August 20, 2021: SOAP #4278:  Jeremiah 48-49; Psalm 67; 1John 1

SCRIPTURE:  1John (NIV) 1:6 If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

OBSERVATION: Here is one of the biggest words in the Bible.  The meaning of whole passages swings on this one, two—lettered word.  It is a word found through out the Bible.  It sets the condition of the promised reward, or the promised judgment.  …IF…

APPLICATION:  At times I like to take the passage of scripture following the “if” and claim it as applying to me.  But the promise is true only IF I fulfill the condition. 
“IF” I confess my sins… 1John 1:9, 2Chronicles 6:37-38
“IF” I forgive my brother… Matthew 6:14
“IF” I abide in him… John 15:7
“IF” I ask anything according to His will… 1John 5:14
…and many, many, many others!  
Sometimes I memorize what follows the “if” and quote it when it fits my need, but God is not obligated to answer those prayers.  I need to align my life with the whole counsel of God!

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, show me the conditions to be met when I need your help.  May my life be one you enjoy blessing because I enjoy doing those things that please you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!