Today’s writing contains a serious warning to all of us because many of us think we are more mature than we really are. We must be careful about who we listen to, what we read, and who we follow. We must pay close attention to our heart when we receive teaching because it may be off the mark with FATHER’S Word. Such teachings may be subtle in their error and we simply tend to overlook them because we assume the writer to be correct because of his or her background, education, of prior writings. Let us not make such assumptions when it comes to our walk with FATHER. My writings are also up for scrutiny as well.
The word teknion means little child(ren) and the word teknon means son(s). The difference between the two is the level of maturity and the Beloved Disciple uses both terms in teaching us about the necessity of Loving our brother. In 1 John chapter 3 it is written by THE SPIRIT:
10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest (revealed, exposed, apparent, evident, known, plainly recognized): Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.
Is there a more obvious and critical differentiation or comparison than what is provided here? Love embraces but without Love our intent causes division. Followers of Christ are not concerned about protecting their doctrine because it is one of inclusion but those who see a need to defend their belief system when challenged are missing Agape Love as their central purpose and focus.
11 For this is the message (precept) that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another
A precept is a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought thus John is emphasizing the Truth as the fundamental foundation of being a Son of GOD. Many who profess to be Sons have yet to embrace this central focus but have instead overlooked its importance and moved toward the search for some hidden doctrine in Scripture that only a few are able to uncover thus attempting to exalt themselves as “elite” Sons. They use their logic and reasoning or their reliance in their teacher’s mental prowess to support their path. Without a foundation and fruitfulness of Love, their doctrine is only an exercise of futility.
16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
The Beloved Disciple discloses a key outworking of Love: giving. Immature sons and daughters will not pursue a life of giving or if the topic comes up they rationalize why they don’t need to participate in FATHER’S flow of blessing. I am sure that John’s message has met much resistance by those who in the depths of their hearts have self-interest at the center, well hidden from all except FATHER. Ananias and Sapphira in Acts chapter 5 are excellent examples of attempting to walk in Love but yet in midst of their hearts was greed:
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.
2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?
4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
While it has become easy for those with resources to appear generous, FATHER knows their hearts which ultimately reveals their Spiritual maturity. If Love is not found as the foundation, the winds will surely blow and shake one’s foundation and put their “house” at risk. The name Ananias means "whom Jehovah has graciously given" and Sapphira mean "a sapphire, a precious stone". Both names reflect great value but greed ruled the couple from within.
5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.
6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
That was quite a day of reckoning for the couple. Why do you think great fear came upon all those who heard of the event? They realized the seriousness of those who project a façade of Love and giving but instead have greed in the midst of their hearts. I am sure it caused everyone to assess their heart condition in response to the news. When we allow greed to motivate our acts, Satan will fill our heart with lies which ultimately leads to death and destruction. This will not happen to a mature Son according to John’s prerequisite of walking in the fullness of Love.
If a ministry’s foundational focus is not maturing the believer in the revelation of Agape Love, will the people ever mature as Sons and Daughters? Does knowing the 613 commandments and statutes qualify us to think of ourselves as mature in Christ? Does casting out devils qualify us? Jesus Himself spoke in Matthew chapter 7:
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’
23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock”
Jesus has warned us to be careful in following those who prophesy, cast out demons, and have done many apparent wonders in His Name. Jesus gave us one commandment which is centered around Love and any ministry without this fruit is deemed lawless and will ultimately reap judgment. Those who follow and support such ministries are also subject to the same reward. The time of ignorance and excuses is ending and FATHER will correct us in whatever manner is necessary to insure the integrity of HIS Divine Intent of Love. If a ministry and its followers fail to meet the clear intent expressed by Jesus in the above passage, judgment will arrive. As John recorded Jesus’ words in the Gospel chapter 15:
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
We must be careful in who we align ourselves when it comes to ministries and what they promote. John differentiates those who are immature versus those who are truly mature Sons. A mature Son will not follow the teachings of men who are not truly beneficial to the maturing process. Bypassing the foundation of Love is a sign of their priority. Unless Love is at the center, we risk becoming exposed to Satan’s subtle devices. It is up to each of us to guard our heart so we must not take Jesus’ Words in this area lightly. Men who prophesy, cast out demons, and do wonders are not necessarily in FATHER’S Divine Intent and purpose. Immature believers can be taken in by the reasoning and logic associated with “signs”. Beware!