Category Archives: I John

The Character of Spiritual Overcomers (1 John 5, 2 John)

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Scripture reading – 1 John 5, 2 John

A Note from the Author: Our chronological study of the Scriptures is in the homestretch! Our 2-year reading schedule is coming to an end, and it is my prayer you are making plans to re-enlist. Heart of a Shepherd will return to Genesis on January 1, 2023, and begin a new journey in God’s Word.

I am looking forward to unveiling a new website for Heart of a Shepherd daily devotionals. The new website will combine daily devotionals that follow our chronological reading plan, host daily video devotionals, and provide links to audio and video recordings of sermons from our ministry at Hillsdale Baptist Church, Tampa, FL. Other resources on the Heart of a Shepherd website will provide additional enrichment. If you have not already, please subscribe to ensure Heart of a Shepherd daily devotionals will continue to be sent to your email.

Today’s Scripture reading concludes our study of The First Epistle of John, and introduces The Second Epistle of John. Though only 13 verses long, I believe the second epistle was a personal letter to an individual, whom John addressed as “the elect lady and her children” (2 John 1:1). However, I will wait to a later date to consider John’s second epistle. I invite you to consider with me the 5th and final chapter of The First Epistle of John.

Review of 1 John 1-4

Although brief (only 21 verses in length), 1 John 5 was a powerful finale to John’s letter to believers. We noticed in earlier chapters how John did not mince words in warning believers there were enemies of Christ and the Gospel in the midst of the churches. In 1 John 1, I identified the philosophy of the Gnostics, their carnality, and open rejection of Christ’s person, life, death, and resurrection. In chapter 2, John issued a powerful call to believers, and admonished them, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world” (2 :15a). Lest anyone minimize his warning, the apostle declared, “If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (2:15b).

1 John 3 contrasted the lifestyle of sincere believers (3:1-3) with those whom John likened to the children of the devil (3:4, 8, 10). While the “sons of God” reflected the righteousness of Christ in their daily walk (3:2-3), the children of the devil continued in their unrighteousness (3:8, 10). Lastly, in 1 John 4, the apostle warned the “spiritof antichrist” was in the world (4:3). He called on believers to love one another (4:7-8), even as God manifested His love “toward us… [and] sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him” (4:9).

1 John 5

Spiritual Distinctives of Sincere Believers (5:1-3)

The character of the believer was defined as one that “believeth that Jesus is the Christ” (5:1a). The evidence of genuine salvation was that a believer would love God, and be assured of His love (5:1b). Two other proofs of the sincerity of one’s salvation was a believer will “love the children of God…and keep His commandments’ (5:2). Tragically, some reading today’s devotion may find themselves in a church that reviles God’s law and commandments as legalism. How can this be?

Employing a popular adage in today’s English language, John “doubled down” on the importance of one’s attitude toward the commandments, and wrote: “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (5:3). What is the implication of that verse? A believer who loves God not only obeys His commandments, he does not find them heavy or burdensome.

This is a good time to pause, and ponder: What is your attitude toward the commandments, precepts, and principles of God’s Word? If you love the Lord, you will love and keep His commandments. If you despise His commandments and resent those who teach them, you do not love the Lord, and are not a child of God.

Becoming an Overcomer (5:4-5)

Believers are addressed by many names in the Scriptures. We are identified as the “Children of Light” (John 12:36; Ephesians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:5), the “Children of the Day” (1 Thessalonians 5:5), and the “Children of God” (Romans 8:16; Galatians 3:26; 1 John 5:2). Another name for believers is revealed in 1 John 5:4: “Nikao” or “Nike” (yes, the name from which the athletic shoemaker “Nike” derives its name).

1 John 5:4-5 reads: “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh [Nikeo] the world: and this is the victory that overcometh [Nikeo] the world, even our faith. 5Who is he that overcometh [Nikeo] the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”

Everyone “born of God” is “Nikao” (an overcomer, 5:4a). Essentially, “Nikao” means victory or one victorious. The implication of 1 John 5:4-5 is that believers are spiritual overcomers. We are victorious and overcome the world with its enslaving lusts and pride (1 John 2:16), when we have faith (5:4), and believe Jesus is the Son of God” (5:5). By faith, believers have the potential to be victorious, and overcome the world (5:5).

Closing thoughts – The Scriptures are filled with saints who by faith became “Nikao,” spiritual overcomers in their day. Noah was “warned of God,” and “prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith” (Hebrews 11:7). Abraham left his family and country, and “went out, not knowing whither he went…10For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:8, 10). Moses, by faith, rejected the privileges of a prince of Egypt, and “forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing Him [God] who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27).

Spiritual overcomers believe Jesus is the Son of God, love and keep God’s commandments, love one another, and live by faith.

Are you a spiritual overcomer?

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Copyright © 2022 – Travis D. Smith

Heart of A Shepherd Inc is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501c3, and is a public charitable organization. Mailing address: Heart of A Shepherd Inc, 6201 Ehrlich Rd., Tampa, FL 33625. You can email HeartofAShepherdInc@gmail.com for more information on this daily devotional ministry.

Is There Any HOPE? (1 John 3; 1 John 4)

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Scripture reading – 1 John 3; 1 John 4

We continue our devotional study of the Epistles of John, and come today to 1 John 3 and 4. John was writing to believers near the end of the 1st century, and who found themselves living in a world becoming increasingly hostile to them and the Gospel. After admonishing believers to “love not the world” (1 John 2:15-17), the apostle warned that there were “many antichrists” in the world and tragically, within the congregations (1 John 2:18-23).

Who were the antichrists? Some professed to be believers and were intolerant of sound doctrine (1 John 2:19). Others were false teachers (1 John 2:22-23), who purposed to seduce believers and lead them astray from the truth (1 John 2:26). John assured believers, if they would abide [literally sin not] in Christ, and were sensitive to the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit, they would discern truth from error (2:27-28). The focus of our devotion will be 1 John 3:1-3.

1 John 3

Recalling chapter and verse numbers were not in John’s original manuscript (these being added by editors), John’s letter continued in chapter 3 with a wonderful, affectionate reminder: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not” (3:1).

A Message of HOPE (3:1-3)

Believers are not only the object of God the Father’s love (3:1), we are “the sons of God” (3:1a), and therefore strangers in the world. Knowing the world rejected Christ, and “knew Him not” (3:1b), we who are “the sons of God” do not look to the world for our identity or affirmation. As we heed God’s Word, and yield to His will (Romans 12:1-2), we grow spiritually and are changed into the likeness of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Believers who look in anticipation for the coming of Christ, will find “when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (3:2).

In fact, the believer’s HOPE motivates him to be ever purifying his soul of sin, that we might be pure and holy, “even as He is pure” (3:3).

What is HOPE?

Hope, in my opinion, is something you might have and do not appreciate, until it is lost. For instance, it is easy to define “hopeless.” Despair, despondent, dejected, downhearted, downcast, depressed are all terms that describe a state of hopelessness. HOPE, however, is a challenge to define. Words like anticipation, aspiration, and expectation might capture some of the essence of HOPE; however, they fall short in accurately defining it. Generally, the world considers HOPE to be little more than wishful thinking. Interestingly, the ancient world had many gods (gods of war, love, light, fertility, healing, death, beauty, and agriculture); however, to my knowledge no civilization worshiped a “god of hope.”

The God of Hope

HOPE occurs 143 times in the King James Version of the Bible. Twenty-six times in the Psalms, the LORD and His Word are referred to as the believer’s object of HOPE. We are to “Hope in the LORD” (Psalm 31:24), “Hope in [His] mercy” (Psalm 33:18), and “Hope in [His] judgments,” because the LORD is just (Psalm 119:43).

The prophet Jeremiah identified God as the believer’s object of HOPE, writing, “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is” (Jeremiah 17:7). HOPE was also a frequent theme of the apostle Paul, who in his letter to believers in Corinth, wrote, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Corinthians 15:19). Believer, our God is the God of HOPE!

The Believer’s HOPE

The world defines hope as probabilities and wishful thinking; however, the believer’s HOPE is a confident expectation in God’s faithfulness and His ability to keep all He has promised. In other words, the LORD and His promises are the object of the believer’s HOPE.

Two Dimensions of Biblical HOPE: Faith and Action.

HOPE was one of three virtues Paul employed when he defined the essence of a believer’s character: “And now abideth faith, HOPE, [and] charity” (1 Corinthians 13:13). In his letter to believers in Rome, Paul prayed, “Now the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in HOPE” (Romans 15:13a).

Application – Biblical HOPE is an active expectation the LORD will fulfill all He has promised. HOPE accepts circumstances and challenges as from the hand of the Lord (Romans 8:28). HOPE believes God, and makes the best of one’s circumstances. HOPE trusts, and obeys the LORD even when all seems hopeless.

Closing thoughts –An Old Testament example of Biblical HOPE is identified in the lives of four young Jewish men. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were among the first Jews taken captive to Babylon (Daniel 1). Their last memories of family, the city of Jerusalem, and their homeland were of a fallen, defeated people. Humanly speaking, all hope was lost. Yet, how did they respond to their circumstances? Did they follow their brethren, embrace the culture of the world, and bow their wills to the commands and idols of a pagan king? No!

Those four young men followed Daniel’s example, who “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank” (Daniel 1:8). They determined to keep God’s covenant, and obey His Law and Commandments, and HOPE in the LORD.

Biblical HOPE aspires to a pure life, even as the LORD is pure and holy. (1 John 3:3)

Have you any HOPE?

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Copyright © 2022 – Travis D. Smith

Heart of A Shepherd Inc is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501c3, and is a public charitable organization.
Mailing address: Heart of A Shepherd Inc, 6201 Ehrlich Rd., Tampa, FL 33625.
You can email HeartofAShepherdInc@gmail.com for more information on this daily devotional ministry.

Gnosticism and Four Proofs of Genuine Faith and Salvation (1 John 1; 1 John 2)

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Scripture reading – 1 John 1; 1 John 2

Today’s Scripture reading is 1 John 2, but I am taking liberty to review 1 John 1 and give some background to this wonderful letter to believers of the latter years of the 1st century. Lord willing, we will consider 1 John 2 in the future.

Introduction

Scholars suppose The First Epistle of John was written near the close of the first century between A.D. 85-90. The apostle John was an elderly man, and in the last years of his remarkable life. While he failed to identify himself by name, the beauty and style of the writing is similar to the Gospel of John. John’s name also does not appear in his Gospel either; however, he references himself on several occasions as the disciple “whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23; 20:2; 21:7, 20). The same pattern holds true in the  Epistles of 2 John and 3 John. In addition, the historical details presented in the introductory verses were written by a disciple who had intimate knowledge of our Lord.

An Eyewitness Account of the Person and Earthly Life of Christ (1:1-4)

Consider the following eyewitness account regarding the historical evidences of Christ’s incarnation: “That which was from the beginning [Eternal God], which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life” (1:1; John 1:1-3, 14)

Many reading John’s letter were the children and grandchildren of believers who had been contemporaries of the apostles. With assertive, apostolic authority, John was writing to second and third generation believers. Imagine being part of that generation, and receiving a letter from John giving his eyewitness account of Christ’s sufferings, crucifixion, death, and resurrection! (1:1-4)

The Existence and Nature of Sin (1:5-6)

By the time of this letter, persecution was an ever-present threat, and several apostles were martyred. Adding to the danger was the presence of false teachers in the congregations. The doctrine of Gnosticism (a blend of paganism, Greek philosophy, Judaism, and “Christianity”), had created doubt among some. Heretics were spreading that doctrine, boasting spiritual enlightenment, and proposing a progressive, amoral view of what some call today, “Christian liberty.”

Purveyors of Gnosticism suggested sin was no longer an issue, and taught believers were free of any concern for God’s Law and Commandments. Adding to their heresies was a rejection of Christ as the pre-incarnate Son of God made flesh, and His virgin birth, bodily crucifixion, and resurrection from the dead.

If you are reading today’s devotion and doubt your salvation, or wonder, “Is it possible for a man to know he is saved?” The answer is yes, and John stated four conditions that authenticate the sincerity of a man’s salvation and profession of Christ as Savior.

Four Conditions Test the Authenticity of One’s Salvation (1:7-9)

The first condition of authentic salvation is a sincere believer will not continue in sin. Of the Gnostics, John warned, “God is light [altogether righteous], and in him is no darkness at all. 6If we say that we have fellowship with him [Christ], and walk in darkness [continue in sin], we lie, and do not the truth” (1:5-6). In other words, a person is a liar, if he claims to be a believer and follower of Christ, and continues in sin.

Another test involves fellowship with other believers. We understand that sin inhibits our fellowship with other believers. John wrote, “if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another” (1:7a). Fellowship with God and fellowship with others are dependent on our commitment to “walk in the light” of God’s truth.

A third test of one’s sincerity is an understanding that, sin deceives, and if tolerated, will snatch away the truth. Again, John wrote, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1:8).

Lastly, true believers accept only by confessing sins are we forgiven, cleansed, and “walk in the light” (1:9). So, we read, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1:9)

Closing thoughts (1:10) – Though under a different name, and perhaps more sophisticated than it was in the 1stcentury, Gnosticism has been revived. Today’s Gnostics are more subtle in their denials, but what they do not say with their lips, they demonstrate with their lies and lives. The Gnostics of the 21st century preach and follow a grace and liberty that denies the holiness of God. Regardless of what some profess, be forewarned: “If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1:10).

Warning – Unconfessed sin will blind you spiritually, and leave you in darkness.

* You can become a regular subscriber of the Heart of a Shepherd daily devotionals, and have them sent directly to your email address. Please enter your email address in the box to the right (if using a computer) or at the bottom (if using a cell phone).

Copyright © 2022 – Travis D. Smith

Heart of A Shepherd Inc is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501c3, and is a public charitable organization. Mailing address: Heart of A Shepherd Inc, 6201 Ehrlich Rd., Tampa, FL 33625. You can email HeartofAShepherdInc@gmail.com for more information on this daily devotional ministry.

Earnestly Contend for the Faith (Jude 1, 1 John 1)

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Scripture reading – Jude 1, 1 John 1

Today’s Scripture reading is the Epistle of Jude and The First Epistle of John, chapter 1.

“The General Epistle of Jude” may be the lesser known of the pastoral epistles, but I believe you will find it challenging and absorbing. Concerning the title, the term “General” indicated the letter was not dedicated to a specific church, but to the churches and believers in general.

The authorship was attributed to one who identified himself as Jude, and introduced himself in the first verse as, “Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James” (Jude 1a). Bible scholars are nearly unanimous in their opinion that Jude was the half-brother of Jesus Christ, and therefore the son of Joseph and Mary, and “brother of James” (Jude 1:1). James, from our study in the Acts of the Apostles, was believed to have been the pastor\elder of the congregation in Jerusalem (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3; Acts 12:17; 21:18-25; Galatians 1:19). Although a half-brother of Jesus, Jude identified himself as a “servant,” literally a slave “of Jesus Christ” (1:1).

As with the Second Epistle of Peter, the Epistle of Jude was most likely written in the latter half of the 1st century. The intended recipients of the letter were believers who were already facing growing trials and persecutions. In his salutation, Jude affirmed those followers of Christ, and reminded them they were “sanctified [set apart, called to be holy] by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called” (meaning chosen, 1:1). Following his affectionate greeting, Jude made no hesitation as to the purpose of his letter.

Warning: The Danger of Apostates (1:3-4)

It appears Jude’s original intent was to write a letter that exhorted and encouraged believers regarding their “common salvation” (1:3). Yet, something changed, and Jude was impressed to write an urgent letter that warned and admonished believers to beware of enemies of the Gospel who were in their midst. Perhaps the theme of the epistle might be summed up in this statement: “Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (1:3).

What was the “faith” for which Jude challenged believers to contend? (1:3)

The “faith” was the whole whole body of Biblical doctrine (teachings). To “contend for the faith,” meant to agonize, struggle, and even war. Contending implied more than a skirmish or battle; it portrayed an agonizing effort and struggle. When one contends for something, they are wholly committed, and unwilling to quit till the victory is won.

Thus, Jude challenged believers to face the trials and challenges of those who opposed “the faith” and never surrender (1:3). That brings us to another question:

With whom were believers to contend? (1:4)

Verse 4 gives us the answer, where we read: “4For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men” (Jude 4a).

Even before the end of the first century, there were wicked men in the midst of the saints, in their churches, and fellowships. They were a threat to the faith, having “crept in unawares,” and by stealth were accepted by the congregation (1:4b). They were apostates, “ungodly men,” who had turned the teachings of God’s grace into a liberty that opened the door to sexual debauchery and a license to sin (1:4c). They had no fear or reverence for God, and denied “the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (1:4d).

An Assurance of God’s Judgment Upon Apostasy (1:5-7)

In his second epistle, Peter challenged believers to remember those things they had been taught (2 Peter 1:12, 15; 3:1). Jude did the same, and reminded believers of the judgment of God against all ungodliness. To know the ways and pattern of God’s working in the present and future, one needs to know and remember those things the Lord has done in the past. Thus, to be assured God would not allow apostasy to go unpunished, Jude put forward three patterns of God’s judgment in the past.

The first, how the Lord saved Israel out of Egyptian slavery, and graciously guided over six-hundred thousand souls (Exodus 12:37) through the wilderness (a cloud shadowing the people by day, and a pillar of fire guiding them at night). Yet, when the children of Israel rebelled, and refused to trust God and enter the Promised Land, the Lord “destroyed them that believed not” and they perished in the wilderness.

A second example of God’s judgment, was when He judged the angels who followed Lucifer in his rebellion (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:12-17). The LORD sentenced those fallen angels “in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day” (1:6; 2 Peter 2:4).

God’s judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah was the third example of divine judgment (1:7; Genesis 19). As God judged those cities for their sin and sexual debauchery, He would surely not spare those evil men who had crept into the midst of His people, and led them astray with their heresies and wicked ways.

Closing thoughts – I conclude today’s devotion with this observation:

The majority of churches and Christian institutions in the 21st century have not earnestly contended for the faith, and the evidence of that failure is widespread carnality, and immorality. Tragically, believers who tolerate such wickedness in their leadership and churches, will themselves fall under the heavy hand of God’s judgment.

Warning – Reject the truth, and you will suffer God’s judgment.

* You can become a regular subscriber of the Heart of a Shepherd daily devotionals, and have them sent directly to your email address. Please enter your email address in the box to the right (if using a computer) or at the bottom (if using a cell phone).

Copyright © 2022 – Travis D. Smith

Heart of A Shepherd Inc is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501c3, and is a public charitable organization. Mailing address: Heart of A Shepherd Inc, 6201 Ehrlich Rd., Tampa, FL 33625. You can email HeartofAShepherdInc@gmail.com for more information on this daily devotional ministry.