Pilot Knob Lutheran All Talk? 3/15/2023
1 John 3:6, 9. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.
Have you ever read this verse and thought, how can we stop sinning, is it even possible to stop? If it is not possible, John says we are not in Him and therefore lost. That is not very encouraging.
The passage could be stated this way: no one who lives in Him lives for the sake of sin. If we are followers of Christ then we do not want to live for the pleasure and gratification of sin, rather we will want to live for doing what is good and pleasing in God’s eyes. Yes, we will sin, we will at times not want to do what God commands, but that does not mean we are lost. It means our self-centered nature continues to war against God and our new nature in Christ. Precisely why we need to confess our sin, ask for forgiveness, turn away from our sin and call upon the Holy Spirit to help us in forsaking our selfish mindset.
John’s context is about recognizing who is a follower of God and who is not. Vs.10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister. He warns them not to be deceived by those claiming to be saved yet follow the dictates of the world. In other words, all talk and no righteous action.
What is it that should characterize a believer? Righteous or godly actions, love for others and desiring to do what is right and wanting others to do the same. Helping those truly in need, exposing lies and half-truths and comforting those who grieve.
What do your words and actions reveal about you?
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Today, 4:30 Confirmation.
March 19, 9:00 AM Morning worship. Sermon: Chanukah
10:15 Sunday school for all.
12:00 L.L.S. practice. (Lunch: 11:30)
April 2, 2:00 Join us for the presentation of the Living Last Supper. Refreshments follow.
~ Past communiques and sermons can be read and heard on our website: www.pilotknob.org and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobLutheran/
Sermons may be heard on KIOW 107.3 FM Sunday mornings at 7:00. Spread the word. If you would like to support this outreach with a contribution, it costs $55 each week.
