Knowing God and Knowing Truth

Sermon by Mark McDonnel

1 John 2:3-6

³ And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. ⁴ The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; ⁵ but whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God has been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: ⁶ the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.

Obedient Behavior is related to Assurance

Law and Gospel are different parts of the same system that are necessary in their own ways.  The commands are not just a list of things we do.  Rules are a description of what FAITH & LOVE LOOK LIKE.  When God moves in and starts working in someone, it makes a difference.  Not perfection, but that He brings us to be concerned about things we didn't have concern about before.  Our heart, our perspective changes.

Obedient Behavior is related to Truth

We look at the Commandments and can have a theoretical knowledge or understanding.  But God wants us to understand we have a true understanding until we experience it by obedience.  Obedience takes understanding to a whole new level.  Sin IS deceitful.  

Obedient Behavior is related to Love

Love is complicated. Keeping God's Truth is is His love brought to maturity.  God is in the business of making us like Christ -- and that is true love -- to grow us through the process of becoming like Christ.

Obedient Behavior is HOW we demonstrate Truth, Love and Assurance.

We ought to walk in the same way that Jesus walked, moved through life, had relationships, talked with people.  We now have a new heart - regenerated, forgiven, adopted.  Transformation begins in us and continues as we continue to walk as He walked.