The Moral Test Applied: 1 John #7
This is an exposition of 1 John 3:4-10. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, November 22, 2015.
Intro:
I recognize that we live in a nonjudgmental, uncritical age. We are to accept, without criticism or question, anything someone says or believes. We are certainly never to judge another person’s faith or lack there of. The new tolerance goes well beyond respecting others – it now demands acceptance of their beliefs, thoughts and actions as valid, truthful, and at least as good as if not superior to our own. But such notions stand in stark contrast to biblical standards. Biblically, there is right and there is wrong. There is truth and there is error. How often have you heard, “Well now the Bible says we are not to judge?” The implication being that it is wrong to weigh the truthfulness or genuineness of any claim to truth or to examine any profession of faith. Instead we are to accept, on face value, any claim to the Christian faith. If someone claims to be a believer we are to embrace them and welcome them without regard for the genuineness of their claim. We are to live and let live. The problem is I cannot, for the life of me, find the “live and let live” philosophy in the Scripture!
Now don’t misunderstand me. I’m not suggesting that we hold everyone as suspect until they pass our test. I’m not suggesting that we hold at arms length until they pass muster according to our “holiness standard.” But we are to test the spirits to see if they are of God or not. We are called to examine fruit to see whether or not they exhibit the life of Christ. Any person who claims that biblical Christianity never passes judgment has never read 1 John!
- 1:6 – sounds like “judgment.”
- 1:8 – judgment
- 1:10 – judgment
- 2:3-4 – is he judging?
- 2:9 – judgment
- 2:11 – that doesn’t sound tolerant
- 2:15 – how dare he
John says he is writing so his readers can know that they know God (5:13). He has given three test – the moral test = the test of righteousness; the social test = the test of love; the doctrinal test = the test of truth. Now John is coming back to those tests. In 1 John 3:4-10 he is amplifying the moral test.
Text: 1 John 3:4-10
John’s message is clear:
Thesis: A genuine work of grace produces the inevitable result – a life of righteousness.
There is a great deal of confusion in the church over this issue. There was a great debate a few years ago over what was called “lordship salvation.” John McArthur came under fire by some in the evangelical camp because he suggested a mere profession of faith is not adequate. McArthur was rightly condemning the notion that it is possible to be saved; live as a “carnal Christian” and rest secure in the knowledge that you are genuinely a child of God.
Follow what I’m saying –
Commonly taught – that salvation does not require lordship
That “carnality,” love of self, is acceptable in a believer’s life (4 Spiritual Laws)
That at some future date – because of spiritual growth – you can “make Jesus Lord”
McArthur rightfully pointed out, “take up your cross…” is the call to every believer not just an elite few. The fundamental confession of the Christian life is that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9).
It seems to me John is very clear in this little epistle – holiness is not an option for the child of God.
In our text John is walking us through a process of thought. Let’s follow along.
- A Christ-less life is a life of lawlessness. (3:4, 8)
- Faith in Christ produces righteousness. (3:5-7, 9)
- Your lifestyle proves the genuineness of your profession. (3:10)