Key Word: keep
English Standard Version (ESV)
The word keep is used 11 times in chapters 2,3 and 5 of 1 John (ESV). As you read through 1 John this week make two lists. One: what we should keep doing. Two: what should we keep from doing?
New International Version (NIV)
The NIV does not use keep as a translation as frequently as the ESV. The translators of the NIV chose words like does, continue and obey more often than keep (1 John 2.3-5. 3.22-24). Though sometimes it will use the word keep (1 John 3.6, 5.21). Look at each chapter and keep two lists. One: What should we continue to do? What should we continue to avoid doing?
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another..." John is unmistakably clear. If we are right with God, we will be sharing life (fellowshipping) with other believers. One of the activities John wants us to keep doing is walking in the light. Another is fellowshipping with believers.
ReplyDeleteKeep. Chapter 2. "And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments."
ReplyDeleteMaybe it is like compound interest. You can give mental assent to the idea of compound interest and not change your behavior. But when you truly understand, "know" what compound interest does, it changes the way you handle money.
It is one thing to give mental assent to a god. It is quite another to "know" God Himself through Jesus.
Reading through chapter three, I noticed John connected the word "keep" with "practice." He talks about those who "keep on sinning" in verses 6 and 9. And he talks about practicing sinning in verses 4, 7, 8, 9, and 10.
ReplyDeleteI think I understand this to say that if we look at our lives and see a constant pattern of "practicing sin," we should start to really question who our allegiance really is towards.
I don't think John is asking us to do this after one single slip up. After all, in 1 John 1:9 he tells us to confess our sin so we can be forgiven.
But if we keep on sinning, and one usually ceases the practice of confession during constant sin as it just reminds us of how guilty we feel, we should start to question who our "spiritual father" is. After all, John began chapter three saying that we are children of God, and those who hope in God purify themselves just as God is pure (vs. 3).
Keep, Chapter 4
ReplyDeleteThe word "keep" is not in chapter 4. But, John still insists that we need to be consistent in our walk with God throughout the chapter.
"God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us..."
The Holy Spirit abiding in us helps us keep the two greatest commandments - to love God and love others. Is love for God and neighbor being perfected in me? In you?