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Daily Bread - May 5, 2026 (The Third Day - Genesis 1:9-13)
1 John 3:22 – And whatever we ask of Him, we receive, because we keep His commands and do what is pleasing in His sight.
Despite Popular Thinking, God Calls Us To Radical Righteousness
Even though there are those who are vehemently vocal such a walk with God is not possible, the third chapter of the Epistle of First John places us in a position with God where we are empowered to do everything that pleases Him. This is one of the most radical chapters of the New Testament, and calls us to radical purity and righteousness making statements like: “no one who sins has either seen Him or known Him” and “everyone who commits sin is of the devil” (1 John 3:6, 8). Obviously, if we do wrong or anything that is displeasing the Father, our hearts will convict us. And we rejoice that in experiencing conviction, we can run to Jesus Christ the righteous and be cleansed from all our sin and shame (1 John 1:9-2:1-2).
Most people today have settled into a mindset that condones sin and makes it a part of everyday life. They say, “we sin more or less every day.” However, John had a very different view of what it means to know Jesus than many have today. The Lord has empowered us with His Word and with His Spirit to live His life, the abundant life, the life of Jesus. Paul, speaking of this divine empowerment, said they who walk in the Spirit would not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16), and he exhorted Titus emphatically how God’s grace has taught us to live godly (Titus 2:11-15). Jesus called us to be perfect, even as our Father in Heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48) Peter said we were to be holy, even as He is Holy (1 Peter 1:16). He also said we have been given everything we need through the power of God to walk in life and godliness, and to never even stumble! (2 Peter 1:3-11).
Blessings,
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen
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