Knowing
That We Know God
Many people say that they "know God."
We might ask: How do they know that they know God? How might others know that
they know God? Can such claims be tested? Read 1 John 2:3-6.
| The
one who says … | Is
… | But
… | | | "I
know God," but does not do what he commands | a
liar, and the truth is not in him (v. 4) | If
anyone obeys God's word | God's
love is truly made complete in him (v. 5) |
Test
of Obedience
*
"We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands" (1 John
2:3, NIV).
*
"This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk
as Jesus did" (1 John 2:5b-6, NIV). 1.
Which of the following statements do you think is most consistent with the Bible's
teaching?
(a) A person gains a relationship with God by obeying his word
(the Bible).
(b) A person gains a relationship with God through spiritual
knowledge. Thus the actions of the physical body are not necessarily important
to knowing God.
(c) A person enters into a relationship with God by His
grace. Since this is entirely God's work, the person's obedience is not necessarily
a characteristic of truly knowing God.
(d) A person enters into a relationship
with God by His grace, through faith, not by his/her own efforts. However, the
person's obedience is a characteristic of truly knowing God.
An
Old but New Command
Read 1 John 2:7-8. Jesus said, "A
new command I give you: Love one another" (John 13:34a). When John wrote
his letter (many years later), this "new command" was an "old command."
His readers had heard it many times. But in another sense, it was still "new,"
being lived out through Jesus and his followers in the dawning of the "new
age," inaugurated by the "true light" (Jesus). Test
of Love
Read
1 John 2:9-11. The
one who says … Is … But …
he is in the light, but hates
his brother still in the darkness (v. 9) whoever loves his brother lives in the
light, and there is nothing in him (or it) to make him stumble (v. 10)
Whoever
… Is …
hates his brother in the darkness and walks around in
the darkness; he does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded
him (v. 11) 2.
Why is a hateful person still in the darkness? In what way does already being
in darkness or light further contribute to the darkness or light?
"The
path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till
the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do
not know what makes them stumble" (Proverbs 4:19, NIV) 3.
Why should obedience and love be evident in the Christian's life? What do you
think motivates the believer to obey God and love others?
Assurance
to Believers
The
false faith of some is exposed by the tests of obedience and love. But that is
not John's only purpose. He also wants to confirm the right assurance of genuine
believers. Read 1 John 2:12-14. Reflection/Application
†
Do
you "know God?" If not, do you want to know God? Jesus said, "No
one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6b). Trust in Jesus as
Lord and Savior, and follow him.
†
Do you claim to "know God?" Does your life show that you "know
God?" Are you reading God's word (the Bible) and obeying his instructions?
Are you demonstrating love to others? What are your motivations for obedience
and love? Commit to knowing God more intimately (through his Word, prayer, praise,
fellowship and service) with a desire to be motivated by the love of God and a
love for God.
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