walking in love - i john 2:3-11

Knowing that you know Him... If we are really Christians there will be some tangible proof that we belong to God. The Apostle John describes two such proofs in our passage today: obedience to God's commands and living a life of love.

The Proof of Obedience... We can only be sure that we know God if we obey His commands and walk the way Jesus walked (verses 3 & 6). As Christians our obedience is not perfect but we can truly say that because of God's grace we now hate the sin we used to love- there has been a vital change.

The Proof of Love... We fulfill the commands of God and live like Jesus lived when we put away hatred and begin to love. This too is necessary proof that we are true Christians when we love one another (verses 9-10). However, if we continue to live a life dominated be selfish and bitter hatred, then we can be sure that we do not really know God.

*Questions for Discussion:

1. Why will authentic Christianity always produce obedience and love?

2. What are ways in which you demonstrate a mind-set of obedience?

3. What are ways in which you demonstrate a lifestyle of love?

(Reading/Meditation Assignment: I John 2:12-17)