In 1 John 3:3 the apostle writes: “And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”

He was speaking about the return of Jesus. If we hope in him (which we do) we will be engaged in a process of purification. His idea is that we are striving—with God’s help—to be more like him when he returns than we are now. Since he is pure, we too are going through a process of purification.

Today I’d like to suggest a very practical idea. Take a single word or phrase about Jesus and repeat it to yourself as you go about your daily life. Here’s why.

The word of God has actual power. The church father Athanasius said: “the Lord himself is in the words of the Scriptures,”* meaning they are not just dead words; they have actual power against the forces of darkness. Hebrews 4:12 says that “the word of God is living and active.” Living and active—not dead and slothful.

When we say a word or phrase about Jesus throughout the day, not only do we remind ourselves about him and who he is, but we invite him to work in and through us.

So, where do we get these words or phrases? From the Bible itself. Here are just a sampling from John’s writings.

Word of life… 
Blood of Jesus… 
Faithful and just… 
Advocate… 
Jesus Christ the Righteous… 
Light of the World… 
Son of God… 
Bread of Life… 
Grace and truth… 
Lamb of God… 
Good Shepherd… 
Messiah… 
Living water… 
Way, truth and life… 
True vine…

Did one of those words or phrases jump out to you? Perhaps using it throughout your day will be one of the ways God works inner purification in your life.

 The word of God has actual power. Let’s let it work in our lives as we fix our eyes on Christ.

Notes:

-“How do I purify myself? (From sap to syrup) Click here. Sermon.
-*Athanasius, Epistle to Marcellinus, 33.
-Bible quotes are from the ESV.