1 John 3:15-24
 
The life of grace is the start and the first standard in the heart of a Believer. Those who have disdain in their hearts for their brother must be deprived of love. Jesus taught that hate is the same as murder. The life of Jesus, eternal life, cannot abide in us if we hate others. Do we detest any of our fellow Christians, or for that matter, anyone else? How can we say that we are a Christian if we have any hate in our hearts and do not have love for our fellow man?
 
In verses 15-16:
John repeats Jesus' words that anyone who loathes someone else is a killer and a murderer in his or her heart. (Matthew 5:21-22; John 8:44; Galatians 5:21) Christianity is in the heart; outward consistence alone is not sufficient. Harshness or harboring any ill will against somebody who has wronged you is an insidious disease inside you and will eventually annihilate you. We are to try not to let a base of harshness develop within us or in our congregation. (Hebrews 12:15)

Genuine love is an activity, not an inclination. Sacrificial and selfless giving is what love creates in us. The best demonstration of love that anybody can do is to give himself for other people. How might we lay our lives down for another? At times it may be simpler to state we will give our lives for others than to genuinely live for them, which includes putting the wants and needs of others first. Dying may seem easy but living for someone else is much harder.

Jesus instructed this rule of love in (John 15:13; John 3:16). We can also look at Romans 5:8 and Ephesians 5:2.
 
In verses 17-18:
These verses give a demonstration of how to set out our lives for other people. Christians must show their love, and one approach to do that is to give financial or material belongings to help address other people’s issues. This is strikingly like James' lessons (James 2:14-17). How obviously do our activities state that we genuinely love others? Is it true that we are as liberal as we ought to be with our money, time, and assets? We should offer what we have to the individuals who need it (Luke 3:11; 1 John 4:20; Romans 12:9).

That does not mean blindly giving anyone anything. We are to pray for individuals and let the Spirit guide us in how and what to give. One person may need a little bit of financial support but that does not mean that we continually fork over money every time they call.
 
In verses 19-20:
Many are apprehensive that they do not love others as they ought to. They may feel regretful on the grounds that they think they are not doing enough of what is needed to demonstrate the legitimate love of Christ. So, their conscience begins to irritate them. John had these individuals as a primary concern when he composed this letter. How do we get away from the biting allegations of our own conscience? We should not disregard them or justify our conduct; we should set our hearts to rest in God's affection. (Romans 12:9)

If we feel regretful, we ought to remind ourselves that God sees our hearts and our activities. Our conscience is not as strong as God’s voice of assurance. If we keep ourselves in Christ, he will not denounce us (Romans 8:1; Hebrews 9:14). If we are living for the Lord yet feel we are sufficiently bad, we should remind ourselves that God is greater than anything.
 
In verses 21-22:
We can come to God unafraid, assured that our requests will be heard, if our conscience is clear. John reaffirms the promise that Jesus gave, “Ask and it shall be given you” (Matthew 7:7). When we obey, we ask in accordance with God's will. This does not imply that we can have anything we want. If we are genuinely looking for God's will, there are a few solicitations that we will not make (Matthew 21:22; John 9:31; James 5:16)
 
In verses 23-24:
We are to believe on the name of Jesus and in his person as the Son of God. Believing on the name of Jesus signifies that we design our lives after Jesus, to be more similar to him by joining ourselves with him. Dwelling in Christ is a fundamental relationship that shows itself in Christians who keep three basic orders.

• Belief in Christ
• Love the brethren
• Live a moral life

The presence of the Spirit is not only spiritual but practical. His presence is verified in our conduct (Romans 8:9; 1 John 2:3; 1 John 2:5; 1 John 2:27).

1 John 3:8-9
 
What is victory and what does it mean? Victory is a conquest, a gaining of superiority in a contest, overcoming an enemy, success in a struggle, or to endeavor against odds or difficulties. Defeat is to suffer, a prevention of success, a loss of a contest, a failure, or to be overthrown.

At some point in our lives, have we ever felt the thrill of victory over something? Have we ever felt the pain and agony of defeat? Of course, we have.

Have we ever had hills to climb, rivers to cross, valleys to go through? Maybe there was something in our life that was a struggle. We fought for a while. Maybe we have given up because we lost hope. Or maybe we have said to ourselves, “Whatever happens, oh well.”

In this passage, John writes, that the person that dwells in Christ, proceeds not in the act of transgression. Denying sin is the incredible evidence of the spiritual association with the continuation in, and the saving grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He that does righteously is upright, and being a follower of Christ, shows his faith in his obedience and sufferings. Regardless, a man cannot act like the devil, and simultaneously be a disciple of Christ Jesus. A regenerated person should not sin as he did before he was born again. Why is that? Because Christ’s light that is in his heart shows the evil malignancy of sin, whereby he should oppose and hate sin. We should not serve or enjoy what the Son of God came to destroy.
 
We, as human beings, have time in our lives when we have regions and areas where old habits and temptations are difficult to overcome. These shortcomings give Satan a traction, so we must be vigilant and be prepared to manage them. Notwithstanding, assuming that we are battling with a specific sin, these verses are not aimed at us, regardless of whether we appear to continue to sin. John is not discussing individuals whose triumphs are as yet fragmented an incomplete. He is discussing individuals who continually make an act of erring and search for ways of supporting it and justifying their behavior.

Christians should not submit to our nature to sin. John brings up that Jesus came to remove the works of the Devil. This reflects closely to…

• Hebrews 2:14, Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.

 
Christians are to oppose the Devil…

• James 4:7, Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

 
Who will ultimately receive his appropriate judgment…

• Revelation 20:10, And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

 
So, what are these three important steps to finding victory over sin? First, we are to continually read the Word of God and seek the power of the Holy Spirit. Second, we are to run away from and escape any indecent longings and lecherous impulses (lustful desires). And thirdly, we are to look for the assistance from other believers, the body of Christ. That is the responsibility and accountability to other Christians, and the supplication and prayer of others.
 
“Doth not commit” and “cannot sin” means that the child of God does not deliberately try to sin, nor does he become unconcerned or indifferent with God’s moral and ethical law. All believers sin, but we should be continually striving to overcome any sin. Grace does not give us permission to sin. The people who sin without thinking twice, conviction, or change have no relationship with Christ at all. Nevertheless, even a saved Christian should pick that life of good over anything evil.

Being Born of God, is when a person has accepted Christ as his or her Lord and Savior, and then the Holy Spirit lives inside us and gives us Jesus’ new life. Being born again is a rebirth into a new family because we have accepted Christ’s death as the propitiation for our sins.

God pardons us and absolutely acknowledges us into this new family. The Holy Spirit gives us new personalities and hearts, he lives in us, and starts assisting us with resembling Christ. Our viewpoint changes as well. We have a psyche that is restored step by step by the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:22-24). So, we should start to think and act in a way that is different and opposite to our former lives (John 3:1-21).

“For his seed remaineth in him” refers to the children of God that are abiding in God. A new life was born within us so we should choose not make a practice of sin. Victory brings happiness, joy, and contentment. Defeat brings heaviness, sorrow, and pain.
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• Isaiah 43:18-19, Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
  
• Isaiah 41:10, Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
• Psalms 118:6, The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
• Ecclesiastes 3:1, To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
• Job 23:10, But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

 
 
Church Hymnal, page 120, “Victory In Jesus”
I heard an old, old story.
How a Savior came from glory
How He gave His life on Calvary
To save a wretch like me
I heard about His groaning.
Of His precious blood's atoning
Then I repented of my sins
And won the victory.
 
O victory in Jesus
My Savior, forever
He sought me and bought me.
With His redeeming blood
He loved me ere I knew Him.
And all my love is due Him.
He plunged me to victory.
Beneath the cleansing flood

1 John 3:1-3
 
1 John 3:1-3 features the astounding adoration that God has for us. In addition to the fact that He will call us His children, we really are His family. A portion of that change is prompt, however not all that we will become has been uncovered, yet. Only at the time when Christ returns will we see all that He has available for us. John additionally interfaces a relationship with Christ to unadulterated (pure) living. Verses 1-3 zero in on God’s affection, and how His adoration brings about people becoming the children of God.

Verse one lets us know what our identity is, God’s family (“sons of God”). Verse two lets us know who we are becoming, impressions of God. The remainder of the chapter lets us know what we take with us as we develop to look like God: triumph over transgression (1 John 3:4-9); love for the siblings (1 John 3:10-18); and certainty before God (1 John 3:19-24).
 
Our Position (“sons of God”)
This first verse makes a definite statement as to what we are, and in doing so it reflects a spiritual birth. We hold a title and as an heir to the King, we cannot be taken from Him (John 1:12). We may have a title while here on this earth, but if we are the sons of God, we hold a heavenly title. Which one is more important to us, our heavenly title, or a worldly title (president so & so, queen of whatever, CEO of this or that)? People should see Jesus in us in all that we do.

Turning into a child of God is viewed as an incredible indication of the adoration from God the Father. John explicitly specifies that believers are not just called “sons of God." As believers we really are God’s children, and as children, we are part of God’s family. This subject is intently associated with the expressions of John 1:12. The family of God are the people who receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and they have faith in him.
 
We are Peculiar (“the world knoweth us not”)
As part of the family of God our self-esteem is grounded on the certainty that God loves us and calls us his children. We are part of his family now, not only sometime later in life. Realizing that we are his family ought to urge us to live as Jesus did (Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 3:26-27, 4:6-7). We are different from the world. We are strangers in this world. We are a chosen few (1 Peter 2:9-10). The world does not understand our joy for it can only see the here and now, not what lies ahead. We may be in this world, but we are not to be partakers of it. Should Christians blend in and look like the world?

Individuals regularly base their self-idea on their achievements, however our relationship with Christ is definitely more significant than our positions, our victories, our abundance, or our insight. We have been picked (chosen) by God as his own, and we have been called to address him to other people. We are to recall that our worth comes from being part of God's family, not from what we can accomplish. We have worth as a result of what God does, not on account of what we do.
 
Our Potential (“we shall be like Him”)
Are we changing daily? Are we maturing in our walk of faith? (Romans 12:1-2) Are we truly striving to become more Christlike? On that day (“when he shall appear”), we shall be changed (“we shall be like Him”). There will be no more sorrow, no more grief, no more pain, no more disease, and no more death.

We all, as a whole, face constraints. Individuals who have physical, mental, or emotional impediments are particularly mindful of this. Some people might be visually impaired; however, they can see a better approach to living. Some people might be hard of hearing; however, they can hear God's Good News. Some people might be debilitated, yet they can stroll in God's adoration. Likewise, they have the consolation that those impairments are just impermanent. Paul lets us know that we will be given new bodies when Jesus returns, and these bodies will be without those impediments, never to die or to have any debilitating ailments. (1 Corinthians 15:49-52)
 
Our Purity (“this hope in him”)
The Christian life is a course of turning out to be increasingly Christlike (Romans 8:29). This cycle will not be finished until we see him eye to eye (1 Corinthians13:12; Philippians 3:21). Yet realizing that it is our definitive objective ought to persuade us to decontaminate (purify) ourselves. To refine (purify) means to keep ethically straight, liberated from the defilement of transgression. God purges (purifies) us as well, yet there is a move that we should make to remain ethically fit.

• 1 Timothy 5:22, Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
• James 4:8, Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
• 1 Peter 1:22, Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

 
In being in line with God, we must humble our hearts to Christ, submit ourselves to His will, and commit our lives to Him. We should strive to become more like Christ. Do not fall for the worldly treasures of this life but lay-up treasures in heaven.

• Matthew 6:19-20, Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

 
Our Purpose
In being part of the family of God implies that we have a reason in this life that has timeless importance. As a part of the family of God, we are given profound spiritual gifts that we are to use to develop and reinforce the family, and that is the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). As a member of the family of God, we have the obligation and prerogative to broaden out the summons to others to trust and believe in Christ and become members of God’s family with us.

• Matthew 28:19-20, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 
It is one thing to affirm that we know Christ and that we are in him. It is another to live a life that shows that Christ is our righteousness. It is impressive to realize that positionally we are in Christ and that we are acknowledged as the “beloved” (verse 2), however it is another thing to continue with a daily existence that is proportionate with that. John is letting us know that the method for perceiving who are our spiritual family members is by their lives and not their lips. A family trait for God the Father and his children is righteousness. And as a member of the family of God, we are to be an example of that righteousness.
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Where is our position? Are we peculiar people? What about our potential and are we living a life of purity? And do we have a purpose? If not, then why not?

1 John 2:18-29
 
John is discussing the last days, the time between Christ's first and second coming. The readers of the first century of 1 John lived in those last days, thus do we. During this time, antichrists (false teachers who profess to be Christians and draw weakened individuals from Christ) will show up. Sometime before the world ends, one Antichrist will emerge that will appear extraordinary (Revelation 13, 19:20, 20:10). Notwithstanding, we do not have to fear these abhorrent individuals. The Holy Spirit shows us their wrongdoings, so that we will not be misled. However, we should show the Word of God plainly and cautiously to those weaker individuals that are among us so they will not succumb to these false educators.
​

• Matthew 7:15, Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

 
The antichrists were not absolute aliens to the congregation; they once had a place with it, yet they did not continue with it. John does not say why they left; obviously, their explanations behind participating in any case were off base. Certain individuals might be Christians for not exactly the best reasons. Maybe going to church is a family custom. Perhaps they like the social and business contacts that they make there. Or on the other hand, going to church is a long-standing tradition, and they have never halted to wonder why they started in the first place. What is our primary justification behind being a Christian? Except if it is a Christ-focused explanation, we may not actually have a place. We do not need to make do with anything less than the best. We can actually be familiar with Jesus Christ on a personal level and become faithful, dependable followers.

“But ye have an unction from the Holy One” implies that the Holy Spirit has placed himself upon us. At the point when we become a Christian, we receive the Holy Spirit. One way the Holy Spirit helps the Christian believer, and the congregation is by conveying the truth. Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6), and the Holy Spirit directs the believers to him (John 16:13). Those who are against Christ are likewise against his truth, and they have not allowed the Holy Spirit to work in their lives. At the point when the Holy Spirit drive us, we have a method for remaining against these bogus educators and the Antichrist. We ought to request that the Holy Spirit guide us every day.

• 1 John 2:27, But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

 
Obviously, the antichrists during John’s period were endeavoring to be faithful to God while denying and contradicting Christ. John solidly said that this is unimaginable. Since Jesus is God's Son and his Messiah, to deny him is to dismiss God's approach to uncovering himself to the world. An individual who acknowledges Christ as God's Son, notwithstanding, acknowledges God the Father simultaneously. The two are one and cannot be isolated from each other. Numerous cultists today call themselves Christians yet reject the divinity of Jesus. We should uncover these blasphemies and go against such lessons so those that are among us who may be weaker in faith do not surrender to their lessons.

It is possible that these Christians had heard the Gospel from John himself. They realized that Christ was God's Son, that he died for their wrongdoings and was raised to give them another life, and that he would return one day and set up his Kingdom in its fulness. Nevertheless, presently they were being invaded by educators who kept these fundamental teachings of the Christian faith, and a portion of the believers were at risk for capitulating to these bogus contentions. John urged them to hold fast to the Christian truth that they had heard toward the start of their walk with Christ. It is vital to fill in our insight into the Lord, to develop our comprehension through mindful study, and to show these facts to other people. Yet, regardless of the amount that we learn, we should never leave the essential certainties about Jesus. Jesus will forever be God’s Son, and his penance for our wrongdoings is everlasting. No truth will at any point go against these lessons in the Bible.
 
Christ vowed to send the Holy Spirit to instruct his believers and help them to remember all that he had taught them (John 14:26). Accordingly, Christians have the Holy Spirit inside them to prevent them from wandering off. Furthermore, they have the God-enlivened Scriptures, against which they can assess problematic lessons. To remain consistent with Christ we should follow his Word and his Spirit. We should allow the Holy Spirit to assist us with knowing lies from truth.

• Ephesians 1:13-14, In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
• Acts 1:5, For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
• John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 
Christ lives in us, and we additionally live in Christ. This implies that we place our all-out trust in him, and live as he wants us to. It suggests an individual, nurturing relationship. John includes a similar thought in John 15:5, where he talks about Christ as the Vine and believers as the branches.

• 1 John 3:24, And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
• 1 John 4:15, Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

 
One apparent confirmation of being a Christian is correct conduct (Matthew 7:15-23). Many individuals do benevolent acts (good works) however they do not have faith in Jesus. Others assert to have faith yet seldom produce any good works (acts of kindness). A shortfall in our faith or right conduct is cause for disgrace when Christ returns. Since genuine faith brings about good works, the people who declare to have faith and who reliably live properly are valid believers. Benevolent acts cannot create salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9), yet they are essential evidence that genuine faith has really happened.

• James 2:14-17, What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

 
Everyone should know the basics, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus came to earth, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, was crucified, and died, buried in a borrowed tomb, rose from the grave three days later, ascended unto Heaven, sits at the right hand of the Father, and will return one day to take his believers to glory. Some will try to change that and say that there is another way, but they are false. It does not matter what letters are behind their names, what school of theology or seminary that they attended. True believers must have attended KNEEOLOGY school, where they bowed on their knees and cried unto God “Have mercy upon me a retched sinner,” and accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

When we accepted Christ as our Savior, we had to have heard the basic Gospel message preached, and that seed was planted. Therefore, we know of the Truth for it should abide in us. We are to hold on to that truth and share it with others. If someone tries to tell us something different, we need to go back to the basics, back to the beginning. “Something does not sound right, not like what I have heard before.” The truth that abides in us is the Word. Jesus is the Word, and therefore Jesus abides in us.

How are we to know if what the preacher or teacher is presenting is correct? Look It Up! False teachers are out to change you and to stop you from abiding in the Holy Spirit. Satan uses the false teachers to trick us. We are to be equipped to stand against the devil. Follow the Holy Spirit and seek God’s guidance. To know the truth better means that we need to get in the Book. God will reveal the answers to the questions that we may not understand. Pay attention to the Holy Spirit and listen to the Holy Spirit as it speaks. Heed the Word and read the Word.

1 John 2:12-17
 
In this passage of scripture, John focuses his attention to three distinct groups of Christians. John addresses new Christians, more established Christians, and those in the middle, in a specific order. He then, in a similar fashion, converses with each once more, in a similar request. New Christians are prompted to remember their absolution through Christ. The more seasoned Christians are reminded of their confidence and trust in an everlasting God. And then others, are reminded of their spiritual sturdiness to survive the battles with the “wicked one.”

It is additionally an admonition from John about un-Christian perspectives. Various parts of this chapter talk about how their conduct furnishes proof of their partnership with God. Here, John clarifies that desires and thoughts do exactly the same thing. Since these are enticements, it is workable for a genuine Christian to coincidentally find them. In any case, constantly showing these desires and thoughts are a reason for concern. Love of the world is characterized here as physical desires, desires in our thoughts, and haughty pride.

John was writing to all believers to urge them that they should obey Jesus and that they should love all believers.
 
John was writing so that he could stay connected with the believers, regardless of age, who had received forgiveness of their sins from Jesus. These that he refers to as “little children” I believe are all of the people who had come to know Christ on a personal level.

The “fathers,” were the older men that were mature in their faith and had a relationship with Christ for a long time. The “young men,” were those who had battled with the allurements and temptations from Satan’s and had won. The next “little children,” were the young men and young ladies that had accepted Christ and were simply starting their spiritual lives. Each phase of life expands upon the other.

As youngsters learn about and accept Jesus as their Savior, they begin to grow in their capacity to fight off temptations and win spiritual battles. As the young grown-ups move from one triumph to another, their relationship with Christ grows. More seasoned (mature) grown-ups, having known Christ for a really long time, have fostered the insight they are expected to show to the youngsters and to begin the cycle all once more. Have we grown in our Christian faith, and have we reached the suitable maturity in our faith? Are we daily striving to achieve maturity in our faith or are we still babes in Christ? (Philippians 3:7-11; Ephesians 4:10-16) Are we still feeding on the milk of the Word or have we matured enough to get into the meat of God’s Word? (1 Corinthians 1:28-29; 1 John 3:19-24)

• Acts 4:12, Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
  
• 1 Corinthians 6:11, And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
  
• 1 John 1:1, That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

 
Certain individuals feel that being worldly is only restricted to our external conduct, the individuals that we deal with, the areas that we may go to, and the things that we get enjoyment from. Being worldly is additionally an internal issue, for it starts in our hearts. It is portrayed from three perspectives. The principal demeanor is the “lust of the flesh.” This is in being preoccupied with satisfying or gratifying our physical desires. The subsequent disposition is the “lust of the eyes.” This is in being materialistic, coveting things, wanting and the collection of stuff that we think we need. The third is the “pride of life.” This is the fixation on our personal significance and status in society.

At the point when Eve was allured by the serpent (Genesis 3:6), he enticed her in these same there. Likewise, when Jesus was led into the wilderness, these were the three areas of assault that the Devil used (Matthew 4:1-11).

By comparison, God values having self-control, having a generous disposition, and service with a humble heart. It is feasible to stay away from the pleasures of this world while as yet holding onto worldly pleasures within our hearts. It is additionally conceivable, similar to Jesus, that a Christian can love and associate with the unbelievers and invest energy with them while keeping up with the God's Kingdom values. What values do we find most important to us? Do our activities mirror the values of the world or the values of God?

The world can fill the believer’s heart with other things that keeps the Christian from God. The more the adoration for the world wins, the more the affection for God declines. At the point when our connection to our possession is strong, it is difficult to accept that what we want will one day die. It might even be harder to accept that the individual who does the desires of God will live for eternity. Nevertheless, this was John's conviction in view of current the realities of Jesus' life, his death, his resurrection, and his promises. Realizing that this malicious world and our cravings for its joys will end should give us the fortitude to keep doing God's will.

• Matthew 6:24, No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
  
• Romans 12:2, And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
  
• Proverbs 27:20, Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.
  
• Romans 13:14, But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.