Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed. For let that man not think that he will receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

But let the brother in humble circumstances glory in his high position; and the rich, in that he is made humble, because like the flower in the grass, he will pass away. For the sun arises with the scorching wind, and withers the grass, and the flower in it falls, and the beauty of its appearance perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in his pursuits.

Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God can’t be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin; and the sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death. Don’t be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

Thoughts

There is a Spanish proverb that speaks volumes to me: “A man who wants for nothing is invincible.”  We are often tempted to want more. In this opening salvo from James, he focuses on temptation and at the heart of this temptation is our circumstance: Are we rich? We must be following God correctly. Are we poor? Where did we go wrong? Except James turns the table on this thinking: the man in humble circumstances should glory in his high position; the rich, should be humbled by their low position. This flies in the face of what the world sees as success.

Questions

1. Temptation is a part of every Christ follower’s life. Are we trained to count these times of temptation as joyous?
2. Temptation is the gym for the Christ-following soul. When we press against temptation, we build the soul’s muscle of endurance. Are you training when faced with temptation or just giving in?
3. Do you ask God for the wisdom to discern the difference between temptation and opportunity? Often temptation does not come in the wrapper of obvious sin—sometimes it’s the temptation of doing things that are good rather than the things that are of God. Is part of your daily regimen a sit-down time with God, asking him for the wisdom to understand what is put before you on a daily basis?
4. When you pray for a gift from God, do you often find yourself praying in doubt that he will provide?
5. James flips the tables on our understanding of honor and humility. It is the man in humble circumstances that should be considered in a high position and the rich man who should be humbled by his lowly position. Is that the case in the world today? More importantly, is this the case in our churches today? Why or why not?
6. Why should the man in humble circumstances consider his position a high one?
7. Why should a rich man be humbled by his circumstances?
8. When does temptation end?
9. Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Is God tempting me?”
10. How do you reconcile James’ opinion that God tempts no one with the story related of the prophet Micaiah in I Kings 22? How do you reconcile Jesus’ prayer regarding temptation (Matthew 6:13)?
11. How does temptation develop into sin?
12. Do you pray for only the good and perfect gifts that are from above?

Experience

I have been rich. I have been poor. What James describes here is much closer to the truth then what we consider to be the truth in the world and in God’s kingdom today. Frankly, I was asked and expected to do more for the kingdom of God when I was rich than now that I am poor. I don’t know why. Now, that I don’t have the pressures and anxieties of managing an enterprise or worrying about hanging on to what I had acquired, I have much more time to spend with God. I don’t worry myself with the things of tomorrow because as Jesus said, tomorrow’s evil is sufficient. Instead, I am grounded in today and consider the pursuit of the kingdom of God and daily bread enough. So why do we put so much emphasis on worldly success?

Prayer

Father, thank you for times of plenty. Thank you for times of humble circumstances. Help us to understand your viewpoint on these subjects. Help us to be glorified when you consider us strong enough to withstand trying times and temptations. Help us to be humbled when you bless us with more than enough. May we seek equality and justice for all of our brothers and sisters in every aspect of life. May we no longer be enticed by the pride and arrogance that usually accompanies success. May we no longer listen to the words of the world who scream, “Failure!” when we find ourselves struggling. May we seek your kingdom and trust that you will provide the rest. Amen.

I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, hearing of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; that the fellowship of your faith may become effective, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus. For we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

Therefore though I have all boldness in Christ to command you that which is appropriate, yet for love’s sake I rather beg, being such a one as Paul, the aged, but also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. I beg you for my child, whom I have become the father of in my chains, Onesimus, who once was useless to you, but now is useful to you and to me. I am sending him back. Therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News. But I was willing to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will. For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while, that you would have him forever, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

If then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me. But if he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, put that to my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe to me even your own self besides). Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in the Lord. Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say.

Also, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.

Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Thoughts

In this short letter, Paul lays out the perfect way for us to resolve differences with brothers and sisters. The foundation for reconciliation is found in prayer. When we pray like Paul prayed for his brothers and sisters in Christ—“I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers”—then the constant desire for the best for each other is always before us and always before God. Following prayer is relationship. Paul could talk this way to Philemon because he kept up with him even if he wasn’t always in his presence. He knew how his walk with God was progressing. With these two facets firmly in place, words of correction come through and are accepted in love.

Questions

1. Do you consider those who work with you in the furtherance of the gospel as “beloved fellow workers”?
2. Why does Paul refer to Archippus as a “fellow soldier”?
3. Does it strike you as odd that Paul is writing to a slave owner that also has a church meeting in his house?
4. Do you pray for your fellow brothers and sisters “always”?
5. Do you keep up with other brothers and sisters from the past and know how their walk with God is increasing?
6. Do you realize that we can have knowledge of every good thing which is in Christ Jesus?
7. Are the hearts of the saints refreshed through you?
8. Why do we command rather than beg like Paul does in this letter?
9. Did you know Onesimus means “useful”? Read through the letter again and notice Paul’s play on words.
10. Is it just me or does Paul seem to be a wee bit manipulative in this letter?
11. Does it strike you as odd that Paul doesn’t make a more profound anti-slavery message out of this letter? What would you have said? Why do you think Paul took the tact he did in this letter?
12. Does your goodness flow from necessity or from free will?
13. Can a master-slave relationship be converted to a brother-brother relationship? How?
14. Do you consider your other brothers and sisters who followed Christ as “partners”?
15. Is the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ with your spirit today?

Experience

The gentleness of God comes through loud and clear in this simple little letter. Paul has all authority in the world to make Philemon do the right thing, but he doesn’t take advantage of that authority. Instead, he banks on love—the love of Christ that compels us to be better, to do better. Paul simply “reminds” Philemon of the right thing to do. I can’t say that I’ve encountered much of that in the church. Usually, decisions are made much more like a corporation or in a military fashion rather than as a family. Here’s to all of us doing more things in love moving forward. When our friends are confronted with a tough decision like this, let’s help them see the love of Christ and help them respond the only way we should as Christ followers: in overwhelming love.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for holding on to my “rights” for way too long. I have no rights in Christ; I only have the ongoing and continuous debt to love others. Father, just as Paul does here in this letter with Philemon, give me a heart to help others see the right thing to do. Help me help others to make more decisions rooted in love then ever before. Grant me brothers and sisters surrounding me to help me make decisions in love. May you be glorified in these decisions and may we be glorified in Christ alone. Amen.

Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I desire that thou affirm confidently, to the end that they who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men: but shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strifes, and fightings about law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A factious man after a first and second admonition refuse; knowing that such a one is perverted, and sinneth, being self-condemned.

When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, give diligence to come unto me to Nicopolis: for there I have determined to winter. Set forward Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. And let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. All that are with me salute thee. Salute them that love us in faith. Grace be with you all.

Thoughts

“For we also once were…” That speaks volumes to me. Foolish? Yes. Disobedient? Yes. Deceived? Yes. Serving our own lusts? Ditto. Living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another? Yes, yes, and yes. So, if this is our background, why is it so often pointed out that the church is mean to people who live outside God’s will? Homosexuals? We hate ’em! Thieves? We hate ’em! Your sin (fill in the blank here)? Yeah, we hate you, too! But we were these things—all these things—and more. And here, Paul points out how we should treat everyone—sinner or saint—be in subjection to authority, obedient, ready unto every good work, speaking evil of no man, not contentious, but gentle, showing all meekness toward all men. We are different, very simply stated here, because of the kindness of God. Not because of anything we’ve done. It would serve us well to remember who we once were, why we’re different now, and instead of pointing fingers, perhaps encourage with all gentleness.

Questions

1. Are you in subjection to all authority? Does this include not speaking ill of those who are in charge?
2. Are you ready for every good work?
3. Do you speak evil of anyone?
4. Are you contentious?
5. Are you gentle, showing meekness toward all?
6. Have you forgotten your sinful past?
7. Do you understand that regardless of whatever righteous deeds you do, they don’t save you and can’t save you?
8. Are you continuously doing good works?
9. Do you avoid foolish questions and strife with your brothers and sisters in Christ?
10. How can we “maintain” one another in good works?

Experience

“For we also once were…” That statement should take away every arrogant or prideful thought in us. We are no better than anyone else who walks this planet because of our deeds… we’re simply saved because of the blood of Christ. If you happen to encounter someone who wears the name Christian behaving badly in front of “un-Christians,” please do them a favor and point it out to them. You may be doing more to spread the gospel of Christ doing that then anything else you could say to an unbeliever.

Prayer

Father, forgive my arrogance. Forgive my pride. Thank you for reminding me that, “I also once was.”  May I never forget the statement, “I also once was.” May I treat all that you send my way with gentleness and meekness. May I never muddy your name again with a sense of “I’m better than you.” Amen!

Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and to be well-pleasing to them in all things; not gainsaying; not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world; looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works. These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Thoughts

Frankly, this sounds like a pep rally. And maybe that’s what the life as a Christ follower should be about when we come together as believers. When we’re alone, in our lives, in our families, in our work, it’s easy to forget our purpose. We get caught up in the “tyranny of the urgent.” Maybe if church were more about encouraging, about reminding us how we’re supposed to act—fully engaged with the Holy Spirit who is our constant companion—it wouldn’t be such a struggle when we’re apart. At least, that’s what I’m thinking this morning… what about you?

Questions

1. What is sound doctrine?
2. Can you describe these old words—temperate, grave, sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, in patience—with words from today?
3. Why do you think older women got the assignment to teach here and the older men didn’t?
4. What’s the difference—if any—between sober-minded and not enslaved to much wine? Are we splitting hairs here? How sober should a Christian be?
5. Workers at home (for the young women). Is that the only place a woman should work if she has children? Hint: Read Proverbs 31.
6. What does being in subjection to your husband mean?
7. Young men: in all things be an example of good works. What does that encompass?
8. Do you know any young men who practice gravity?
9. Servants: why does Paul address servitude here? Is this biblical?
10. Is their a corollary to servitude in our culture today? Could the same description of the relationship between servant and master be applied to employee and employer?
11. How does denying ungodliness and worldly lusts and incorporating sobriety, righteousness and godliness naturally expand into the life of a Christ follower? How are the denial/incorporation of such traits reflect our love of Christ and the Father?
12. Can we be zealous without knowledge? What is the result?
13. What is the result of zealousness with knowledge?
14. Why would someone despise Titus for teaching these things?

Experience

The “training” that Paul describes to Titus in this passage, is akin to what goes on in a family that works. It is my experience that when a church is hitting on all cylinders, it’s operating more like a family than any other organism or organization. Regardless of the trimmings and edgings; regardless of the exact doctrine; regardless of all other bolt-ons and add-ons we like to tack to the simplicity of the gospel, when we get that at the heart of the teaching to be a Christ follower is to treat others like family, good things happen.

Prayer

Father, help us to treat our brothers and sisters in Christ as just that—brothers, and sisters, and fathers, and mothers. Help us to love one another as only you can teach us. Help us to be a big family. Beyond that, may we live in simplicity and frugality; in hospitality and with the heart of wanting others to be blessed more than ourselves. Help us to grow—in whatever congregation you’ve planted us—into the family that you desire us to be. Amen.

To Titus, my true child after a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave thee charge:

• if any man is blameless,
• the husband of one wife,
• having children that believe, who are not accused of riot or unruly.
• For the bishop must be blameless, as God’s steward;
• not self-willed,
• not soon angry,
• no brawler,
• no striker,
• not greedy of filthy lucre;
• but given to hospitality,
• a lover of good,
• sober-minded,
• just,
• holy,
• self-controlled;
• holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict the gainsayers.

For there are many unruly men, vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped; men who overthrow whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, idle gluttons. This testimony is true. For which cause reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. To the pure all things are pure: but to them that are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. They profess that they know God; but by their works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Thoughts

Titus was assigned the huge task of appointing elders in every city in Crete. The primary reason for appointing such leaders was to ensure that sound doctrine was in place and followed in every church. Notice the qualifications of the elder. Compare them to the list of qualifications Paul gives in 1 Timothy 3:1-16. They’re not the same. I don’t think Paul was forgetting something or simply rephrasing these requirements. I think Crete was a different place than Ephesus with a different culture and a different standard of man. The important stuff Paul repeats here; the cultural stuff he adds or takes away. Do you agree or disagree?

Questions

1. Paul pretty well spells out why he does everything he does in the name of Christ in this first paragraph. Can you identify what that is?
2. Are there others you could consider your true child after a common faith?
3. Do you agree that there should be elders in every city (congregation)?
4. What does it mean to be blameless?
5. Could you elaborate on the statement “the husband of one wife”? Do you think he means one wife only or only one wife at a time? What would be the cultural significance of only having one wife? What would be the spiritual significance of only having one wife?
6. Having children that believe. Compare and contrast this description with the description of children of elders in 1 Timothy 3:1-16.
7. Blameless is repeated—once as a man and once as a bishop (or elder). Why do you think this is so important?
8. What does it mean to be not self-willed? Not soon angry? Not a brawler? Not a striker? Not greedy of filthy lucre?
9. Why is hospitality so important in the life of an elder? Should it be any less important for any Christ follower?
10. What does it mean to be a lover of good?
11. Compare “sober-minded” with Paul’s description of elders’ requirements in 1 Timothy 3:1-16.
12. What does it mean for a person to be just? Holy? Self-controlled?
13. Are the elders in your congregation capable of “holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict gainsayers”?
14. What’s a gainsayer?
15. What are the differences between Paul’s list here of elder credentials and Paul’s list in 1 Timothy 3:1-16?

Experience

I never really considered the differences in the elder qualifications listed here in Titus with those listed in 1 Timothy until this study. It never dawned on me that there would be cultural differences, age differences, ability differences, and experience differences. I simply swallowed what I had been taught for years. I wonder how much I’ve swallowed whole without consideration or study of my own. Do you understand what I’m talking about? What is our responsibility to find out for ourselves?

Prayer

Father, forgive me for my lack of effort, my lack of desire to know you for myself. I pray that you will open the Scriptures up for me and my fellow Christ followers this go round. Help us to see what you intend us to see and help us to apply it. Please always have your Holy Spirit with us, guiding our lives and our understanding so that we can live, love, and encourage others in an honest walk with you. I pray for those who will read this. Compel their hearts and heads to join the conversation. Broaden all of our eyes to see what it’s like to truly apply your word to our lives. Amen.

“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” His questions to her after her accusers had gone their way.

“No one sir,” she had managed.

“Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”

She did as she was told and she followed him.

There were the tears of complaint, when after following for a while, she felt empty and afraid and alone. She had gone to him in the silence and darkness of night, fell at his feet and wept.

“Lord, it’s too difficult — I can’t follow you,” she cried.

He touched her gently on the head, and said, “No it’s not. You’ve simply forgotten where you came from and where you’re going. You’re heading toward eternal life. Now be about my business.”

Then there were the tears of doubt, when, after his death, she stood outside his tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two men in white, seated where the body had been.

They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this she had turned around and saw the Master standing there, but she did not realize it was him.

“Woman,” he said, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

He simply replied, “Mary.”

Then all the tears and the doubt disappeared.

Occasionally, there are still tears — tears of fear, tears of complaint, tears of doubt, tears of missing his presence. When those tears come, she remembers where she was, she remembers where she’s going. Most of all she remembers him — the Master and his resurrection. She looks forward to eternal life and sitting at his feet once more.

Text 1 John 5:13–21

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. This is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us. And if we know that he listens to us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of him.

If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life for those who sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death. I don’t say that he should make a request concerning this. All unrighteousness is sin, and there is a sin not leading to death.

We know that whoever is born of God doesn’t sin, but he who was born of God keeps himself, and the evil one doesn’t touch him. We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. We know that the Son of God has come, and has given us an understanding, that we know him who is true, and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

For Thought

Our dear friend John wrote this letter so we may know we have eternal life. Are you closer today to eternal life then when you began this study? If you’re not, what are you going to do about it?

Water to Wine

1. Early on in this study we determined that John was about black and white and absolute statements. In this passage are the most important absolutes of life: 1) you may know that you have eternal life; 2) if we ask of God according to his will it’s ours already; 3) those born of God cannot be harmed by the evil one; and 4) he has given us understanding so that we may know what is true. This week focus on these absolutes and rejoice in God’s grace.
2. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us — whatever we ask — we know that we have what we asked of him. I hear the naysayer in you now and believe me, you’re not alone. The biggest problem we have with this passage is that we take it out of context. Keep his commands. Love your brother. Stay away from those that deny the Christ. We tend to forget those commandments in this same letter, but buddy, when we’re in need we’re sure to bring this passage out and whine! Here’s a hint: quit whining. Keep the commandments. When you’ve got that down, remember that what you’re asking must be in accordance with his will.
3. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that. All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death. I know, you want me to give you this great theological answer that will simplify this weighty  passage. Guess what: no way. If you haven’t grasped it by now, this study guide is about living it, not grasping every thread of God’s great revelation to man. That said, I’ll leave you with this one last challenge: Don’t let heavy-duty passages like this throw you. Run after God with all you have and I promise you won’t miss him. If you’ve got to know stuff like this, there are tons of commentaries that will give you much more insight than I can provide here. Now go! Be fearless, safe in the love of God! Live it!

“Do you believe I’m the king of the Jews?” the interrogation begins. A smear of blood cakes and cracks in the corner of the carpenter’s mouth where the high priest’s men had struck him earlier in the evening.

“I…I don’t know,” Pilate stammers. “You’re a king, like Caesar.”

“I’m a king,” the carpenter agrees, “but not like Caesar. You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

“What is truth?” Pilate asks, the words slipping out just like a thousand nights before — too fast to draw them back in. He sees the carpenter smile and he winces in pain, knowing now from the shear repetition of dreams what to expect.

“What is truth?” the carpenter clarifies. “Is that what you demand of me, Pilate? My friend, there are three that testify to the truth — the Spirit, the water, and the blood!”

Suddenly he is no longer in the palace — instead he is lashed to the mast of a small fishing boat, tossed by the wind and the waves on Galilee. Night surrounds him; he can barely see the details of the craft he occupies. The boat pitches up, up, then down, down. His stomach rolls, the bile rises to his throat. Out of the night, the carpenter speaks, “Pilate, you don’t see the wind but you feel its effects, see its progression. So it is with the Spirit. The Spirit tells you through its effects, through its progression that I am he and I am real.”

The boat and midnight are suddenly gone, replaced by water. He is in water, the amniotic sack of the womb. He can see more clearly now, although the vision is murky and what he does see is eery and unfamiliar. Force, great, pressing, crushing force sends him flying down the birth canal toward light. As his head crests, the voice reverbates in his ears: “Pilate, the water of birth testifies of my truth. I?was creator of man — found perfect in the creation of a perfect, endless cycle of recreation; I was born of man — found perfect in trial and test; I was baptized as a man — symbolizing the ceremonial watery death and burial you all must endure to join yourself with me.”

Immediately Pilate can see, from a vantage point he had appointed but had never experienced in reality. He stands, on the tips of his toes, on the shallow platform attached to the cross. Greedily, he pushes up on his perch, gathering breath into aching lungs. Each time he surges up, the iron nails in his feet and wrists ripped new paths of pain. Looking down, he sees his accuser — the carpenter, the Jewish Christ. He holds a spear inches away from his ribcage.

“Friend, along with the Spirit and the water, the blood testifies of me.” The spear finds its mark between ribs and blood and water flow down Pilate’s side. “The blood — the pure blood of a sacrificial, unblemished lamb — washes away sin. My blood cleanses, sustains. Your blood is tainted, foul, soiled. You, Pilate, die in vain.”

As quickly as the images have come, they disappear. No more storm, no more womb, no more cross. He stands alone in his place of decision. A voice echoes down the palace halls: “Pilate, I am truth.”

Text 1 John 5:6–12

This is he who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three who testify: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and the three agree as one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is God’s testimony which he has testified concerning his Son. He who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. He who doesn’t believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. The testimony is this, that God gave to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has the life. He who doesn’t have God’s Son doesn’t have the life.

For Thought

1. Jesus came by water and blood — but what does that mean? Is this passage referring to the water of natural child birth or the water of baptism? What about blood? Does this signify death? His communal remembrance?
2. The Spirit, the water, and the blood testify concerning Jesus. How does the Spirit testify that Jesus is Lord? Depending on your viewpoint regarding water and blood, how do they testify that Jesus is Lord?
3. John says that God’s testimony is greater than man’s testimony concerning Jesus Christ. What is man’s testimony and what is God’s?
4. John also says that anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Agree or disagree? If you do agree, how do we have this testimony in our heart? More importantly, how does this testimony reveal itself?

Water to Wine

1. Give thought this week how the Spirit, the water, and the blood all testify to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
2. Focus your prayer time on the following passage: Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. John’s absolutes can be exhilarating and chilling at the same time, can’t they? Spend time with the Lord this week on affirming the testimony of Jesus Christ in your own heart and pray that the Spirit will help you relay that testimony to those who need it.

Old man, every day I see you come to this place. Every day I see you take what you have and distribute it to these beggars and invalids. Why do you do that?”

“Because I can see.”

“What do you mean because you can see?”

“I see suffering. I see those in need.”

“I see them.”

“No you don’t.”

“They’re right there — are you saying I’m blind?”

“Yes.”

“You’re blind!”

“I was…now I’m not.”

“What do you mean you were but now you’re not?”

“I mean I was blind and now I’m not.”

“You don’t make sense.”

“And you’re blind.”

“Old man, how were you blind?”

“Blind like these people on the street. Sightless. Couldn’t see. Walked into walls. Stumbled over baskets.”

“And now you can see?”

“Clear as day.”

“How?”

“A man put mud on my eyes and now I see.”

“What?! Who is this man?”

“You can’t see him.”

“Because I’m blind?”

“No, because he’s gone and because you’re blind.”

“You’re making me angry.”

“I have a knack for that sort of thing. You can’t see him because he’s gone — gone to be with his Father in heaven. You can’t see him because you’re blind — because these blind beggars and invalids all around you are who he works through now.”

“And if I can see them I can see him?”

“Now you’re catching on.”

“So how do I see them?”

“You look at them, but they’re like any other obstacle in the way — a tree, a wagon, a pile of dung. Look at them like they’re your brother and you may actually see them.”

“I’m looking…they look like people, just like you and me.”

“No, they’re not just like you and me. They’re blind and damaged and poor.”

“I saw that before.”

“Now you see it through fresh eyes. The question is what are you going to do about it?”

“Help them?”

“Help them.”

“I can do that.”

“You were blind, now you see. Now that is remarkable!”

Text 1 John 5:1–5

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. Whoever loves the Father also loves the child who is born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. His commandments are not grievous. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world: your faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

For Thought

1. “If you see something that needs doing, do it.” That was one of my dad’s main rules. One problem: kids are blind. I know that now, because I have three sons of my own and they’re all “kid-blind”: they see toys and television just fine, but ask them to pick up a white sock on a dark carpet and you might as well have asked them to raise the dead. Why is it so hard sometimes to see the obvious?
2. God deals with us the same way we deal with our kids: “If you see something that needs doing, do it.” It’s really that simple, isn’t it? In Matthew 25, Jesus gives us a glimpse of judgment. Toward the end of the chapter, he spells it out clear as day: “you can’t come in because you didn’t take care of me.” The answer is expected: “when didn’t we take care of you? When did we see you?” Read Matthew 25:31–46 and see what Jesus meant.

Water to Wine

1. This week is another simple assignment: If you see something that needs doing, do it!
2. During prayer time, ask the Lord to remove the scales that form on our spiritual eyes. Ask the Lord to help us see clearly to keep his commands. Ask for the sight to see need, and for the strength and provision to meet those needs.

“Simon, remember what I told you: if the crowd ahead becomes difficult, do not run. There attention will be on me, so move into the crowd slowly, discard your outer garment, and blend in with them. I repeat, do not confront them — be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove.”

“Thomas, how can you be so calm?”

“Because I lived with him. Because I saw him perform miracles. Because these hands touched his wounds, his hands, his side. Because, my son, I’ve seen the life after death. I’m not afraid of death.”

“Sir, I’m not afraid to die.”

“I know you’re not, Simon. You’re afraid to live.”

As they entered the edge of the crowd, Simon heard his older companion begin to pray, “Lord, my master, my sovereign, please grant us success this day. These people — your creation — cannot understand my native tongue. Grant them understanding that they may hear of your son — my Lord, my God — let those that have not seen him see him in me.”

His prayer complete, Thomas touched a passer-by by the sleeve. “Friend, do you have a place where strangers can stay?”

Simon heard him speak—words he had never heard yet understood completely. The man looked at Thomas quizzically, then moved away.

Thomas moved on to the next. “Friend, can you help two travelers who are tired and hungry?”

This man stopped, returned the same quizzical look as the first, then nodded. “Come with me.”

The threesome moved down an alley way and Simon let loose an audible sigh of relief.

“Thomas, what is your plan now?”

“We’ll set up shop in this good samaritan’s home and begin to teach daily in the market —”

Their guide quickly turned on them in the alley, brandishing a knife. He growled, “My guests, hand over your wealth.” A half dozen other men appeared from the shadows, all carrying weapons.

“Sir,” Thomas began, “we’re servants of the most high God. We have no wealth other than the good news of Jesus Christ.”

“Then you’ll die.” He struck swiftly, his blade buried in Thomas’s belly.

Simon, frozen by the ferocity of the moment, could see Thomas look his attacker in the eye. There was no anger in his gaze, no malice for the man who took his life. Thomas began as he had heard him before in the synagogue and in the market place: “There was a man sent from God. His name was John. He was God’s prophet and he foretold of another who was to come. His name was Jesus and he is the savior….”

The attackers were distracted by Thomas’s dying words. With the sounds of the gospel ringing in his ears, Simon ran for his life.

Text 1 John 4:13–21

By this we know that we remain in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him, and he in God. We know and have believed the love which God has for us.

God is love, and he who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. In this love has been made perfect among us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment, because as he is, even so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.

We love him, because he first loved us. If a man says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who doesn’t love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? This commandment we have from him, that he who loves God should also love his brother.

For Thought

1. The disciple often referred to as “doubting Thomas” was a brave man (John 11:16). Later, we find Thomas very much in doubt (John 20:24–30). What happened in between these two events? Do you think fear was behind Thomas’s doubt?
2. It’s been said that love, in its truest sense, can best be found at the intersection of fear and faith. Agree or disagree?
3. “Do not fear.” That command from God can be found over 300 times in the scripture — more than any other command. Let’s look at some of those fearful souls:
1. Abram (Genesis 15:1). Interestingly enough, God tells Abram not to fear right after Abram had experienced a huge military victory (Genesis 14).
2. Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:1–8). Joshua takes the “CEO” position of Israel — a people banished by God to the wilderness for 40 years because of their disobedience. Joshua was to take these people and turn them into a military power. What could Joshua possibly be afraid of? What was the one source he could turn to to draw strength and courage?
3. David (I Samuel 23). Chased by Saul for years, David is told by his best friend and heir to the kingdom to “fear not” (v.17). Could there have been doubt in David’s mind?

Water to Wine

The wise king Solomon sums up his view on life with the last two verses of Ecclesiastes: Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter:?Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

The path between Solomon’s words and John’s explanation of perfect love is the path we walk as Christ followers. This week and in the weeks to come, pray to the Lord that he reveal his plan for perfect love in your life and those lives that you touch.

Mary eyed her older sister warily, the forefinger of her left hand securely in the palm of her right. “It hurts.”

“Of course it hurts. You have a sliver in it.”

“I hate washing dishes.”

“I know. Do you want me to get it out or not?”

Mary slowly extended her wounded finger for Martha’s re-examination. Her sister poked at the shard of pottery, wiggling the edge gently. “Does that hurt?”

“Yes. A little.”

Martha held the wound up to the light for closer inspection.

“Martha, do you miss him?”

Martha did not look up from her task. “Yes,” she said bluntly. “He would have this splinter out in no time.”

“If he were here, I wouldn’t be washing dishes.”

Martha laughed, remembering the last time they were together. “No, you wouldn’t.” She grasped the fragment with the tips of her fingernails and pulled.”

“Ouch!”

“Baby.…Do you miss him?”

“Yes…and no. Sometimes I feel him here. Every time I see our brother coming in from the field, he’s there with him — I can almost see him,” Mary confided. “Do you understand?”

“Yes. Sometimes I feel him here, too.”

Martha pinched the splinter once more and pulled quickly. “Got it.”

“Martha, when do you see him or feel him here?”

Martha looked over her sister’s shoulder and smiled. “Sometimes.”

Text 1 John 4:7–12

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God, and knows God. He who doesn’t love doesn’t know God, for God is love. By this God’s love was revealed in us, that God has sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, if God loved us in this way, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God remains in us, and his love has been perfected in us.

For Thought

1. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were very close to our Lord (look at John 11:1–12:11); yet their closeness was not always a common bond between them (Luke 10:38–42). Why is it often so hard to “love one another” when we live under the same roof?
2. Let’s look at some sibling relationships:
1. Cain and Abel (Genesis 4). One pursued the harvest, the other the flock. One pursued his own gain, one the favor of God. One killed the other. Why?
2. Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25:19–34; Genesis 27; Genesis 33; Romans 9:11–13). Twins — maybe not so different as we would first suspect. What insight into these patriarchal brothers do we gain from the Romans passage?
3. Absalom and Amnon (II Samuel 13). David’s family was an extended, dysfunctional mess, stemming from David’s disobedience to God. What can we do to avoid a similar fate for our families?

Water to Wine

1. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. So instructs James in his letter, James 1:22–25. Read this passage and describe how it relates to “loving one another.”
2. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. This week, let’s focus on understanding that our love for God and his Son is only a reflection of the love he has shown us.
3. …but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. Likewise, as we express our love to one another, don’t dwell on the good deed as an accomplishment; instead, consider any expression of love as an extension of God’s love to his creation.