Sunday we continued our study in 1 John as we examined verse 3 from chapter 2.

“And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we
keep his commandments.” (1 John 2:3, ESV)

 

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We seen that there is a difference between head knowledge and experiential knowledge. There is a difference between knowing about someone and actually knowing them. 1 John tells us that “we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.”

The Gnostics of the time were declaring a “knowledge” about God that they claimed could be attained by “inner wisdom and elightenment.” John however is declaring a knowledge that changes the man, rather than knowledge that makes the man puffed up with pride thinking he has gained something. John tells of this knowledge and the assurance that we know Him because we long to obey Him.

“Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”" (Jeremiah 9:23-24, ESV)

It is the whole object of this letter - to declare the doctrine of assurance to the believer.  It never ceases to amaze me how many people are opposed to the doctrine of assurance of the believer. We can see three pillars in 1 John:

“And we are writing these things so that our [your] joy may be complete.” (1 John 1:4, ESV)

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13, ESV)

“We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” (1 John 5:19, ESV)

These are built upon joy and assurance, or if you will assurance that comes from joy. However this assurance is not some blind “I hope so.” It can be tested and we can see if we pass or fail. Thus today the verse “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.” The “if” statement here is the kicker and the question is “Do I long to be obedient to His commandments?” or do I ignore His commandments and go on with my life as I please.

Some people today call themelves Christians when they have never experienced the joy of a true conversion. They believe they can just pray a prayer and then live thier life as they think is best. The world says it does not matter what you do just believe and you are the real deal. But John tells us you cannot separate belief from conduct and so does our brother James:  

 ”So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17, ESV)

The world is holding to the lie that you can believe one thing and do another. This is impossible because you do what you believe. So when the apostle John brings us the truth that the Christian can be assured of his salvation in that God has brought about fundamental changes in his life and his conduct matches his confession we can rejoice and know that:

“he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6, ESV)

So the question is “Do you know Him?” You ask “How do I know if I know Him?” John answers “And by this we know that we know Him if we keep His commandments.”

All Sermons in the Series “Life in Christ - A Study of 1 John”

Sermon Notes