Holiness in 1 John
John uses grace only 6 times, three of those are greetings. Paul 89 times
(Not at all in this letter)
John views holiness in very practical terms. Like James, he wants to see our salvation, and sanctification worked out in holy behavior.
He uses “holy” 19 times in his NT writings. Mostly, he references a person in the trinity, but Rev 22:11 Jesus is coming back. The battle lines are drawn. Choose the Lord’s side!
John will repeat himself by introducing a concept (pts 2-4) then picking the conversation up later to expand (pts 4-6). By repeating Himself God shows how important ‘practiced holiness’ really is.
1. Holiness and fellowship are cousins: Separate from the darkness and join to the light vs 6-9
Remember the cleansing confession of vs 9 is hinted to be within a fellowship/accountability context.
Vulnerability with each other requires a confidence in God’s love for ourselves
Do we mostly seek prayer for health needs because we can’t be held accountable?
Accountability keeps sin from duplicating and flourishing.
We say, “God and I can conquer my weaknesses, I don’t need to tell anyone else”. If that were true there would be no need for the church.
Have you discovered one of the great resources of the body of Christ?
- Holiness lives truthful behavior 2: 4-6
This passage seems to suggest self-deception leading to outward hypocrisy
Our ability to justify is equal to our ability to sin.
- Holiness loves 2:10-11 matt 7:12 illus: stop, think, pray
Premeditated kindness. John seems to view love to each other as unconditional kindness.
- Holiness invests in the future 2:17
Rev 18 and the world’s economy tanking in one day. Do we have any doubts?
- Holiness does not practice sin 3:6-9 (see pt 2)
Proficiency requires practice, practice, practice. Practice requires determination and perseverance.
- Holiness loves as God loves 4:9-12 (see pt 3)
Our love makes visible the invisible God. To be charitable, to some extent, is part of human nature. But to wrap acts of kindness with prayer and genuine concern for body and soul opens people’s eyes to God who is among them.
- holiness confidently overcomes 5:5, 13-15 (see pt 4)
Holiness is the mature version of salvation
Our present version can speak to, even shape our future version
Through the pursuit of holiness
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