Born of Him

And now, little children, abide in him, that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his appearing. If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does righteousness is born of him (1 John 2:28-29)

And now little children

1. This is an endearing approach
2. John loving address his readers
3. John being one whom Jesus loved knows how to love others well and deep

Abide in him

1. This is the idea of remaining in Jesus
2. A Christian is to remain faithful to the Lord Jesus to the very end

That when he shall appear…

1. The conjunction “that” is purpose clause
2. The purpose of abiding in Jesus is
   1. Anchored on the hope of the return of the Lord Jesus
   2. Aimed at meeting the Lord in confidence
3. Only those who are faithful to the Lord will have this confidence
   1. The apostles will surely have confidence (the use of “we”)
   2. The faithful ones will too have confidence
4. This confidence is the opposite of shame
   1. Shame arises out of sins
   2. Confidence is built up by one’s faithful abiding in Jesus

Before him at his appearing

1. This appearing is a reference to the return of the Lord Jesus
2. This is what the Lord Jesus promises to us
3. This is that which must motivate us to cultivate a faithful life for the Lord

If you know that he is righteous…

1. The readers know for sure that Jesus is righteous
2. They thus must be able to conclude that ones who work out righteousness is born of Christ Jesus
3. Those born of God are like God in character

May we seek to abide in the Lord Jesus Christ. The only way to do so is to abide by the words of the Lord Jesus.