Episode Details

Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific.

In Lesson 67, we are going to study the first part of 1 John 2:28.

Let’s read the verse.

1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in Christ…

Let’s define the words.

And now little children (2532. kai) (3568. nun) (5040. teknion) — is continuing the thought from 1 John 2:27, this phrase carries a sense of urgency for the present moment. It is addressed to beloved little ones in need of spiritual guidance and care, a tender term of deep endearment.

Abide in Christ (3306. menó) (1722. en) (846. autos) — Means a continuous or repeated action: to remain, dwell, continue in, or stay connected with Christ.

John is writing with a pastoral heart.

He uses “little children” as a term of affection, urging his readers to abide in Christ and stay close to Him continually.

There is a clear sense of urgency.

Abiding is a major theme for John.

He brings this term up regularly.

In this lesson, I will share twelve practical ways to abide in Christ.

* Return to Your First Love

Revelation 2:4 But I have this against you: You have abandoned your first love.

Ask yourself, have you drifted from away Jesus? If you sense spiritual complacency, take this moment to repent and turn back to Him. Tell Jesus you love Him, and renew your desire to abide in Him each day.

* Confess Your Sins Quickly

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Unconfessed sin will hinder your ability to abide in Christ. Ask God to search your heart and reveal any sinful ways within you, then seek His strength to obey. He promises to forgive and cleanse you when you confess your sins to Him. Walking in this continual cleansing will help you abide in Christ.

Check out Lesson 18 to learn more about 1 John 1:9.

* Pray Continually

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This verse calls us to bring everything to God in prayer and petition, always with thanksgiving. We are to present our requests to Him, fully trusting His care. Pray about everything, keep asking God for what you need, and remain thankful in all circumstances. The wonderful promise is that when you do this, God’s peace which is beyond anything you can understand will protect your heart and mind through Christ Jesus. Praying continually