Pastor's Corner

I was watching television the other day and I had it on the animal planet. The station had on there a special about training horses. I saw something that really caught my attention. They had a horse named Ben that had been trained for many years. Whenever a person got off Ben, the horse would follow that rider around. Whenever the rider took a step the horse Ben took a step; no matter how fast or slow the rider walked Ben was right in step. . Do you realize God created us to do a similar thing? He created us to follow his steps. We are to walk in the footsteps of the Lord

If you are in step with God you will have the right attitude about sin.In verse 7 of chapter 1 through verse 2 of chapter 2 John mentions the word sin 8 times. This gives us a pretty good clue that sin is an important subject in the life of a believer. What should be our attitude toward sin?

First, we should agree with God that we are sinners. The Bible says “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23) The word "confess" in I John 1:9 basically means to agree. We agree with God about sin. This refers to all people. Even believers struggle against sin. John confronted this subject because there were false teachers spreading false teaching about sin. Some claimed to have no sin. Another group claimed that sin was of no consequence. Either group had a bad attitude about sin. John’s premise is that the beginning place of being in step with God is to agree with God that we are sinners.

If sin were no longer a problem for a believer you would think God would pass over the subject. However, the opposite is true. God includes many examples of believers who struggled against sin. He does not gloss over this subject.

• Abraham lied to protect himself.
• Moses was overcome with anger.
• David committed adultery.
• Noah got drunk and exposed himself.
• James and John were filled with jealousy.
• Peter denied the Lord.

The difference between a believer and an un-believer is attitude. The believer understands that sin is a problem. The believer understands that sin separates and breaks our fellowship with God. The believer understands that sin leads to hurt and pain.

II. If you are in step with God you will desire to be obedient to Him.

Notice verses 3-6 of chapter 2. John addresses the subject of obedience. In verse 3 John states “that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” In verse 5 John states that “we know that we are in Him” if we “keep His word.” In verse 6 John states that we must follow Jesus example by “walking just as He walked.” Three different ways of saying the same thing. It would be like saying the airplane is big; the airplane is huge; or the airplane is large. All three phrases are similar. In keeping the Lord’s commandments, in keeping the Lord’s word and in following His example we are saying the same thing. We desire to be obedient to the Lord and His teachings.

The third ingredient of being in step with God is to love other people. Notice I John 2:9-11. These verses emphasize the importance of “loving” other people. Verse 9 states the principle in the negative.“He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now” (NKJV) Verse 11 repeats this principle in the negative. Verse 10 states the principle in the positive. “He who loves his brother abides in the light,“(NKJV) When John refers to “brother” he is not limiting his discussion to fellow believers. He is referring to any human being. Jesus taught us to love all people. All people are our friends, neighbors and brothers.

Illustration: When Jesus shared the story of the Good Samaritan it was in reference to this principle. Jesus raised the question of brotherhood. (Lk. 10:27-37) Jesus raised the question of authenticity. Legitimate faith reflects legitimate love.

Make sure your life is in step with God!

Be Blessed,

Pastor Corey J. Neal