Joyfully Joyful

We have been studying through 1 John at our Sunday morning services. What a great, encouraging, and convicting little epistle this is! I was just doing a little reading on my own and I wanted to share with you some of what God has put on my heart.

Chapter one verse four talks about making our joy complete. Who wants complete joy? I DO! I hope that you do too! John also talks about joy in his gospel account (15:11 and 16:24). All of scripture is filled with believers being joyful. Why do you suppose that is. It is Gods will that we are joyful! Frequently in scripture joy and the Holy Spirit are connected (Acts 13:52, Rom 14:17, 1 Thes. 1:6). Joy is also tied directly to obedience to the Word of God. How can we have that supernatural joy if we are quenching the Spirit or living in disobedience? What are the fruits of the spirit? Love, JOY, peace, patience.... John says he is writing these things to you so that your (our) joy may be complete. Are you joyful? It is Gods will that you are! Be Joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

The first part of 1 John chapter 2 talks about how we can know if we are saved (2:3). How do we know if we truly know the Father? We keep his commands. All of them. Not just the ones we like. Not just the ones that are politically correct, ALL OF THEM! Our society today tends to shy away from scripture that talks about marriage, or submission, or finances, or Jesus being the only way to heaven, or creation, abortion, the list goes on and on. Our joy may be complete! How? Keep His commands! This is not rocket science here. This is simple obedience to a God that wants what is best for us! Chapter 2 verses 5b and 6 says that we can know that we are in Him (God) if we walk in the same way in which he (Jesus) walked. Again, obedience. We can have assurance of our salvation, simply look at your life. If you are living an obedient life you are saved, if you are not, it may be time to reexamine your life and make some changes! Why is it so difficult to be obedient to an all powerful God who truly wants what is best for us?!!

It is important for me to say here that I do believe that scripture teaches eternal security (Rom 10:30,1 Pet 1:5, Jn 10:28,Phil. 1:6) That is, once saved, always saved. I also believe that there are lots of people out there who think they are saved who aren't. Look at the wheat and the tares that Jesus teaches about. They all look the same (to the human eye) but they aren't. Jesus' parable of the seeds is another example, some of those seeds may spring up but they soon die if they are not planted in the fertile soil. Judas is another fine example, only he (and Jesus) knew the condition of his heart. I guess this post is more of a warning. It is important to look at our lives and examine who we are, what we do and why we do it. Are we keeping His commands? Are we living for the King? Are we His adopted children? Keep His commands and you will be joyful!