Remain in Christ
by Sal Huckel
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As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does you will also remain in the Son and in the Father (1 John 24:24).
We see themes of unity and ministry among believers running through our readings this week. Today, there is a strong theme and exhortation to remain in the Son and the Father with the help of the Holy Spirit, both throughout this entire letter and in the Gospel of John (also in our readings this week) – likely the same author.
Recently in my own devotions, I have been thinking about the authorship of John and the letters 1–3 John. It has also been interesting pondering the identity of the disciple whom Jesus loved. I have been considering the distinction made between disciples in this way and how that can be relevant to those in ministry. While there is much here to research and debate, one thing is certain: as believers, we have the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and we have received eternal life.
With the discernment of the Holy Spirit, we will recognise real teaching from counterfeit – it’s as essential at the time of the writing of this letter as it is today. With the help of the Holy Spirit, how else will we remain in Christ? By staying in the word by attending our regular church services with our church family, going to Bible study, praying and doing personal devotion. Encourage those around you, just as this letter was intended to encourage the early church. Are there members of your congregation who haven’t come back as regularly, or at all, since COVID-19 disrupted our daily lives? Pray for those you haven’t seen, make contact, and offer fellowship and accountability. We are the body of Christ. Not only must we remain in him and he in us, but we need to help others to do so as well.
Lord, you bind us all together in your love and make us one body. We need to remain in your teaching and the body of Christ. Show me any way in which I am straying from your teaching or have let things slip in personal devotion or church attendance. If I have become too comfortable ‘on the sofa’ and have not rejoined congregation life after all the changes of the past year, gently bring me back as my Good Shepherd. Please help me also to work with you to ‘round up’ those who are straying from the flock and protect them from false teaching or distraction. Please help us keep our eyes on you and the work you have for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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