1 John – Right Verses Wrong

It seemed worse than divorce. The churches in Rome had split, with many of the members leaving the truth to follow after false teachers who claimed to be closer to God. In the face of hurt and rejection, the believers who remained wavered in their resolve. Were they the true believers or not?

With all the warmth and love of a kind and concerned parent, the apostle John answered. Addressing them as “my little children,” John reassured God’s faithful followers that only those who remain rooted in Jesus Christ are truly God’s children. No matter what others may boast, real relationship with the Father can only be found through Jesus, His Son.

So how could they know who was walking in truth or not? John used vivid contrasts to help the believers test what they were taught. Did it reflect the light of Christ or the darkness of this world? Did it promote the love of God or hatred of man? Did it embrace Jesus as the sole means to life or try to offer some other way to God? Though they were children, spiritually speaking, John encouraged them to grow in their knowledge of truth and its application to their daily decisions and lives. He wanted them to become men and women, strong in their faith through a right understanding and application of God’s Word.

Times haven’t changed much. With so many philosophies and religions around the world, we, too, may wonder how anyone can have a corner on the truth. But John reminds us of the One whose absolute authority and existence dictates reality. God is, and He has revealed Himself through the person of Jesus Christ, His Spirit, and His written Word. If we want to continue to walk in the truth, we must line up our lives with what He says and not how we feel or think. Our obedience yields spiritual growth that enables us to parent other young Christians in the faith process, as well.

What is the theme of 1 John?

What is true love? Read 1 John 4:16-17.

Do you have true love in your life?