Commentary on "Walking in the Light:
Renouncing Worldliness"

PHIL HARRIS

 

Day 3: Monday, July 27, 2009

 

Overview

The following verses set the theme for today's lesson:

I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. (I John 1:13,14 KJV)

Note that our victory over the wicked one has already been declared won, "ye have overcome".

 

Problems

In this lesson, it is stated that the Holy Spirit is the author of the Word of God and gives Eph. 6:17 and II Peter 1:21 as references. The fact that the Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God doesn't mean that the "Sword" and the "Holy Spirit" are one and the same. According to the Gospel of John, Jesus Christ is the Word of God.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:1-4, 14 KJV)

What the author fails to do is to focus on the title of this lesson and state what it means to overcome the Wicked One. Contrary to Adventist beliefs, this passage in the Epistle of First John, develops a battle plan based on a foundation of our assured salvation in the Work of Jesus Christ. With victory already assured, what are we to do?

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Eph. 6:10-13 KJV)

We are commanded to be strong in the Lord and put on the whole armour of God because we do have an enemy to contend with.

Continuing on in Ephesians Chapter Six, we are commanded to:

Verse 15, be shod with the gospel of peace,

Verse 16, wear the shield of faith,

Verse 17, put on the helmet of salvation, use the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God, the Bible only),

Verse 18, pray in the Spirit and watch with perseverance with supplication for all saints,

Verse 19, and above all else, boldly make known the gospel (of Jesus Christ).

We are commanded to begin and end and always in between to declare the Biblical gospel message of Jesus Christ. This far surpasses the so called "Three Angels" message of Adventist evangelism. In this we are guaranteed victory because it centers solely on the nature and work of Jesus Christ who is already victorious.

 

Summary

1. To overcome the evil one and live a victorious life, we have a simple battle plan. Put on the full armour of God and boldly declare the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
2. Once again remember, victory is guaranteed because it is founded upon the one who is already victorious.

 

 

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