January 20, 2016
Scripture Reading: 1 John 2:3-6
3We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
Questions for Reflection:
As you read through the passage, what words jump out to you as being repeated often? By looking for repeated words, you can often get a pretty good sense of what the author is trying to communicate. One of the words repeated throughout the passage (and the book as a whole) is know. John was combating the beginnings of what would become known as Gnosticism. Gnosticism focused on the spiritual world while ignoring the material world. They believed that a special enlightenment or knowledge (literally in the Greek gnosis) had been given to them. They believed the way to salvation was through knowledge rather than through Jesus Christ’s work on the cross.
John says that we “have come to know him.” In the original Greek text, the verb know is in the perfect tense. The perfect tense pointed to a past event that had on-going consequences. Hence, John is saying that we know and continue to know him. It’s not a short prayer repeated after a preacher, but it has on-going, life-altering impact on our life.
How does John say that we can know that we know Jesus? Obedience is a by-product of a true relationship with God. Burge underscores this point in his commentary: “Everything John says in 2:4-11 is hinged on the thesis statement found in 2:3. Knowing God is evidenced by our heartfelt desire to obey him.” Read verse 6 again. What does John say we must do if we claim to live in Jesus?
All this talk of obedience raises flags for many Christians. “We’re not saved by works; we’re saved by grace.” This statement is absolutely true. However, when we have an intimate, authentic relationship with someone, our actions change. I strive to honor my parents. Why? Not because of some reward I might receive or because I’m trying to earn their love, but because I love them, I honor them. I seek to act in a way that will please my spouse. Why? Because I love and care about her, I want to honor her in my actions. Because Jesus Christ died for us and because of our love for him, we obey. The obedience flows from relationship.
In what ways do you struggle to obey Jesus’s commands? In what areas of your life do you struggle to live as He did? Spend time in prayer today confessing to Him and asking for Him to strengthen you as you seek to love and honor Him.