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:
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