Untitled Sermon (6)

1 John 2:3–6 NASB95

3 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, in him the love of God has truly 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.

Many people today make professions of faith. They join a church. They claim to be a Christian, but many of them live and justify lifestyles that the Bible openly condemns. We also know that many will claim to be disciples but are not. Matthew 7:21-23 "Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on the day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly, I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers.! It seems clear from this passage who these people might be. Other verses that say the same thing. John 14:15 If you love me, keep my commands. 1 John 1:6 If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live our the truth. John 14:23 Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. This verse says that the Father and son will abide in us through the person of the Holy Spirit when we simply obey His truth. It also says, anyone who does not do what He commands is a liar. I like verse 5 where it says the love of God is truly made complete in the people who live in obedience. Lord I want to experience that maturing work that draws me closer and closer by living in obedience and live my life as you did. In my life I have not always obeyed the word in regard to my wife. I have been harsh instead of loving and for that I am deeply sorry. I plan to put off that response in the future and put on a kind response. Seeking to work toward solutions. The verse in Proverbs 15:1, comes to mind. A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stirs up anger. I do believe however, that I am a true follower of Jesus Christ and have a true desire to honor Him with my life.