By Kenny Bruce
Pastor Emeritus, Leawood East Baptist Church, Memphis
Focal Passage: 1 John 2:3-11, 15-17
A Christian is a person who has a relationship with Jesus Christ. In 1 John 2, John gives us three tests so we can know for certain we have that relationship.
(1) The test of obedience (vv. 3-6). Verse three assures us that if we keep His commands, we know Him. The word “keep” can be translated “guard.”
We guard and obey His commands because we consider them precious. Our obedience is not motivated by obligation, but by our love for Him.
The heart of Christianity is found in the phrase “abides in Him” (v. 6). As we abide, we obey His commands regardless of the consequences. If a person claims to be a Christian, but is not obeying the commandments, he is a liar (v. 4). [Read more…]