August 21, 2016: SOAP #2453:  Jeremiah 21, 24, 27; Psalm 118; 1John 2

Scripture:  1John (NIV) 2:1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.  2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4 The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  5 But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him:  6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

Observation:  John, the author of the Gospel of John, is here writing a short letter to the church encouraging them to continue in a loving relationship with their Heavenly Father and with the other members of the church.  To his fellow believers he writes about current sins.  He tells them that the same sacrifice that paid for our past sins also is available to cover our present sins!   There is only one atoning payment for sin—the blood of Jesus. (1John 1:7)

Application:   Appreciation for what it cost Jesus to pay for my sins motivates me to stop sinning.   Thankfulness that His great sacrifice covers past and current sins overflows my heart.  It finds expression in my prayers and my conversations with those around me.

Prayer:    Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to make the only sacrifice that could pay for my sins.  May my appreciation and thankfulness be easily seen by others.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!