How does 1 John 2:3 define knowing God through obedience to His commands? The Verse in Focus “By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.” — 1 John 2:3 Obedience Reveals Relationship • John presents a single, clear test: genuine knowledge of God shows up in active obedience. • Obedience is not a way to earn salvation; it is evidence that salvation has already taken place. • The verb “keep” (Greek tēreō) pictures watchful, careful guarding of God’s commands—more than casual compliance. Scripture Echoes • John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • 1 John 5:2-3 — “We know that we love God’s children when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” • James 1:22 — “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • Luke 6:46 — “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say?” The Meaning of “Know” • Biblical “knowing” is relational, not merely intellectual. • It involves fellowship, intimacy, shared life with God (cf. John 17:3). • Obedience demonstrates that this relationship is real, living, and transformative. Why Obedience Matters • Confirms assurance: tangible evidence replaces guesswork about our standing with God. • Displays love: love for God naturally expresses itself in loyalty to His will. • Guards from deception: professing faith without obedience is self-deceit (1 John 1:6). • Glorifies Christ: our obedient lives bear testimony to His lordship before a watching world (Matthew 5:16). Practical Takeaways • Examine daily choices—do they align with clear biblical commands? • Prioritize the heart: obedience flows from love, not mere rule-keeping. • Stay in Scripture; knowing the commands precedes keeping them (Psalm 119:11). • Depend on the Spirit; He empowers the believer to walk in God’s statutes (Ezekiel 36:27; Galatians 5:16). • Repent quickly when you stumble; ongoing obedience includes confession and restoration (1 John 1:9). In Summary According to 1 John 2:3, knowing God is inseparable from obeying His commands. Our obedience does not create the relationship—it confirms it. A life aimed at honoring God’s word gives solid assurance that we truly know Him. |
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