1 John 2:3-11
Introduction
: I enjoyed my study on 1 John so important (not to mention challenging and exciting) that I choose to continue with its themes and emphasis.
Part of what has been happening among 17 youth and 5 sponsors this weekend in San Diego is the opportunity being provided to ‘know’ God in a deeper and more intimate way.
1 John 2:3 begins an emphasis about ‘knowing’ God.
The NKJV reads, ‘
Now by this we know that we know Him
…’
The sense of ‘knowing’ describe the thoughts of ‘
certainty’
and ‘
assurance’
.
Question
: How are you and I sure or certain that we really know God and have a genuine relationship with Him?
According to John it is in demonstration: Demonstration of what?
I. Keeping of His commandments
– v. 3
Entole
= an order, command, charge, precept, injunction 1a) that which is prescribed to one by reason of his office 2) a commandment 2a) a prescribed rule in accordance with which a thing is done
The ‘proof’ or certainty that we ‘know Him’ is in the evidence of being under Christs’ Lordship by adhering to what he has stated about, well, just about everything.
Transition
: Counter or contrary to evidences and proof of coming under God’s rule and reign there is this:
II. False Identity & Errant Assumption
–v. 4
‘He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him’.
(NKJ)
This is strong and piercing
!
The thought of being a liar is not in the sense of telling lies but not being truthful with one’s self!
Getting to the bottom of the truth is what John is after!
Transition
: The following verses, 5-6, describe the evidences and progress.
III. Clear Evidence and Evolving Progress
– v. 5-6
‘But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked’.
(NKJ)
‘ought also to walk as He walked’.
Evidence
– Keep His word
Progress
– Love of God is (being perfected) maturing; going deeper; coming to richer understandings.
Transition
: In verse 7 we find what I’ll call a time and tested truth.
IV. Time and Tested Truth
– v. 7
Transition
: In the last remaining verses of this section, vv. 8-11 we find some practical applications.
V. True Light on Display
– vv. 8-11
John, for the exact reasons known only to him and to those receiving this epistle uses either loving or hating another as the most glaring, practical application for this situation.
Conclusion
: John’s message from chapter 2:3-11 speak of 5 matters:
Hold On Tight
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Called and Appointed
John 15:12 John 15:12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 “Greater love has no one than this, than1 to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 “No longer do I call you servants,…
Onesimus – The NT Hobo
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Me and My Church
Introduction: There is the Church Universal And then there is the Local Church. Question: What is the Local Church. Place of gathering; The Location (could be at the beach), the structure or the building or the facility where one gathers for: • Worship and teaching: A place to regularly gather for worship, prayer, and hearing…
But The Greatest of These
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Champions
1 Corinthians 1:25-26 Introduction: Superbowl Sunday. Champion – noun– a person who has defeated all opponents in a competition or series of competitions, so as to hold first place: the heavyweight boxing champion. Anything that takes first place in competition. One definition that I found that I like about what it means to be a…
Flood or The Blood
Psalm 32:1-7 Psalm 32:6, ‘Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment’. (Psa. 32:6 NLT) Introduction: Let’s look at a ‘communion text’ as we are contemplating the beauty of celebrating around the Lords Table. NKJ Psalm 32:1 <A Psalm of…
God In The House
NKJ – Psalm 127:1 <A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.> Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. The Psalms of Ascent are a collection of psalms in the Bible, Psalms 120–134, that were sung by Jewish pilgrims…
But Others – When All Else Seems to Fail
Introduction: I started the year with Immanuel, God with us, then last week, ‘Getting Rid of Stuff’, and now I will spend the next two weeks to speak to you about the role of Faith in our lives. 11:1-2, ‘Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen: it gives us assurance…