Category: 7 Arrows

John sends encouragement to his friend, Gaius.

I’m sure Gaius received this letter with much joy!

God values unity rooted in truth.

People do tend to want to be first and and have their own way.

Show hospitality and good works while walking in truth.

Troublemakers in the church- nothing new. Don’t imitate these tactics. Instead, walk humbly in the truth.

Father, thank you for revealing truth. Help me to walk in it.

Paul sends encouragement and a warning to a godly mother.

My assumption is that while this letter was addressed primarily to one lady that it was read/shared with her local church family.

God wants us to discern deceivers so the faith of others is not compromised.

Deceivers deny the essentials of Jesus.

Walk in love and at the same time be on guard for deceivers.

There are essentials about the person and work of Jesus that are non-negotiable.

Lord, show me how to walk in love step by step and day by day.

Christ-followers love God with their lives, obedience, minds, & prayers.

John simplifies the Gospel- Jesus alone can make people right with God. Some joyfully accepted this and others did not.

The road to God goes exclusively through Jesus.

There are grievous sins backslidden believers can be so consumed by that the end result is losing their physical lives.

My obedience to God should be in proportion to my knowledge/belief about God

Rejecting Jesus = rejecting God. The only way to God is through the total surrender to the person and work of Christ.

Father, your ways are perfect. You see what we do not. Remind me of my limited perspective and use me however best to glorify you.

Spirits should be tested and the Spirit of God is the standard.

The people of this region and time were split on whether Jesus was the Messiah or not. This teaching would have been well received by the church but to the non-believing/Jewish establishment- not so much.

God is love.

Christ’s followers are obedient to God and show love to others.

Love God. Love people.

Test spirits to wisely live. No matter what, show love.

Father, I am depending on you for discernment. Help me to love like you.

Children of God are recognized by their love in action.

Those familiar with John would also be familiar with his language of love.

God is pleased when we imitate his goodness.

Man’s heart is revealed in his actions.

Keep God’s commands.

The talk here of laying down our lived for our brothers and sisters is the ultimate way to imitate Christ.

Lord Jesus, thank you for laying down your life for me. Help me- empower me, to lay down my life for my brothers and sisters.

John writes to warn of sin, remind of the return of Jesus, and encouraging people to abide (remain, live in) Christ day by day.

John’s words are tender like those of a beloved grandfather. His heart shows in his words and I think it was well received by the church.

God is to be known and obeyed.

Lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions are still big temptations.

Abide in Christ!

Sin sickness is real, this world is temporary, and Jesus will return for his own.

Father, help me live as a visitor in this world. Come quickly, Lord Jesus…but until then may I be about your business where you have placed me.

John reminds his audience about the life, character, and mission of Jesus- which he witnessed first hand.

Reading a first hand account of an elder who once walked with Jesus during his ministry was a powerful whiteness.

God is light- willing to illuminate and cleanse sinners.

Apart from God, man is darkness- in need to the cleansing light of Christ.

Walk in the light!

This is a good summery of man’s condition and God’s provision. Talk about it often.

God, thank you for being light, but also for inviting me into your light.