“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17 – NIV) Today, I launch a new clergy collegial blog. I hope we will encourage and empower each other toward success and excellence in pastoral ministry. As I sit in the Pastor’s Study at Cambria Heights Community Church, I often ponder the possible feedback of clergy colleagues as it relates to preparing sermons, counseling in particularly difficult situation, designing fresh worship, balancing competing priorities of ministry, marriage and family, maintaining self-care, pursuing personal dreams and private interests outside of ministry and family, and finding resources to meet the ever evolving and changing needs of the people whom I serve. After a sustained period of prayer, reflection and meditation, I realize I can invite you to come “In The Pastor’s Study” for an exchange of ideas.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

1 John 2:3-7 Bible Study Notes


Bible Study Notes - Do You Know the Lord?
1 John 2:3-6


  • In the third verse, John discusses the practical methods of determining whether and how we genuinely know Christ.
  • Certain knowledge of Christ yields obedience to His commands.  Allude to John 13:34-35, 14:23-24 and 15:10.
  • Failure to follow the commands of Christ means that we truly do not know Him.
  • If we disobey Him and claim simultaneously to know Him, we are liars and Christ’s truth does not dwell within our hearts.
  • In contrast obedience to the Word of God means God’s love sincerely lives in our hearts.
  • In fact, the Lord perfects His love in the hearts of genuine disciples.
  • “Walking as Jesus did” is the most practical and reliable litmus test as it relates to demonstrating whether a person knows the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Allude to Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
  • Again, allude to John 15; stay connected to the vine with the practice of daily spiritual disciplines which encourage and empower us in establishing a greater rapport with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.


An Enduring Command, Love! – 1 John 2:7


  • In the seventh verse, John insists he is not articulating a new command.  Rather, he repeats an enduring command that the members of the “Beloved Community” have heard over and over.
  • God’s unfailing love for humankind is the major theme of the Bible. 
  • God makes an oath on the basis of His perfect and holy character to love humankind unconditionally.
  • God’s seals that in a covenant in the Garden of Eden.  Despite human sin, infidelity and rebellion, God adheres to the covenant.
  • God directly reveals and personifies His love and covenant in the atoning sacrifice of Christ.
  • In fulfillment of the Law and Prophets, the Lord Jesus Christ teaches the new Law of Love, Light and Life.  The Beatitudes, specifically, and the Sermon on the Mount, generally, are a new Decalogue and Law of Love.
  • Practically speaking, the enduring message of Almighty God to humankind has always been about love.

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