Last time we saw that the word "truth" was used 3 times in vv. 1-2. Now we see it twice more in vv. 3-4. So surely truth must be a major theme of this letter. And I think it's safe to assume that this means the truth about Jesus Christ as opposed to the lies taught by false teachers. This emphasis on truth assumes that there is such a thing as absolute truth. God Himself is True, and He is the ultimate standard by which we measure everything. His Word is true, and anything that contradicts it is false no matter how popular it may be. John was glad when he found the Christians to whom he was writing to be living according the truth just as the Father had commanded them. v. 4
"Grace, mercy, and peace, which come from God the Father and from Jesus Christ--the Son of the Father--will continue to be with us who live in truth and love." v. 3 Grace, mercy, and peace are three blessings that come to us from God when we believe and practice truth and love.
- Grace. God generously gives us what we don't deserve.
- Mercy. God withholds from us what we do deserve.
- Peace. This is what we experience when we receive God's grace and mercy.
Psalm 25
This is a psalm that prays for guidance from the Lord. Sometimes we just don't know what to do or what decision to make. I'm sure there are other ways to look at this psalm, but today I want to explore what kind of people should we be in order for God to guide us?
God guides us when
- We give our lives to Him. v. 1
- We trust in Him. v. 2, 3
- We ask God to show us the right path. v. 4
- We ask God to lead us and teach us. v. 5
- We hope in Him. v. 5, 21
- We confess our sin and turn from it. v. 7, 8, 11
- We are humble. v. 9
- We are obedient to Him. v. 10
- We fear (respect) the Lord. v. 12, 14
- We our eyes are on Him. v. 15
- We take refuge in Him. v. 20
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