TO KNOW: THAT OUR JOY MAY BE FULL

TO KNOW – THAT OUR JOY MAY BE FULL

Friday, December 11, 2015

2Corinthians [CEV] 6:1-2 We work together with God, and we beg you to make good use of God's kindness to you. In the Scriptures God says, "When the time came, I listened to you, and when you needed help, I came to save you." That time has come. This is the day for you to be saved.

1Peter 5:1-8 Church leaders, I am writing to encourage you. I too am a leader, as well as a witness to Christ's suffering, and I will share in his glory when it is shown to us. Just as shepherds watch over their sheep, you must watch over everyone God has placed in your care. Do it willingly in order to please God, and not simply because you think you must. Let it be something you want to do, instead of something you do merely to make money. Don't be bossy to those people who are in your care, but set an example for them. Then when Christ the Chief Shepherd returns, you will be given a crown that will never lose its glory. All of you young people should obey your elders. In fact, everyone should be humble toward everyone else. The Scriptures say, "God opposes proud people, but he helps everyone who is humble." Be humble in the presence of God's mighty power, and he will honor you when the time comes. God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him. Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack.

  Some communications require digging to figure out the reason for being written. Not so with The First Epistle of John, for in his opening remarks John states “these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” (1:4)

  And what did John and company write that our joy may be full?

  That as John 1:12 children of the Father we can actually truly utterly know blessed assurance of eternal life, salvation; “fellowship with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” John, with his “know” and its variations throughout their letter makes the answer to authentic salvation examination quite plain. It does however take effort beyond a casual cruise thru the 5 chapters of 1John. It requires being a 2Timothy 2:15-16 “workman”, something easily drawn back from as we dare to be as lazy as we may be, too often preferring mere pew-warming religiousity, churchianity. Or to merrily quote John 3:16 and Philippians 4:13 as mantra while living with troubling inner doubts niggle-naggling the fullness of joy presented and encouraged for us.

  Now that we know such, what shall we do this day; walk in wondering angst when we can know full joy with the release and empowerment that is inherent to absolutely knowing the reality of God’s salvation?

  I do indeed have physical balance problem, but I am without qualm on-balance upon God’s provision of blessed assurance. I pray this is so with each and every one of you.  EBB4