radiantvisalia.com1 John: We Talkin' About Practice?!  (1 John 2:28-3:9)Scripture References: 1 John 2:28-3:10, Revelation 2, John 3:16, John 3:3-8.Intro:Introduction with Lane Clevenger reading the scripture.Explanation of repetition and repackaging in 1 John for deeper understanding.John’s purpose: to equip the church to discern true faith from false teaching.Three tests of true faith: theological, moral, and social.Key Points:The Importance of Discernment:The church in Asia Minor was being led astray by false teaching.John wants believers to distinguish between genuine Christianity and counterfeits.The three tests help identify true faith: belief, behavior, and love.The Test of Obedience:1 John 2:28-3:10 focuses on the moral test: how believers live.John emphasizes “practice of righteousness” and “abiding in Him.”False teaching (Gnosticism) promoted a separation between spiritual and physical behavior.Born of God:Believers are “born of God,” a new identity and reality.This is not based on performance but on God’s grace.Resemblance to God is the result of being born of Him.God’s love is lavished upon us, making us His children.The World’s Rejection:The world (system of values apart from God) does not recognize believers because it did not recognize Jesus.John combats Gnostic ideas with emphasis on “what can be known to all.”The Appearing of Christ:Jesus’ first and second appearing are significant.Understanding His purpose (cleansing from sin, destroying the devil’s works) should influence our behavior.Believers will be conformed to Christ’s image at His second coming.Hope and Purification:“Everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as He is pure.”Genuine hope in Christ has a purifying effect.Sanctification is a “we-He” process; we cooperate with God’s work.The Practice of Sin:John addresses the “practice of sinning,” not occasional lapses.Habitual, persistent sin is incongruent with being born of God.Repentance and a change in behavior are signs of true faith.Abiding in Him:“Abiding” (making our home in Him) is the answer to overcoming sin.Walking in the Spirit and practicing righteousness are essential.Dualism (separating spiritual and physical) is a false teaching.Conclusion:True faith is marked by obedience and integrity.Understanding Christ’s appearing and our future hope should transform our lives.Habitual sin is incompatible with being born of God.Abiding in Christ and practicing righteousness are essential for believers.Call to Action:Examine your life: are you practicing righteousness?Repent quickly and avoid repeating sin.Abide in Christ and walk in the Spirit.Reject dualism and live integrated lives of faith.Remember Christ’s sacrifice and forgiveness at the Lord’s Table.Embrace the love of God that makes us His children. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.