop there. High in the eternal heavens is placed the believer, a member of the body of Christ, and by being in that position it glorifies God. All is grace, infinite grace, and we receive it in Him. We are indeed an exhibition of God’s grace! What we have to remember is that this verse is talking about His manifestation to the world, whereas the "rapture" is hidden from the world. We "shall be caught up together with them in the cloud, to meet the Lord in the air". The incredible thing is that when the Lord is manifested, "revealed" to the world so are we, and we are with Him. As we have noted above we appear with Him to His glory. We are absolute evidence of His faithfulness, and holiness. He is the King of Kings!

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And every man that hath this hope in him elipsis; favourable, confident expectation

purifieth himself, even as he is pure hagnizo; cleanse from defilement

There is a certain complete confident assurance that He will come again for us. This is one of the functions of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. Another is that we should be, "transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Rom.12:2B. The new life within us, in the power of the Holy Spirit, works to transform us from how we were in the old nature to acting in the new nature so that we progressively become more like the Lord day by day.

What is that hope? it is Christ Himself. He is our hope in as much as He is the One we must be occupied with. Occupied with His sacrifice to redeem us, His Word to enlighten us, and His coming for us is that which should motivate us, and above all to transform us day by day to His image. This should prevent us from exhibiting the old nature. There is nothing good in it, and there is nothing in the world which can help us. It is the Lord, and He alone. Obey His commandments and, "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Jude.1:21.

We next look at the phrase, "even as He is pure", and we are looking at the man Christ Jesus not so much at God manifest in the flesh. It was as man that He took our place. A man without any blemish whatsoever. There may be some who ask how can that be when all the descendants of Adam are born in sin. The answer is very simple "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." Rom.5:12

Carefully note that in the verse above we are talking about sin not "sins" which is the resultant action of the sin principle "sin". In this twelfth verse we find that Adam was solely responsible for the propagation of a human race with a nature of "sin". The sin nature of mankind is not passed on to them by Eve. A descendant of Adam is not the father of the Lord Jesus Christ. His Father is God Himself. With the foregoing being so, the following three verses describe the Lord’s perfection as man:

He then, being sinless, could take our place, and be punished for our sins "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him". 2Cor.5:21. Now infinite holiness, grace, and mercy is seen in the cross. Infinite holiness in that God kept His Word and punished sin. Infinite grace in that this act was done for those who did not deserve this gift nor were they in a position to help themselves. Infinite mercy in that we all may avail ourselves of this forgiveness by simple faith.

"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also poieo; do, continues to do

also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law." amonia; lawlessness

Every one that practises sin practises also lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.". is the way J.N.Darby translates this verse. You will notice that sin is equated with lawlessness. It is not repeat not the breaking of a law. It is the natural operation of the old nature which, irrespective of what men may think, can only produce sin. It is certainly not the transgression of the law for how could it be so when the people do not know what the law is. What we are in nature is sin, self willed.

And ye know that he was manifested phaneroo; manifest, reveal one in true character,

to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. airo; take away, carry

First let us look at the manifesting of the Lord "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.. 2Cor.5:19 "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory" 1Tim.3:16

He, the Lord, was manifested with the express purpose of taking away our sins, "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Ps 103:12. His work on the cross has completed all that the Father gave Him to do. The final phrase in the verse makes what should be an obvious statement , "in Him is no sin", which shows the total contrast between the Lord and fallen mankind. He could take away our sin as He had none of His own.

Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever meno; to remain, dwell;

sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him ginosko; continuous state of not seeing

or nowing

This verse has been a problem for many christians as experience soon tells the new believer that he can sin. When he reads this verse, if not taught, he may believe that he is not saved. It is at this point that he can be turned to error unless he puts all his trust in the Lord and the work that He has done. As we have repeatedly shown in the notes above that the believer is given eternal life, and that life is in His Son. He then says, "well how can I sin and be saved?" Again that in a sense is easily explained. First the Lord will keep you. Secondly this verse has nothing to do with being saved and lost, but rather it has to do with spiritual facts.

First let us repeat two facts:

1. At new birth we are given a new nature which is the nature of Christ which can not sin

2. If we walk in the light as He is in the light we are kept from sinning.

To repeat, if we are walking in the light we will not sin, and that is our choice. If we stray then we may sin, but if we do let us read this apostle’s words spoken in the power of the Holy Spirit. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1John.1:9.

Please take careful note:

1. First confess; that is recognising the error we have made and owning up to it. That is confession

2. Having done that believe what He says. He is faithful and just to forgive.

Having done that we will find that the fellowship we lost with the Father and His son has been restored. What have we lost by sinning? fellowship! What do we get by confessing? restored fellowship. Under no circumstances do not take this lightly for not only do we lose fellowship, but also we may lose eternal reward.

Because we are a child of God two other things may be necessary to restore us to a right position and condition: "My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction" Pr 3:11.. Here we have the principle of God taught in the Old Testament, but look below, and we find the principles of God never change.

"And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him." :Heb 12:5. We must further warn that: "If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it" .1John. 5:16. A child of God can be so disobedient; that he is no longer an obedient servant, and has shamed his Father. His Father may take him home, and the child suffers loss, not life. May we never see that. The word "abide" in this verse has the meaning of continuance. That is, we are in Christ from our standing point of view, and if we are in Christ the old nature is not in control and we do not sin. Our attention was drawn to abiding in Christ in the first chapter in the book, and that in a very special way. "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1John.1:7. Abiding simply means staying in fellowship.

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Now let us see how we walk in the light and have His fellowship. "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." John.14:21. It is repeated again that there is no other way to show your love for the Lord other than by obeying His Word. It is positive evil to say you love the Lord and disobey Him. "He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. John.14:24.

We have seen how we should live the new life, and we also noted that which is the opposite. Now we come to a very compelling statement. The last part of the verse means that if we live in the natural old life we produce nothing but sin. Then we learn that such ones live in a continual state of not seeing nor knowing. The unsaved person again is described as being completely alienated from God. Let us not forget that this verse tells us that the unsaved person is in a continual state of neither seeing or knowing Him. He is mentally not able to even begin to comprehend what God is like and he is left with "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" .Pr 14:12.

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that plano; go astray, wander

doeth righteousness is righteous, poieo; do, practice

even as he is righteous. dikaiosune; the character of being right

Previously we had those who practised sin, now in the same way we are looking at those who are practising that which has the character of being right. Furthermore the person is being likened to the Lord Himself. What we have seen above is what we expect from the Christian who is walking in the light. One could ask: what is doing or practising righteousness? In the context of this passage it is obedience to the word of God! It sounds so simple, but so few Christians do it.

To do, or to practice obedience to the Word of God as the general rule of life, obviously means that our actions are governed by obedience to the Word. Thereby we are being transformed into His image. That is we become more like Him in character. It also means that we would have sought out that place where He has placed His name, and gathered His own unto Himself in public worship. That, of course, is that place where the scriptures are obeyed, and above all the Lord Himself is the Head and not man, nor is it the system of men. Alas how few christians then, practice righteousness, but rather worldliness.

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from poieo; do, practice

the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, phaneroo; open to sight

that he might destroy the works of the devil. luo; dissolve, break, sever

This is an explanation of the result of the fall of Adam. It is clearly saying that those who continually sin, are a product of that fall. It was at that time that man chose Satan as their master. It does not matter whether they knew the full consequences of their disobedience or not, the result was that they took on the nature of their new master Satan.

It is quite clear that the Lord tells the scribes and pharasees that they are the offspring of Satan when He calls them children of their father, the devil "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it" John.8.44

Again when the apostle writes to the Ephesians he reminds them that they were made alive when they were spiritually dead, and during the time of death their actions were governed by Satan "Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:" Eph 2:2

The young christian, having sinned, may look within, and if he does he will fail. There is nothing within the christian that is worthwhile looking at in any case. There you see the old nature, and as we have seen, that can only produce sin. Perhaps we should clarify "looking within"; what is it?

It is simply the looking to oneself to get out of the bind of sinning. The Holy Spirit convicts, and the new nature of the believer does not want to sin. Looking within means such things as:

1. turning over a new leaf. That certainly will not work! for every page in the old nature is already blotted.

2. To use definite determination not to sin again. That fails also as once again the old nature can only err.

3. Any other means whereby the effort comes from within ourselves

What then is the new christian to do? He is to cleave to the Lord with purpose of heart. He is to be drawn to the Lord by the cords of love. We keep looking at Him, and considering just what He has done for us, and the more we look and consider the more we are drawn by the new nature to the person of the Lord. The Holy Spirit within shows us more of His worth and value. By seeing this we are drawn by the Holy Spirit to study and obey his word to show appreciation for the infinite favour bestowed upon us by infinite grace

One must admit that to do that which grieves the Lord is the very opposite of showing appreciation. That surely is obvious, and yet we christians do so. By returning to His Word in this way we find two things happening:

1. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psa.119:105. It illuminates our whole life and the direction that we should take is made very clear and plain. Conversely it shows us our error, and we are enabled to turn from it.

2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Rom 12:2. Look carefully, your mind is being renewed by obedience! Now NOTE: you have been occupied with the Living Word and the Written Word. Not a single scrap of effort on your part has been expended to improve yourself. It is being done for us by the word and the Holy Spirit

We have opened this chapter with one of the greatest magnets to draw us to the Lord when we read we will be manifested with Him. The marvelous thing is that the more we know about Him and our Father the more we should be overwhelmed with gratitude as the recipients of pure infinite grace. On that note let us see: "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Rom 8:32. Words fail us when trying to explain such infinite love for us.

In this eighth verse we find that the Lord was brought into the world and revealed to men in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is further revealed in the cross, and in the cross we see the manifestation of the love of God. He gave His only Son. Why was He manifested in this way to demonstrate to the whole of creation the fact that Satan had been defeated, and his slave like hold over men was broken. It was no longer an inability on the part of man to escape from Satan’s grip, but it became a matter of choice.

1. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. John 8:36. On the cross the works of the devil were destroyed and the captives set free. Salvation is a matter of choice. Those who prefer the world and Satan despise the Lord. Now on acceptance of the Lord as our personal saviour our whole situation changes. On salvation we have a new nature and we are free from the bondage of sin.

2. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1Cor.6:20. We have been bought from slavery with a price, and that price is the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. We should be singing because we are free, and we have a new nature which is able to glorify God in our life. Having been bought with such an infinite price, who then should receive our gratitude? The Lord Jesus Christ.

Nevertheless some christians make themselves the servants of men. Yet they follow men’s creeds, they join men’s organisations, and totally ignore the Lord’s wishes. He it is that loved us, He it is that died for us, and He it is that paid the price, then surely we should return our gratitude and celebrate our freedom by following Him in the way He desires with our obedience.

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Never let us forget the men’s creeds, and men’s organisations are the device of the devil, and that by being a servant of men we are in fact owning allegiance to Satan indirectly. The unsaved person is Satan’s property, the believer is the Lord’s property. It is amazing that a christian can forget that the new relationship, that he has been brought into, is one where the creator, governor, and preserver of the universe is his Father. Not only that, but also, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:" Eph 1:3. but also there is nothing omitted, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" Php. 4:19.

The works of the devil have been completely broken, the shackles are off, and we are free to be deluged with all the spiritual and temporal blessings that a person could need. In fact these blessings are infinite. They are blessings, not chores, not chains, but downpours of infinite magnitude. We should sing joyous hallelujahs from the bottom of our heart: oh for blessed freedom.

It is only fitting to say at this stage that the unsaved person has absolutely no idea of what sin is. He may or may not have a working conscience, and the only standard he has is his own perception of things. The christian, on the other hand, has the new nature, the written Word of God, and the Holy Spirit dwelling within who ever makes him mindful of just what righteousness is. It is not man’s righteousness that is involved here, but the very righteousness of God. In this atmosphere the works of Satan have no place.

This is an exact statement. The new nature or the new creation is totally unable to sin. "old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2Cor.5:17. For the young christian this is hard to understand particularly when they sin. The answer to that is that the old sinful nature is still with us, and we have a choice as to which nature we live our lives in. We either operate in the old nature which can only sin or in the new nature which is the offspring of God. To think that a christian cannot sin is totally wrong, and to think that the new nature can sin is equally wrong.

We should note that verse nine is a partial repetition of verse 6. The connection appears to be that in verse 6 the believer is exhorted to abide in Christ, but in verse 9 we are forcibly told that the new nature can not sin. That is interesting because in verse 3 we are told that the believer with the hope of the soon return of the Lord purifies himself. This quite clearly indicates that the christian has a life which is progressive.

It is progressive in that we should have an objective and keep it before us "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;" Php.3:10. This expresses the sincere desire of the apostle Paul who, so far as natural birth is concerned, was in a very good position, but spiritually he found himself short. It was his desire that he should be conformed to the image of the Lord, and also be able to demonstrate that to all, by his life.

He recognised progress was continually necessary and he was determined to cleave to the Lord with purpose of heart "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Php.3:14. This statement is followed up by the statement that if one was a mature christian he would have similar sentiments, and follow his example.

Now it is very important that we should recognise the true position that we are in at salvation. We have two natures, the new one begotten of God, and the old one which is derived from Adam. We will choose which one we live in. If we move in heart towards the Lord by reading His Word and obeying Him we will be enabled, by the Holy Spirit, to combat the desires of the old nature. If we do not we will fulfil the lusts of the flesh. This verse is a flat statement that the new creation of God is perfect, therefore let us live in it.

In this the children of God are manifest, and the children phaneroo; open to sight

of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, dikaiosune; character of being right

neither he that loveth not his brother. agapao; determine to do good to

This verse is very important in that we have a means whereby we can see who are christians, and as the context of this verse is examined we are given a means of differentiating between saved and unsaved. Here we have two tests which determine whether a person is not saved.

1. If he does not have a behaviour which is ethical or does not behave in a right manner

2. If he does not have an attitude which is determined to do only good for his brother.

If these two factors are present we are able to determine that this person is not saved as we see that is the exact opposite of the child of God. Now we are positively and definitely commanded to know the difference between the two classes of people, and act accordingly. This will be amplified in the latter part of this chapter.

Once again we come to a christian duty which is generally not understood because doctrines of demons are taught by those who would lead us astray. The wrong doctrine says that we are not to judge anyone in any way whatsoever. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" .Isa.8:20. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding". Pr 3:5. Those two verses tell any obedient christian that before any decision can be made we must know the mind of God. If any doctrinal statement is taught it must have the full support of all the scripture as scripture does not contradict itself. We are commanded in the first verse above to go to the scripture, and the second verse says do not trust your own thinking!

This verse clearly commands self judgement. However, before we go any further, we make the statement that the Word of God prohibits censorious judgement; that is destructive judgement. For those who may not know what "censorious" judgement means, it is, carping, critical, and derogatory statements, among other things, about others . The same Word of God clearly commands discernment. It is not possible to walk in the Spirit if we are not continually examining our actions, and the actions of others, as commanded by the scripture.

Now the young christian must be aware that there a number of Greek words that have been translated into the English "judge"

1. krino; meaning to judge and pronounce judgement

2. anakrino; to investigate, examine

3. diakrino; discriminate, discern.

We have mentioned censorious judgement before, and that can be determined by the context in which the word is used. It therefore pays us to be mature and rightly divide the Word of Truth.

"For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged." 1Cor 11:31 The very first person we should judge is ourselves, but unfortunately it is usually not done by many christians. If a christain walks in the flesh he will censoriously judge others which is strongly condemned in the scripture. Self judgement is the matching of our actions and attitudes against the Word of God when we read it and are convicted by it. This conviction comes from the Holy Spirit dwelling within pricking our conscience. At the same time He brings the corrective Word to us which we should obey. In the verse above the first "judge" is anakrino which means we are to investigate and examine ourselves against the word of God, but the last "judge" is krino which then means that if God judges and finds us in error the judgement is passed, and we would be chastised. That is seen in the context of the verse very clearly.

"But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man". 1Cor.2:15. The infallible Word of God next tells us that the spiritual man has the ability to (anakrino) examine all things so that he can understand it. That is provided he is led by the Holy Spirit. This tells us that we can examine and determine what are the doctrines of demons, and any other error whilst we are in fellowship with the Father and His Son. As we have seen above the unsaved are unable to do this and are unable to understand why the christian acts as he does. Spiritual judgement is when one obeys the Word of God as revealed by the Holy Spirit.

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"For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?" 1Cor 5:12 . Here the apostle is saying "We do not have anything to do with pronouncing and passing judgement on (krino) the unsaved, but we are commanded to judge those in fellowship with us as is recorded in 1Cor.5. The responsibility has been passed on to the believers in the assembly to maintain the testimony and holiness of the local assembly. "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?" 1Cor.6:2 A christian should not let the flesh take control, and turn away from the scriptural doctrine of judging and pronouncing judgement on sin, according to the Word of God.

He is to abhor evil and contend for the holiness of God in His dwelling place. Finally the christian, with the Lord, will judge the world, and now the apostle is rebuking them for not exercising judgement in the assembly which, comparatively, is only a small matter.

This rebuke is carried on in the next verse where he says, "Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?" 1Cor.6:3. Christains are to judge the world and angels, so it is logical that they can judge these minor matters such as discipline in the church. All that is required to judge things of this life is to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh.

"If then ye have judgements of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church." 1Cor.6:4. The rebuke continues when the apostle shames them by saying even the least esteemed have the ability to distinguish between right and wrong.

"I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?" 1Cor.6:5. He clearly tells them he is speaking to their shame. He is saying, "do you mean to tell me that you do not even have one single man who can not discern, and discriminate between two brethren, and arbitrate according to the Word of God?" The answer was, "Of course you do." There is a whole doctrine here, and these are only notes with the purpose of clearly showing the christian has to judge as we have just seen.

There are a number of other times when the christian must judge by the commandment of God. "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them." Rom.16:17 Here once more the Word of God is clear. If anyone causes division they were to "mark" them, to watch them, to contemplate and to observe them. Furthermore they were to "avoid" them. They were to keep their distance from, and turn away from the division makers. Now that is judgement and the spiritual christian is commanded to do it. How tragic indeed it is when christians refuse to obey the Word of God. Some let the ties of the flesh take precedence, some love the error, but whatever the reason for disobedience God will judge. The Lord says, "If ye love me keep my commandments."

"Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge" 1Cor.14:29. Prophets have been superseded by teachers, and one notices that whatever is taught has to be thoroughly judged by discerning and waiting on the Holy Spirit for guidance as to whether the teaching is correct or not. That again is a commandment for those who were gifted teachers with experience. In a sense the whole christian life is one where discernment (judging) is a constant necessity. No church can operate scripturally unless the christians are continually intelligently discerning, and evaluating their environment. If this is not done then we have a group of disobedient christians who do not care for the Lord, and as a consequence do not care for their brethren. That brings us back to the last phrase in our verse, "Neither he that loveth not his brother" 1John.3.10 above. This is a profound statement, and it demands careful consideration.

There are two words in Greek that have been translated to love in the New Testament. They are phileo, and agapao and each express quite different sentiments. They should never be confused, but unfortunately christians are, and have been very careless about these very words.

This word expresses tender affection, and is only used 14 times in the N.T. It has its correct place in the scripture and we should note where it is used. It is used to show affection between Father and the Son, The Father for the believer, and the Lord’s love for His disciples.

This is a very special word and is used over 114 times in the New Testament. That in itself is significant. Let us quote W E Vine, "Christian love, whether exercised toward the brethren, or toward men generally, is not an impulse of the feelings, it does not always run with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those for whom some affinity is discovered. Love seeks the welfare of all, Rom.15:2, and works no ill to any: Rom.13:8-10; love seeks opportunity to do good to ‘all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of faith,’ Gal.6:10."

To understand this is vital. With respect to God it means that He has a deep concern and interest for objects in which He can see no value. Affection plays no part in agapao love, and this is something which natural man can not do. The christian can not, by determination, develop it. It is a fruit of the Spirit dwelling within.

On this basis it is blasphemous to think that God has affection for the sinner. He has judged the sinner, found him guilty, and has consigned him to the eternal lake of fire. "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." 1Pet.3:12 "The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth." Ps 34:16 "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." John.3:36. No more need be said about God’s attitude to the sinner; that is all fallen mankind. Nevertheless He gave His Son (that is agapao love), for those his face is set against.

We have just mentioned that the unsaved man cannot rise to the level of "agapao" love simply because he takes after his father the devil. The apostle goes into that in more detail in the following verses.

The words always retain their meaning, but sometimes the two sentiments can be expressed about the same thing. Below are some examples:

"The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand." John.3:35. This statement describes the real affection between the Father and the Son as signified by the word "phileo".

"For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel." John.5:20. This is "agapao" love in which the Father honours the Son. The two statements express two quite different sentiments and we must not wrest the scriptures by confusing the meanings.

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." John.14:21

Each of the three words are "agapao" and it almost seems to mean that if you look after my interests I will look after yours. Now we fully understand that we have affection for the Lord, but this is a statement of fact with respect to obedience. Naturally affection is not the issue, and the Holy Spirit, as always, uses perfect language.

"For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. "John.16:27

The word for love here is "phileo" which is perfect language. The Father loves with affection those that love the Lord with affection. How do we show affection for the Lord? First by agapao love in obeying His commandments, which in itself leads to phileo love of the Lord.. Let us be clear about one thing; if there is no agapao love for the Lord in obeying His commandments we become lovers of ourselves, and fall into the trap of loving the world, and the flesh. Having done that we have fallen into the trap of the devil. We obey the commandments because of our "phileo" love for the Lord.

The reader will notice much has been made of the subjects judge, and love. The reason is simple because the last phrase in verse 10 requires that we be able to discriminate between those who practice sin and those who do not. In addition we have to know what loving our brother means. As we have seen it is agapao love, and definitely not phileo love or affection that is mentioned here. That is a determination to do our brother good, and conversely not to do him harm. The scriptures are not academic, but intensely practical. We are to study them, know them, and obey them. All this requires study and correct judgement.

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This verse allows us to know just who is who. Why do we need to know? because we need to do good to all. We have an inbuilt desire to see the unsaved saved, and also to see our brother drawn ever closer to the Lord. Just to do that alone needs proper judgement: The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned." Isa.50:4

Finally, with respect to love and judgement, there is one verse which sums it up perfectly: "And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgement;" Php.1:9

Our love is to abound in knowledge, and in judgement. For those who hold to "judge not lest ye be judged" are hereby shown to be in total and gross error. It is in fact a doctrine of demons. Here we are told that our love should "abound".

1. Abound: here means love should continue to increase in measure

that is, continually increase in the two things mentioned:

a. epignosis; knowing full well; observing a particular object, perceiving, discerning.

b. aisthesis: perception, discernment both by the senses and the intellect. It is the act of judging the moral and physical facts.

Our agape love is to grow by the taking in of knowledge and being able to judge the value of the facts taken in, and then being able to apply it. All this we have noted in the verses above. Therefore it behoves us to; "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2Tim.2:15

By this time we should be fully aware that it is our duty to judge and discern, and take in the knowledge thus gained. We should carefully weigh every word taught, in the assembly, by the scriptures. To do this we should take note of what the whole scriptures teach, and compare spiritual with spiritual. We take particular note of our own attitude to the brethren and the unsaved. We have been commanded to love our brethren, and should we see error "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." Gal.6:1.

In this case we have a christian who has been off guard, and has taken a false step and therefore needs help, not condemnation, which is the way of the world. The scriptural commandment is that "ye which are spiritual"; not ye which are carnal and like the world, restore. Now let us carefully note the attitude in which we approach the one in error, It is in the spirit of meekness! Gal.6.1. Now we can see an infinite difference between the spiritual christian and the carnal christian or unsaved. The last two have usually the same attitude, censorious judgement.

The very first principles of christianity is that we should love one another "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:" 1Peter.1:22. Here we are told the spiritual christian has purified himself, by obedience to the Word of God, so that there was a love for the brethren. That was good, but added to that the Lord gives the commandment that christians are to "agapao" love one another earnestly. This is a result of having the new nature as it is one of it’s characteristics. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John.10:10 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Col 3:3-4. This subject is taken up again in the fifth chapter. The new nature and what proceeds from it are eternally fixed.

Here we have the the characteristic of the old nature which we have noted before is derived from Adam. The fruit of which is only and always evil.

But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell." Gen.4:4-5

Cain is brought in at this point because he typifies the old nature, and so we have a direct contrast between the believer and the unsaved. Some may argue that this is the worst of the old nature. It is not. It is the old nature without any constraints brought to bear upon it. Here we have Cain who could not see the value of the sacrifice. The sacrifice, of course, pointed forward to the cross where the Lord Jesus Christ became both the offeror and the offering. How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" Heb.9:14. "But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:" 1Peter.1:19

The followers of Cain have a religion which teaches that the seeker must do something to be accepted by God. This is what Cain did. He brought the fruit of his labour, and offered it to God which was totally unacceptable because, "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." Heb.9:22. We know Abel’s sacrifice was accepted, and Cain was told that if he offered correctly it would be accepted. Cain worshippers abound, but are bound for a lost eternity. The message to such is, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: "Not of works, lest any man should boast." Eph.2:8-9

And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. Gen.4:8. The powerful message in this verse is that any who do not love their brother have the nature of Cain; unsaved! The conversation between God and Cain clearly indicates that Cain knew that Abel was right, but he thought his offering was superior. That is easy to follow, but the result was that Cain murdered Abel through jealousy. That is every unsaved person’s nature. "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh." Heb.11:4

A very short verse and a very short message. The unsaved have the nature of Cain, and the inclination is to kill the righteous. That is just plain natural. It is very necessary to be very clear on one point, Cain was a religious man.

History demonstrates beyond any shadow of a doubt some of the greatest murders have been carried out by religious men, for example the Spanish inquisition. What also is plain is that the more you exhibit the nature of the Lord by walking in obedience the more the world will hate you, and the religious world in particular. "Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core." Jude.11.

We know that we have passed from death unto life, metabaino; pass over from one place to another

He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. meno; continue, abide

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In this and the next verse we see importance placed on brotherly love. It also shows the dramatic difference between the attitude of the saved and the unsaved. It is the difference of night and day or light and darkness. Even though this is so clear many christians seem to think otherwise and form unequal yokes with the unsaved contrary to the commandment of the Lord. In the verse above it is the difference between life and death.

The unsaved have absolutely no knowledge of the difference, but because there is a difference which they can not comprehend they hate the believer. Furthermore it is futile for the unbeliever to try and obey the commandment to love his brother. He just can not do that. He has the character of natural men who crucified the Lord. One may often wonder why crucifixes have an idol on the cross. Unsaved men put him on the cross, and looking at the crucifix it appears that they will keep him there.

He that loveth not his brother abideth in death! For a christian to show no "agape" love for his brother is to exhibit the vicious characteristics of Cain and his "father" Satan. Most emphatically it is not displaying any characteristic of the Lord. Your brother may sin against you; then take steps as clearly shown in Mat.18:15-20. Your brother may cause divisions; then mark and avoid him,1Jo 4:4. To do this without first trying to win the brother makes you completely wrong.

If you mark and avoid him to teach him a lesson then that is positive evil. It is censorious judgement which is condemned. There first must have been an attempted restoration, in "meekness", by you or those qualified to do so. What is all this pointing to? It points to the fact that love reaches out and hopes for repentance. Even if the sin is of the most heinous kind as mentioned in 1Cor.5, he is put out of the assembly for two reasons:

1. to maintain the purity of the assembly, and

2. to see the restoration of the sinning christian.

For the case in that chapter we read that he repented, and was received again into fellowship, and that at the word of the apostle Paul. In every case the welfare of the individual Christian is the issue. It is not revenge, or spite. That is Satan’s work. To hold grudges over years or even minutes is Satanic, and should earn rebuke "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine." 2Ti.4:2. The course of action is very clear,

1. Try not to offend but win and restore your brother

2. If he will not listen then take witnesses (elders). Math.18:15-17.

If a brother in another assembly trespasses against you, your duty is to win and restore him; if he will not hear you tell the elders in his own assembly. It is amazing that christians should have to be told that if the wayward one repents then forgive him. "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him." Luke.17:3-4. Nothing could be clearer, yet it seems, nothing is less known among brethren. Let us not abide in death, but glorify God in obedience.

Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye miseo; malicious and unjustifiable

feelings towards others

know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. oida; know assuredly

These are very strong words and they extend what has been said in the previous verse. It is talking about destructive action taken by the brother. In this case the action may be a showing of positive dislike to the brother, and, in particular, letting other believers see it. It could be the spreading of rumours about another believer which may or may not be substantiated. It may also be dredging up old wrongs done by a fellow believer, and telling others.

The word "hate" in the verse means not only actions taken, but also it looks inward at the heart. If we have malicious or unjustifiable feelings about a brother, even without any destructive action, we hate our brother. That these feelings exist is sufficient for the Lord to judge us as murderer, This is very similar to the judgement of the lustful man in Math.5:28. One of Satan’s traps in this matter is to harbour a grudge for a brother, and never bringing it to the light.

It is not the supposed or real sinner who needs to be restored first. It is the brother who hates his brother. Usually he has censoriously judged, and is self righteous. He only sees the supposed error in the other. Unfortunately he thinks he is beyond reproach; . Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;" Heb.12:14-15. "But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement:" "Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." Math.5:22&24. It is not possible to be right with God whilst holding aught against our brother irrespective of what it is. God will not accept our gift!

There must be positive and definite action on the part of the one holding the grudge to restore the erring brother. Will this be successful? It certainly will not be successful whilst those malicious feelings are being kept alive. That person is definitely in a worst state than the supposed sinner. Now, as we have seen before, the restorer must be spiritual and meek with a real heartfelt desire to see the brother brought back into fellowship, and even then there is no guarantee that he will hear. Above all "the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." 2Tim.2:24-26

In this case there is only a maybe that the one in error may recover himself. Whether he does or not, the key is the attitude of the restoring christian . He can exhibit three attitudes:

1. Not love his brother and will not assist him when he needs help.

2. To have malicious feelings for any brother irrespective of his position or condition, or

3. Show the brother in error the same love the Lord showed him when He saved us.

That is entirely up to us. The spiritual christian will exhibit the attitude of the Lord.

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down ginosko; to know by experience

his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. tithemi; lay down, give

Quite frankly if we have the life of Christ then we will lay down our life for the brethren just as the Lord laid down His life for us. Note the same verse in the Darby translation, "Hereby we have known love, because *he* has laid down his life for us; and *we* ought for the brethren to lay down our lives.". The "love of God" is not in the original, but without doubt it is intended. On that point it is good to muse on this aspect of love. That is the love of the Father and the love of the Son.

There are four aspects to the love of God:

1. The Father’s love for the world

2. The Son’s love for the Father

3. The Son’s love for His sheep

4 The Father’s love for the Son

The Father’s and the Son’s love seem to be interwoven, but it is important to know something about this aspect of God’s character, both of the Father and the Son. "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." 2Cor.5:19.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." John.3:16-17. Unfortunately this , for many christians, becomes just a matter of fact statement because the problem, and cost of giving is not seen. Now let us keep in mind that the Father and the Son shared their glory from eternity.

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God’s eternal purpose was that he should be reconciled to His disobedient creatures whom He has judged and consigned to the eternal lake of fire. "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love." Eph.1:4 "According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:": Eph.3:11.

He was a Spirit with no physical contact with us, but further He was Holy and righteous. Having passed sentance He can not change His judgement which is seen in the following verses. God has declared, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Rom.3:23. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom.6:23. Therefore the penalty must be paid in full.

The book of Hebrews gives some insight to the thoughts of God. "sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me," Psa.40:6-7. God has set up burnt offerings and sacrifices which pointed forward to "the second" "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." Heb 10:14.

From the human point of view there is no answer to God’s problem in the righteous forgiveness of sin. And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. Gen.22:8. This pointed forward to the eternal purpose of God in salvation. He would provide the sacrifice. Most importantly man has to pay the penalty, but to pay the penalty of others the person must have no sin of their own. Again, strictly from a human point of view, the Son comes forward in answer to Psa.40:6-7. "Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Heb.10:9-10. He was to be born of a virgin, the perfect man thus fulfilling all the requirements of a righteous God.

He gave His precious Son for a worthless world. Each and every soul could say "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." Ps.51:5. Notwithstanding that God determined that He would make a way of escape from the penalty of sin. He gave His Son that we might be reconciled to Him. "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." 2Cor.5:19.

"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Rom.8:32. Words fail us when we try to explain the love of God for us. It is infinite. He gave His Son a ransom for us all. He executed upon Him the judgement which was due to us. It was not only the agony of physical death, which we can comprehend in some degree, but also the Father turned His face from the well beloved Son. The Father gave His Son

"Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah." Psa.88:7.

"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?" Ps.22:1 "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Mat.27:46. Herein we see the Father’s declaration of infinite love for a lost world; for each one of us. He allowed His beloved to suffer for us.

We first must understand that the Son loved the Father. Then we must understand what God’s plans were for the lost world. Over and above all this is the fact that God will glorify Himself in all that He does. As we have seen above the Son answered the Father’s call to go and "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve iving God?" Heb.9:14

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The Son was the answer to the Father’s plan. He came to this world, and paid our penalty in full. His love for the Father was such that in the extremity of the garden He could say, "Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." Luke.22:42. He gave His life for the Father’s cause. He demonstrated His love unto death. "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." John.15:10 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do." John.17:4

We can look at the cross and have some small understanding of it all, "As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep." John.10:15. "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree," 1Pet.2:24. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God." 1Pet.3:18. The whole penalty for sin was borne by Him. We can look up at the cross and see Him paying our penalty. We consider His work. "And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby" Eph.2:16 "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. "2Cor.5:19.

Finally let us ever remember that the Son declared His love for His sheep in that He took the cup in the garden. It was primarily for the Father. "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me." John.6:38 "And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." John.6:40 Never let us forget that. However every believer can say: "and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Gal.2:20

The Father’s love is first of all for His Son. The testimony of God is clear. He commended Him at His baptism, at the mount, and in resurrection. "And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased." Luke.3:22 "And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him." Mark.9:7 "Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places," Eph.1:20

"I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do." John.17:4. In response to this statement the Father has seated the Son on His right hand in glory. The Son has been united with His bride and they will glorify God throughout all eternity. The Father loved the Son, and crowned Him with glory and honour.

It is so beautifully explained in the first chapter of the epistle to the Ephesian "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all." Verses 17-23.

There throughout all eternity the Lord Jesus Christ, in union with the church, will glorify the Father . All creation will see that God is infinitely Holy, merciful, gracious, and loving in addition to all His other characteristics. He has glorified Himself in all that He does.

In considering this the effect the apostle Paul said ,"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me:" Gal 2:20.

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Every believer can also say with the apostle, "He loved me and gave Himself for me." Truly our verse under consideration should be true within us, "we have known and understood the love of God". He laid down His life for us. Saved us from the penalty and power of sin eternally. He has set us with our Lord in the heavenly places where we are to be seen as His handiwork to glorify Him. This infinite grace bestowed upon us should bring us down before Him. To contemplate this should strengthen us to emulate our Lord, and we should love our brethren.

How offensive we can be to the Lord. He gave His life for that which He hated, and we can not love our brethren? They can never be as offensive to us as we were to the Lord, and He forgave us! What is required by all who believe is to deeply consider the love of God. Without doubt these notes are most finitely feeble in trying to do justice to the infinite love and grace of God.

Yet we hold grudges against our brethren. By grudges we mean bearing ill will against those who may have offended us. We sin and yet we confess not. "Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:" Ps 64:3 "Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?" Jas 3:11. "But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth." Jas 3:14 "A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." Pr 6:19. All these God hates.

"And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Eph.4:32. "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." Col.3:13. Fellow christian what is our problem? Can’t we forgive our brother? Does it matter if his sin is real or imagined? No it does not! From this we see our duty is to forgive, if he repents. We should be reconciled.

The notes above would have shown us that reconciliation is a two way thing. Both parties have to be agreeable, and in reality that is not always possible. If the erring brother has confessed and received forgiveness from the Lord that will be evident in his life. The wronged brother is commanded to forgive him also. If the wronged brother will not forgive the repentant brother then he is no longer in fellowship with the Father and the Son! In such cases assembly discipline may be necessary. May we all exhibit the character of the Lord Jesus Christ. we may see or hear something another christian does or says with which we may disagree with then we are commanded to love that brother. Under no circumstances are we to spread rumours, innuendoes or any other derogatory information to anyone before we attempt a reconciliation. There is always a great temptation to dislike christians who hold evil doctrine, but we have just read "love your brother". We may not be able to see him released from the trap, set by the devil, but under no circumstances are we to be unapproachable because we have a superior attitude, and stand in judgement.

We may dislike his evil doctrine or his evil ways, but under no circumstances are we to offend him by our wrong attitude. Admonish and rebuke him we may, but in the spirit of meekness. Gal.6:1 and 1Tim.2:24 makes that abundantly clear. The evil opposite to that is to stand in judgement with a superior Satanic attitude. If so the offended brother will never want to see us again even though he desperately may need help to escape from Satan’s trap. Censorious judgement puts us in a worse trap and spiritual condition than the offended brother.

But whoso hath this world's good, and bios; that which sustains life

seeth his brother theoreo; ascertains, discerns

Simply translated the above verse means "if a brother, who is well off, is thoroughly acquainted with another brother’s need (not wants), and does not help, he does not love his brother." That is quite obvious from what we have just read and learned. It certainly highlights the attitude a christian should not have for another. In fact the opposite is just one example of how a christian can show "agape" love to his brother. Previously we have been looking at the negative things that prove "no love", and one would suppose this is negative also. What we have seen is that, not to do certain things is not showing love. This is just as bad as doing something wrong. It has he same effect. Let us be like our Lord.

As an older writer has said "In verse 4 it was that He might take away our sins sacrificially; in verse 8 it was that He might undo the works of the devil; and in verse 16 He laid down His life for us as a model of love to us and for us:" W Kelly. Again, we need all the power of the indwelling Spirit to be able to withstand the world, the flesh, and the devil, and love our brother.

My little children, let us not , teknion; used for relationship between teacher and pupil

This is an important statement. Christians can say anything. Particularly that they love the Lord, In fact, however, observation shows that they may have no affection or feeling for Him whatsoever. They can sing praises, put "I love Jesus" on car bumper bars, and on the T-shirts, but they may be disobedient to His commands, hold grudges against their brother or even hate him. It is most emphatically not what we say, but what we do that counts. The old saying is that "words are cheap". Therefore these professors are self deceived. That is the important fact.

God could have spoken of His love, out of the heavens, for all eternity and it would not have meant a thing to us. To a certain degree "seeing is believing", and we see the love of God in the cross. There is the positive evidence of infinite love to the christian. Love in truth is the opposite of love in self deception where it is only expressed in words. Love in truth gives evidence of it in deeds. A deaf man has to know your christian love by seeing it. Remember he is deaf.

And hereby we know that we are of the truth, ginosko; know, recognise, understand

and shall assure our hearts before him. peitho; persuade, have confidence

Why does the apostle say, "by this we know and recognise we are walking in the Spirit?" Because we love in deed and not in word. Not only that, but also we have the inward Holy Spirit confidence that this is so. This is not a self confidence, but a confidence that the Holy Spirit begets in us when we walk in the light, in fellowship with the Father and His Son. We know our acts prove the point.

It is that fellowship which we strive to maintain, and that by simple obedience to His word. As we walk in the Spirit we are encouraged by His word when we obey, and do not offend Him by our disobedience. We have that witness within ourselves. When we sin that channel of communication between us and the Lord breaks down, and we are convicted. That channel is not restored until we confess our sin at which time He is faithful and just to forgive us.

Irrespective of our confession there may be chastisement. That depends on the circumstances, but at forgiveness the fellowship is restored. On the other hand, should we harden our hearts, and not confess our sin, chastisement is our portion. "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?" Heb.12:6-7. There we have the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father. There is a purpose for chastisement, which by the way, is given in both righteousness and love by a perfect Father. "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." Heb.12:11. Chastisement is an absolute necessity for every child of God. We should recognise it and profit by it. The walk in fellowship with the Father and His Son is to know that we are of the truth.

For if our heart condemn us, God is greater kataginosko; know something against "us"

It is of utmost importance that we clearly understand that this verse has to do with our state day by day and not our eternal standing before God. We are being told, by the Holy Spirit, that we are convicted of sin, stop! something is wrong, and examine the situation. Now the real position is that the God of Heaven knows far more about the situation than we do, and thus it behoves us to examine ourselves in deep humility. We need His help to search out all error and confess it. We can have the utmost confidence that our loving heavenly Father will reveal all that is necessary for us to know and to rectify it.

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Be absolutely assured about one thing; when our heart convicts us it is an absolute fact that we have eternal life. What happens is "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren." Rom.8:29. Hereby you are being progressively changed so that your life more closely matches that of the Lord.

In the notes above we see "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." Col 3:13. Now if we are holding a grudge or any secret sin the Spirit of God condemns us. Until that is confessed there will be no restoration until we do. We need to be absolutely assured that only a child of God is chastised by his heavenly Father. We repeat it is always perfect chastisement for our eternal good. What also has to be emphasised is that it is the christians responsibility to be exercised thereby. Our attitude to those who are chastised should be to help, edify, and encourage such an one to cleave to the Lord with purpose of heart.

Beloved, if our heart condemn us not kataginosko; know something against "us"

then have we confidence toward God. parrhesia; boldness of speech

This is one of the most important verses in the scriptures, and it is essential that we should have at least some small understanding of it. The verse is saying if we are walking in the light and in fellowship with the Father and His Son, and our heart does not convict us, then we have confidence in approaching God to speak to Him. Our prayers are then answered.

The reverse is equally true if we have been convicted of some wrong then we have reverted to the evil Adamic nature, "And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden." Gen.3:8. Please notice the difference. When we are in fellowship with God we have boldness to approach Him and speak. When that fellowship is broken by sin we scurry away and hide, and there is no communication between us and God.

When a christian hides from God he is reverting to the flesh, the old nature, which can not tolerate the presence of God. This we must recognise. Therefore we must be aware that when we hide from God we are out of fellowship, and we need to examine ourselves and seek out and find our sin and confess it. This an unsaved person can not do. Once again we have proved that we are saved, but we may be in a terrible spiritual state.

do those thinges that are pleasing in his sight. poieo; adopt a way of doing

The previous verse is so vital that it effects our whole christian life. It clearly explains the position we have to be in, in order to have a two way communication system between the believer and his God. We repeat again, everything depends on that relationship. If it is in order look at what we have! We have what we ask for. At this point the doubters bring numerous questions such as, "but we must ask what is according to His will" or other related questions.

Now notice it does not say that. There appears to be no qualification; but there is. We have to be walking in the light in fellowship. "And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him." John.8:29. You will notice that the Lord fulfilled the last part of the verse. If we emulate Him then we will not ask that which is not His will. This point, however, is where we fail. We do not walk in fellowship as we ought.

The last part of verse 22 is saying that we are making a practice of doing His will, and thereby pleasing Him. If we are not receiving answers to prayer then let us not doubt the word of God, but rather examine our lives to see if, in fact, we are doing those things which are pleasing to Him. How can we possibly imagine that the word of God is at fault in the first instance. "God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged." Rom.3:4

Verse 22 is not a lone verse as we find the same teaching in John’s gospel. "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments " John.14:13-15. Further note: If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. John.15:7. "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," Eph.3:20. Having problems with answers to prayer? then examine yourself!. That is the message to every christian.

This sums up the chapter and the vital message contained in it. It draws us to the Lord Himself so that we may be changed: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Rom.12:2. We have already seen that the Lord gave the disciples these commandments as revealed in John’s gospel. The commandments were "believe" and "love" which are repeated throughout the New Testament. It is this experience which so many christians miss.

And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, meno; abide

and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, meno; abide

Previously in the chapter there have been negatives, but in the last two verses of this chapter the positive is predominant. The apostle has been inspired by the Holy Spirit to make the normal christian life crystal clear. The point is that the born again person is made to experience the power of the indwelling of the Lord by the Holy Spirit. It is vitally important that the believer study the promises made by the Lord to those who are obedient. Obedience was to be an experience, and one that was quite different from any other experienced by the believer. We will also find it is a two step promise.

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." John 14:21. The first step is that the believer is to have the commandments. This means that the commandments are to be known. It is not something which floats in the air. One has to work to (have) know what the commandments are. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2Tim.2:15. There must be a desire to discover just what the Lord’s commandments are. Do we know the commandments of the Lord by feeling, by logic, by intellect, or by observing tradition? No most emphatically none of these! We are to study the word of God diligently. We are to note: "Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." 1Co.2:13.

We are to allow the indwelling Holy Spirit to take the Word of God which we study and then we are to rely on Him teaching us what it means. One will note that we learn by comparing spiritual with spiritual, and we are not to rely on our own intelligence. That is the first step in christian learning. We are to carefully note everything that we are taught, and then be like "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts.17:11. The Bereans carefully examined and studied the scriptures, and made sure from the scriptures alone that they knew the true meaning.

This is to obey what the scriptures command. It is true to say that, if there is no study of the Word then there will be no obedience either. For the lazy man it is easier to do what comes into his head from time to time. Alternatively it is very simple to go along with the crowd to do evil, for that is where the crowd leads. There must be purpose of heart to discover the commandments of God and there must be purpose of heart to obey it. Having carried out the first two steps of John.14:21 we find that we have discovered the promise for our obedience. "and will manifest myself to him."

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"Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?’ In response to the Lord’s statement He was asked how He was going to manifest Himself to them. First of all, however, we must understand why Judas asked the question. He heard the statement, and some idea of what was said. He heard, and we are sure he believed that his obedience was due to his love of the Lord. What he did understand was that the Lord was the coming King and that all would be aware of it. What he did not understand was that there would be a personal relationship with the Lord which surpassed all that he ever thought or imagined.

"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." Here again obedience and love are very tightly knit together. That is from the manward side of the christian life, but on the Godward side of it an entirely new relationship between the believer and God was to be instituted. Since the salvation of Adam to that very time God had always, in a sense, been at a distance from the believer. Now an entirely new era was to be ushered in, of which the disciples had no knowledge whatsoever.

Here obedience by the believer,created in that believer,love for God. This love brought out a reciprocating love of God by him. What was not understood by the disciples was the function and operation of the comforter dwelling within the believer. The indwelling comforter (Holy Spirit) would change the God - man relationship for ever. "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."John 14:26.

Now note the obedient christian has the Father, Son and Holy Spirit dwelling with him. " What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" Rom.8:31. We also must take into account that the disciples had not experienced the indwelling Holy Spirit, and it is natural to assume that they would not have a realistic idea of what all this meant. At Pentecost the situation completely changed for at that time the gift of the Holy Spirit was realised.

When the apostle wrote this epistle he had experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and he knew and experienced the Father and Son dwelling with him. Remember in chapter 1 he wrote, "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." 1John.1:3. This has to be the desired position of every born again believer. For in this position all the demons, Satan, evil doctrine, or anything harmful can not reach you. Outside this position the christian is open to any evil influence except demon possession. That is impossible as the christian is indwelt by the Holy spirit, and to suggest that a demon and the Spirit of God and demons can dwell together is blasphemous. "We are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." 1John.4:4 as we shall see later.

In this chapter we are brought to the Lord in a special way. We see His love for us first of all, and see it in the cross. We are then shown what may be called the negative things which can be a christian’s downfall. The power for the christian life is seen to be in the contemplation of the Lord, and of course our Heavenly Father. Finally we are brought back to a first experience in the christian life which would not have been recognised then. This is the function of the all powerful indwelling Holy Spirit,

He it is that brings the things of the Lord to us. "for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. "He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." John 16:13-14. We are never asked to pray to the Holy Spirit, He never speaks about Himself, and His major function is to magnify the Lord Jesus Christ. He fills our mind with Him, and that is the mark of a spiritual christian.

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