God's Man | 1 John Part 6

By Walking in His Love

We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. - 1 John 2:3-6

We say things like It is not about religion but a relationship.  The question is who is our relationship with?  There is a Gospel song that is titled the Shepherd’s Song.  In the song it says, “My Sheep Hear My Voice and Come Running To Me.”  It goes on to ask, “If you say that I am your shepherd, why aren't you following me?”  That question is right here in this passage.  

This is not to say that we need to apply some sort of litmus test but how do you know if you are in a relationship with someone?  You want to please them.  Would you say you were loving your spouse if everything they asked you to do you turned and did the opposite?  Isn't the same true with your relationship with God?

Get To or Got To?

Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. - 1 John 2:7

There is nothing new about this:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:34-35

“If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love... My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” - John 15:10; 12

Yet it is new as you are growing in your relationship with Christ and have been regenerated

Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. - 1 John 2:8

Living life as God’s Child is not as linear as we try to make.  It is not a formula?  It is not as simple as we try to make it even though it is simple.  As we allow more of God’s Light to flow through us then God’s Love can be seen.

Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. - 1 John 2:9

It is impossible for you to walk in God’s Light and hate your brother.  If you walk in the light it will chase away the darkness.  Let it search your heart.  Don’t turn from it and return to the darkness or accept part of light but get burned by the part you cannot accept.

Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble.  But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him. - 1 John 2:10-11

What happens when you apply this John test to your life?  
I am not talking about disliking the habits of another brother.  There maybe personality clashes that occur between family.  I am talking about open hostility and a desire to undermine what they are doing.  Or maybe you covet what another brother has?  How about wanting their life?  Or Ministry?  Or Family?

I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. - 1 John 2:12

Here John is talking to all believers and reminding them that there assurance comes on account of Christ. This is the basis on which we Rest.

I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father. - 1 John 2:13

Here John is talking to 3 different types of believers.  

The first are the fathers.  These are the mature believers.  These are the old saints.  I am not talking about age here but age does often bring a certain perspective that is often discounted by the younger.  I remember reading the 23 Psalm as a child, in fact it was the firs piece of scripture that I learned.  As a 9 year old it doesn't have the same impact as it does now at 34.  I suspect that it will have an even greater impact at 54.

The second are the the young men.  There are believers that have learned to stand in the face of the enemy’s attacks.  They have learned to rely on Christ.

The third, The Little Children, are described using the Greek word paidia.  This word means immature little folk.  These are believers who have come to know Christ but have not grown yet.  

I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one. - 1 John 2:14

John begins to further clarify the distinction between the “fathers” and the “young men”

The father known Him.  How  do you know Him?  By spending time with Him?  How do we spend Time With Him?  Prayer, Study, Walking As He Did

The young men are strong and God’s Word Lives in Them and they have overcome the evil one.  

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. - Ephesians 6:17