The Test of Obedience | 1 John 2:3-6

Today we’re gonna continue taking a look at 1 John.

Have y’all ever wanted so bad something that you couldn’t attain?

Here’s an example from my life. I think it would be awesome to go to space. I’d really love it just for the view of Earth from space. That would definitely be a cooler view than anything actually here on Earth.

But obviously I can’t go to space. The amount of money it would take would be astronomical. Even though that would be one of the coolest experiences that I’d ever get to do, that’s not something I can do.

Now let’s replace going to space… with a relationship with the God of the universe. The perfect, righteous, loving God who created all things. I want to be as close to that God as possible. I mean He’s the one who created the Earth, maybe He can give me a ride to space.

But I can’t attain that. I’m a sinful person. I’m not good enough to have a relationship with God no matter how much I want to.

Turn in your bibles to 1 John 2.

1 John 2:3–6 NLT

3 And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. 4 If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. 5 But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. 6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

1. Knowing God means obeying His commandments (vv. 3-4)

2. Loving God means obeying His commandments (v. 5)

The Example (v. 6)

If I want to have a relationship with God, I’ve failed, but there is one who paid the price for me so that I am now able to live a holy life.

I am not telling you what you should do, I am showing you what the Word of God says we will desire as we come to know Him.

Analogy: Jesus paid for my ability to go to space