Welcome to the Hope Bible School verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John. This is Jeff M Newman. Get a new lesson every other week on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific.
In Lesson 52, we are going to study the last part of 1 John 2:19.
Let’s read the last part of the verse.
1 John 2:19…But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us.
Let’s go over the definitions of the words.
But (235. alla) means except or however.
Their departure means they went out.
Made it clear (5319. phaneroó) means to make manifest, to reveal, to make known, or to show openly.
That (3754. hoti) means since or because.
None of them (3756. ou, ouk, ouch) is the absolute negative adverb.
Belonged to (1510. eimi) means to be, to exist, to happen, or to be present
Us (1473. egó) is the first person plural.
In other words, when someone departs from Christian community, it reveals, makes manifest, or makes it clear that they were never truly part of the family of God or "belonged to us."
In Lesson 51, the previous lesson, we learned that true believers in Jesus abide in Him, remain steadfast, dwell with Him, and endure alongside other followers of Jesus.
Jesus calls His followers to abide in Him and to love other believers as He has loved us. This is God’s will for our lives.
The part of the verse we are studying today teaches us that our actions reveal the true nature of our heart.
Let’s study some verses that show us how what is in our hearts will ultimately reveal who we are.
In Luke 6:45, we read that when someone’s heart is filled with goodness, it will overflow with good, while an evil heart will produce evil. What is in a person’s heart will be displayed through their words and actions.
When someone abides in Christ and remains with fellow believers, even during difficulties, it demonstrates that Christ is in their heart. Their life will show evidence of the good treasure within their heart. Conversely, when someone leaves the fellowship of believers, it reveals that their heart was not truly aligned with Christ and His people.
Luke 6:45 The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
In Luke 8:16-17, we learn that nothing hidden or concealed will remain unknown; everything will eventually be brought to light. Similarly, in 1 John 2:19 we see that when people leave the body of believers, it reveals that they are not true believers and do not have Christ in their hearts.
Luke 8:16-17 No one lights a lamp and covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they set it on a stand, so those who enter can see the light. 17 For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be made known and brought to light.
In James 2:14-17, we learn that true faith is demonstrated through actions, such as caring for brothers and sisters who lack clothing or daily food. In contrast, 1 John 2:19 speaks about those who leave the body of believers, showing that they lack true faith. Unlike genuine believers who take action to help others in need, these individuals reveal their lack of commitment to Christ and His people through their departure.
James 2:14-17 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? 17 So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.
In conclusion, when someone leaves the body of believers, it reveals that they do not have true faith in Christ.
On the other hand, those who are in Christ will demonstrate their faith through their words and actions. They will let their light shine, reflecting Christ to others.
True faith is always accompanied by evidence through actions. For example, when believers see other believers without clothing or daily food, they will provide for their physical needs. Their faith compels them to act in love and compassion.
Let’s read the final part of the verse one more time.
1 John 2:19 …But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us.
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Thank you and God bless you.
Jeff M Newman
(Photo by Rajiv Perera on Unsplash. Grand Canyon Village, AZ. Berean Standard Bible.)
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