I will never forget the response I received from two ministers of another denomination when I first heard God speaking to me about surrendering to the ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The two obviously did not understand when I told them, “I have heard God calling me to be a minister.” They quizzed me asking if God spoke out audibly to me or if he wrote a message in the clouds saying, “Mike, I want you to be a minister.”
Their inquiries caused me to question if I had heard God speak personally at all. After their questions, I explained to them the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, and I said ‘yes’ to his prompting. When I explained it this way, they understood.
The use of the word “call” had a different meaning to them than it did to me as a Southern Baptist. When Christians have conversations with lost people, do they understand that as believers we can know God personally through a life-changing experience with Jesus Christ? Do they understand we can hear him speak?
Two important questions are covered in this week’s lesson. First, can Christians have a personal relationship with God in which they know without a doubt they are saved? Second, what actions should characterize Christian’s lives?
Do you obey Christ? (1 John 2:3-6)
John wanted his readers to examine their lives and discover the evidence that proved they could know God without a doubt. To help his readers discover this truth, he provided a series of test questions. These tests include the test of obedience (1 John 2:3-6; 3:6-9; 5:2), the test of love (1 John 2:9-11; 3:14-15), and the test of doctrine (1 John 2:22-23; 4:2-3, 15; 5:1). The lesson this week focuses on the test of obedience and love. Next week’s lesson will focus on the test of doctrine.
How can a believer be sure they belong to Christ? Two ways are given: “if we obey his commandments” (1 John 2:3) and “walk as Jesus did” (1 John 2:6). Believers are to do what Christ says and to live, as Christ did.
John emphasizes that the way we act is evidence of our belonging to Christ. Our salvation experience is shared with others by our obedience to the commands given by Jesus.
Do you love others? (1 John 2:7-11)
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John points out that loving others is not a new concept; it is taught in both the Old and New Testament. “Dear friends, I am not writing you a new commandment but an old one, which you have had since the beginning” (1 John 2:7). He is reminding his readers about Leviticus 19:18, “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
The command to love one another also has a radical new meaning because of Jesus (John 13:34, 35). “Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you” (1 John 2:8).
The command to love was probably the first precept learned by Christians. In the Christian church, love is expressed by respecting others but also displayed through self-sacrifice and servanthood. If we hate our brother, then we are still in the dark. By hating, believers cannot grow spiritually. Hate is self-destructive, “the darkness (hate) has blinded his eyes” (1 John 2:11).
After the tragic day of September 11, 2001, how did you feel toward those you encountered that appeared of Middle Eastern descent? If Osama Bin Laden was found and he proclaimed Christ as his Savior, would you love him? The Scriptures teach true Christian faith results in loving behavior.
Do you avoid worldly influences? (1 John 2:15-17)
I was invited to have dinner at a very famous barbeque restaurant located in East Texas to celebrate the birthday of a friend. The patrons who visit for lunch are different from the ones who visit for dinner. For the dinner hours, the place could easily be described as a “joint” or “honky tonk.” I turned down the invitation and suggested we go somewhere else to celebrate.
Do you avoid worldly influences? What does John mean when he writes: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).
Believers are not to love the world system of selfishness and sin. “The world” is anything in opposition to God’s word. Remember what Jesus said: “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24).
Based on the facts of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and promises; John knew “the world and its desires pass way, but the man who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). By not allowing secular values to get in the way of your love for God, the witness to others proves you know that you know God.
Christians can be certain they know God by keeping Christ’s commandments, loving one another, and avoiding worldly influences.
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