Daily Devotional Saturday 4th July 2020
by William Moody
1 John 2:2–6
2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
(ESV)
Propitiation (v2) is the propelling away of the wrath of God and appeasing the God who is angry at sin. It is wrong though to think that somehow God’s anger has to be calmed down before He can love us. John makes it clear that propitiation through Jesus’ death is planned and carried out by God in love (1 John 4 v10).
God is wonderfully loving, but propitiation reminds us that we should never see sin as trivial and realise it is the blood of Jesus alone that can bring peace with God.
John goes on to speak of the priority of obedience (v3-6). He teaches that obedience is evidence of knowing Christ (v3). A changed life speaks of having entered into a new relationship..
The person who professes faith but lives in disobedience to Christ is deceived (v4). Obedience and love must be united (v5). Obedience is not to be cold but should reveal the indwelling love of God.
Obedience mirrors Jesus’ example (v6). The beauty of holiness is Christ-likeness. The Gospel emphasised in verses 1-2 is the guide and power to live a life of obedience. Does your life show that you have been saved by Jesus?
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