Idol Free

We love surprise endings. From the revelation of Darth Vader’s true identity to the shocking ending of The Sixth Sense, Hollywood has made a fortune blowing the minds of moviegoers. While the end of John’s first letter isn’t the script for any major Hollywood motion picture, it can have the same effect on its reader. Join us for the conclusion of 1 John where we learn the secret to understanding God, our true identity, and living life in Christ.

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of Him. 

If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death. 

We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. 

We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

1 John 5:13-21 (ESV)

Principle (know it):

An “idol free” life… [KEEP]

• clears you mind (vs. 20)
• reveals your true identity (vs. 19)
• alters your behavior (vs. 18)

Practices (do them):

Ask yourself these four questions to help identify the idols in your life:

1. Are you willing to compromise your beliefs for it?
2. Will you get angry if you can’t do it/don’t get it?
3. Do you value it over people?
4. Does it push you closer to God or pull you farther away?

Daily Readings:

Sunday: 1 John 1
Monday: 1 John 2
Tuesday: 1 John 3
Wednesday: 1 John 4
Thursday: 1 John 5
Friday: 2 John
Saturday: 3 John