How Do I Know I Know Jesus? Series

How Do I Know I Know Jesus?

1 John 2:3-6

Review/Introduction

Jesus named the Apostle John, along with his brother James, the sons of thunder.

They were simple yet powerful fishermen. In his letter/sermon to Christians, John demonstrates a holy thunder yet a tender compassion. He became known as the Apostle of Love. He penned the most quoted verse of the Bible John 3:16. In profound yet simple black and white terms, John addressed some vital issues in the thinking and living of the Christians of his day.

The common thread throughout his letter concerns the monumental concept of fellowship with the eternal God who is absolute light.

I. GOD IS LIGHT

A. THE MESSAGE 1:5

John joyfully announced the message he received from Jesus who eternally existed with the Father but became flesh and visibly lived among men and enlightened men concerning the true nature of the God of the universe. The message received by John from Jesus is found in verse five. God is light and not one speck of darkness can be found anywhere in his character. The nature of God is light in every sense of the word. He enlightens enlivens, invigorates, energizes, illumines and rejuvenates all of creation by His very nature. Jesus burst forth in our world as the light of the world who alones enlightens the darkness of our world.

B. The Implications 1:6-4:6

Since the core of God's character or nature is light, there are some obvious implications for those who want to relate to him. John exposed both the faulty beliefs and corresponding faulty behavior of some who claimed to have a relationship with God but continued to live their lives in darkness. John encouraged proper belief and behavior for all. Since God is light it only follows that those who want to relate to Him should live in the light.

1. Continually walk (live) in the Light

a) Failure to walk in the light (negative)

IF we claim to have an intimate partnership with God and yet continually live contrary to God's ways (walk in darkness)

THEN we neither speak the truth nor live the truth.

b) Walking in the light

On the flip side however, John revealed the reality and blessing of those who choose to live in the light; those who invite God's light to dispel any darkness and direct every choice.

but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

In this verse John employed all present tense verbs indicating present continuous action.

IF we continually live in the light where God continually lives then two realties become characteristic of our life.

1. We continually have fellowship with one another

2. The blood of Jesus Christ continually cleanses us from all sin.

2. Continually confess sin 7-10

a) Failure to admit or acknowledge sin (negative)

IF we say that we have no sin,

THEN we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.

b) Continually confessing sin (positive)

IF we confess our sin

THEN He promises two things.

He will not fail to do these two things. (He is Faithful)

And

He can lawfully and morally do these two things. (He is Just)

Forgive us our sins

Cleanse us from all unrighteousness

3. Rely on your advocate 2:1-2

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2

4. Give attention to His instructions 2:3-6

John writes how we can be sure that we really know Jesus.

we know that we have come to know Him

by this

The word know has a broad range of meaning and application. In general, it has to do with a mental understanding, recognition, perception, insight or discernment based on experience, reflection, investigation, observation and information. Such knowledge or knowing applies to the realm of things and process as well as people and relationships.

There is a knowing on the information and skill level (things and processes).

There is a knowing on the soul level dealing with life and relationships.

The word usually refers to a perception or knowledge gained that either dictates or alters how I relate to people, things or processes.

I know (have come to recognize and understand) that it is unhealthy to touch two electrical wires together. I know (discern) that plants need water. I know that it is good to check the plug in the back of the boat before putting it in the water. I came to know these things through personal experience.