What steps can you take to ensure you are keeping God's commandments today? The Foundation: Knowing Means Obeying “By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.” (1 John 2:3) The verse links assurance of salvation to a lifestyle of obedience. Knowing Christ is not merely mental assent; it is demonstrated by doing what He says. Step 1: Immerse Yourself in God’s Word • Daily reading plans—start with the Gospels, Psalms, Proverbs, and 1 John. • Memorize key passages; “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) • Meditate on a short verse throughout the day. • Journal observations and applications. Step 2: Invite the Holy Spirit’s Guidance • Ask Him to illuminate Scripture and convict of sin (John 14:26; Philippians 2:13). • Pray before decisions, trusting His inner prompting. • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) Step 3: Practice Immediate Obedience • When Scripture speaks, act—delay breeds disobedience. • Keep short accounts with God; resist rationalizing sin. • “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) Step 4: Walk in Love Toward Others • Serve, forgive, and speak truth in love—this summarizes God’s moral law (Matthew 22:37-40). • “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) Step 5: Stay Accountable Within the Body • Regular worship and small-group fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Invite trusted believers to ask hard questions. • Share victories and struggles; obedience grows in community. Step 6: Confess and Course-Correct Quickly • The moment you stumble, confess: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive…” (1 John 1:9). • Receive forgiveness, then realign your actions to Scripture. • Learn from failure—let it deepen dependence, not breed discouragement. Step 7: Persevere Daily • Schedule regular times of silence and worship to recalibrate your heart. • Train yourself spiritually as an athlete disciplines the body (1 Corinthians 9:27). • Keep eternity in view; obedience today prepares you for Christ’s return. These practical steps, grounded in God’s unchanging Word, enable you to live out the assurance declared in 1 John 2:3—confident that you truly know Him because you are keeping His commandments. |
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