June 30 - 1 John 5:18-21

June 30 - 1 John 5:18-21

We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also 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 by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 


Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.

In this day and age, it is sometimes quite difficult to discern between true Christian teaching and stuff that might be a little wackdoodle (yes, that’s my word).  A good con artist can couch their lies in enough truth to make it seem palatable.  They know what we need to hear and what we want to follow … it’s not hard to fool us.  P.T. Barnum made a good living because he recognized the truth that there is a sucker born every minute.

We want to trust those leaders who call themselves Christian.  We want to believe that every word coming from their mouths is true.  We desperately want someone physical to lead us and teach us and encourage us.

How do we know if we are being led down a primrose path … or down a path that will hurt us or hurt others?

The Son of God has given us understanding.  We will know him who is true because we are in Jesus.

Don’t simply let words that sound like they might be a good idea incite you or become a foundation for anything unless you test them against those things you know to be true.

Acts 17:11 is my watchword, “Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

Examine the Scriptures every day.  Spend time with the Lord so you know his voice in your heart.  Trust the Lord.

He is the true God and eternal life.