Series: Are You Real? [#4]
PUT IT TO THE TEST
1 John 2:3-11
Introduction:
In a time when the theory is, “It’s easier to ask for permission than forgiveness”; many people have times in their lives where they question their salvation. They ask themselves questions like, “If I’m saved, then why do I keep doing [you can fill in the blank]”? Or, they may be questioning someone else’s salvation based on their behavior. The bottom line concerning salvation is only you and God knows if you are saved and there are times in our lives that only God knows because you aren’t sure.
Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV)
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed- not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence- continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
We need to take our salvation very seriously and put it to the test. Our text gives us 3 areas in which to test our salvation.
1 John 2:3-5 (NIV)
“We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them.”
Test #1: Your attitude.
What is your attitude towards obeying God and His Word?
There should be a…
Desire to follow the Word of God.
The word “keep” here means to guard, like guarding a treasure. We are to guard the Word of God in our heart. We are to have the desire to obey it.
There should be a…
Decision to follow the Word of God.
Actions speak louder than words. You must decide to do it.
There should be a…
Doing of the Word of God.
We are to not just be hearers of the Word, but also be doers of the Word.
1 John 2:6 (NIV)
“Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”
Test #2: Your actions.
Christians, put all of your Christian “bumper stickers” and Christian t-shirts away if you’re not going to represent Jesus properly. To identify yourself by your clothing and things as a Christian and to not live like Jesus is defeating the purpose. Hey, I know we are human; but so was Jesus. We need to stop making excuses for sin and start living like Jesus. What did Jesus do when they spat on Him? He died for them. What did Jesus do when they told Him He was a liar? He died for them. What did Jesus do with everyone’s sin? He died for them.
1 John 2:7-11 (NIV)
“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. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.”
Test #3: Your affection.
The way you love is a good indicator of who you belong to.
We find here in this command that this love is...
Experienced by Christians.
The reason John says this is an old command that is a new command is because until you are saved, you cannot love like Jesus loves.
We find here in this command that this love is...
Emphasized in the New Testament.
In the Old Testament, the Law is emphasized but in the New Testament, the emphasis is on love. We can do everything right, but if we don’t have love we are like a clanging cymbal.
We find here in this command that this love is...
Exemplified by Jesus.
Jesus is the Light of the World and there is a distinct difference between light and darkness. There is no darkness in light.
Conclusion:
So how did you do on this test? Are you living in light or darkness? If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, then you are in darkness. That could change today.
Christians, remember from last week what you can do with sin in your life:
You can…
Cover them up.
Confess them.
Conquer them.
It’s up to you. What are you going to do?
