CONFIDENCE BEFORE CHRIST AT HIS COMING: PART I
I John 2:28 - 4:19
As taught by Dave Lindstrom
I. The main body of the apostle John’s letter is written to explain how believers can have confidence at Christ’s coming and judgment seat (I John 2:28 - 4:19).
A. We know that this is the main section of the letter because of a literary device known as an inclusio.
1. The Greek word “parresian” is given in 2:28 and 4:17 to explain the almost synonymous phrases of “confidence (parresian)...before Him at His coming(2:28)” and “boldness (parresian) in the day of judgment (4:17).”
2. The Greek word “parresia” can mean confidence, boldness, outspokenness and frankness. It is the exact opposite of the concept of shame and shrinking back.
3. In the middle of this section, we have the word “parresian” used again to explain how answered prayer also fits into this confidence (3:21).
B. As believers our confidence is found by abiding (“meno” in Greek) or remaining in Christ and His teachings (2:28).
1. John first uses this term in his gospel in the verses of John 1:32, 38-39, and 2:12. In these verses, it is translated as remaining and staying.
2. John’s use of the word “meno” dramatically picks up after chapter 12 of his gospel when he starts emphasizing discipleship. In Jesus’ upper room discourse in chapters 14-17, most of the 40 uses of “meno” in the gospel of John are recorded with 11 uses recorded in John 15:3-11 alone!
3. I John has “meno” used 24 times. In this letter, John continues Jesus’ use of the word as stay, remain, reside, continue, and endure in obedience for the sake of fellowship and discipleship.
C. As believers we have had Christ manifested already in our hearts, however, our confidence and boldness grows as that inner life is manifested in our day to day lives (2:28). The Greek word “phanero” translated manifested is used six times from 2:28 - 3:10.
D. Believers are eternally saved through belief in Christ and His work alone (justified) and can never be lost (John 4:24, 10:27-30; Rom. 3:20-24, 8:37,38). However, according to many Scriptures, believers must give an account before Christ at His judgment seat (Bema) (I John 2:28, 4:17; Rom. 14:10-12; 2 Cor. 5:10).
1. It will be comprehensive according to how Christ’s work was used as a foundation and a motive for the basis of reward (I Cor. 3:8-15) or lost reward.
2. It will involve the things good and bad done in our bodies and, therefore, may involve shame (when dealing with unconfessed sin) (2 Cor. 5:10).
THOUGHT: As we think about standing before Christ’s presence, what thoughts and feelings come to mind?
II. As believers abide in Christ and His teaching, they confidently sense Christ in them, their new birth alive in them, their adoption, and their future hope(I John 2:29 - 3:3).
A. We should not expect the world to know that we are internally alive and adopted by Yahweh because the world never recognized Christ for who He was and is (I John 3:1b).
B. We know that Christ rose from the dead with a new body and is with the Father. We have this hope and certainty also (I John 3:2,3; Luke 24: I Cor. 15:20-57 I Thes. 4:13-18).
