Ray Stedman http://www.raystedman.org/bible-overview/adventuring/1-john-the-fruit-of-fellowship-with-christ reminds us John was a disciple who was
dramatically changed by our Lord. He became the apostle of love. He was noted
for his gentleness and his graciousness and his goodness. He became a man who
was characterized by such an outstanding devotion and love for the Lord Jesus
that all his life he was singled out as the apostle of love.
It is this John
who writes these letters to us. It is perhaps the last word we have from the
apostles. It was written near the close of the first century, perhaps even the
year 100 A.D., from the city of Ephesus, where John spent the latter years of
his life. It was written to the Christians in this city of Ephesus, who were
facing temptations -- as we are -- and difficulties with living in a godless,
pagan world.
John is concerned
about one thing, primarily, and that is authentic Christianity! He is led of
God to call people back to the vital things, the things that make for real
life. The body of this letter of First John is an emphasis upon the three
essential things that make Christianity genuinely Christian. They are truth, righteousness,
and love. These three,
held in perfect balance, are a sign of genuine Christianity. These become,
therefore, the marks that John emphasizes as proof to anyone that he or she is
a Christian.
As we prepare to contemplate John’s message over the next days, let’s
focus our hearts and minds on the essential presence of truth, righteousness, and love in our lives.
Live boldly out there today…
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