Before we begin our study, I want to again express my appreciation and constant use of "The Bible Knowledge Commentary", "The Grace Commentary" and "The Epistles of John" by Zane Hodges ____________________________________ They are constantly a source of inspiration, instruction, and plagiarism.

1 John 2:3 What does it mean to "know Him"? Many take this to mean John is talking about how we know we are Christians.

1 John 2:3 Taking "know" that way, all believers know God. John 17:3 And John is writing to people he knows are already Christians 1 John 2:14-16; 3:1-2

1 John 2:3 John isn't concerned with whether they have an initial relationship with God. His concern is whether they have come to know God intimately, closely. Have we become friends with God?

John 14:7 “If you (pl.) had known Me (but you don't), you (pl.) would have known My Father also (but you don't) ; and from now on you (pl.) know Him and have seen Him.”

John 14:9 “Have I been with you (pl.) so long, and yet you (sing.) have not known Me, Philip?

1 John 2:3 In one sense then, the disciples did not the Father or the Son. We can know someone without really knowing them.

1 John 2:3 If we claim to know the God of light, walking in the light, in obedience, is the only life consistent with that claim; Disobedience says otherwise.

1 John 2:3 "we know that we have come to know Him" When we come to know the Lord through fellowship and obedience to God's commandments, we can know we know Him intimately.

John 14:21-23 God gives the obedient disciple a manifestation, a deeper knowledge of Himself! Two conditions: 1) he who has my commandments 2) and who keeps them

John 14:21-23 What does that mean for us personally and in ministry?

1 John 2:3 This is precisely what we are to teach to others with regard to God's commandments. Matt. 28:19-20 "observe"

1 John 2:3 "keep" "to keep watch over, guard" ________________________________ Normal word = "to carry out a command" _______________________________ Idea here = the idea of being careful and observant with the commandments

1 John 2:3 When we obey God with a careful heart, we open the door for the Father and the Son to allow us to know them, to become friends with God.

1 John 2:4 "He who says" Broader statement, not "we". Many, Christian and non-Christian, make this statement, possibly to clear their consciences.

1 John 2:4 "know Him" = "have come to know Him" "the truth is not in him" As a controlling influence.

1 John 2:5 When we keep His word, obey His commands, we have a special experience of God's love.

1 John 2:5 A brand new Christian doesn't know His word as he should. This again demonstrates the importance of the conditions in John 14:21

1 John 2:5 Remember: The words of John 14:21-23 came at the end of 3 1/2 years of instruction. They had them. Now they had to keep them

1 John 2:5 This is all discipleship truth.

1 John 2:5 When I obey, I experience God's love in a special way. "perfected" "bring to completion, bring to its goal, bring to full measure"

We love because He first love us... 1 Jn. 4:19 If you love Me you will keep my commandments... John 14:15

1 John 2:5 As we walk in the light, in openness to God, we learn God's will as expressed in His commandments. As we obey, we become closer to God, we get to know Him better, and His love is perfected in us.

1 John 2:6 "in Him" John does not use this as Paul does. John's use is more "functional".

The Abiding Life - John 15:1-8 The life of a disciple and Jesus (8). We can lose the disciple/teacher relationship (6). "in Him" (vv. 5-6) = the abiding life.

1 John 2:6 "abides" "lives, continues, dwells" in Christ.

1 John 2:6 If we claim to abide in Christ, it is only shown verified by Christ likeness in the way we live. We can only know we are "in Him" or "abiding in Him" by obeying Him.

1 John 2:6 When we abide in Him, we experience the perfecting of God's love in us. The goal of any disciple is to be like His master. (Matt. 10:24-25)

1 John 2:6 Any believer who fails to live like Christ is not living the true Christian life.

1 John 2:6 All of this takes time. Jesus only told His disciples abiding truth after three years of instruction.

1 John 2:6 We need instruction. Our hearts need to be ready to live out what we have been taught.

Three important aspects of the abiding life 1) Obedience to what God commands 2) The experience of knowing God 3) The experience of God's perfected love

Three important aspects of the abiding life Like a branch abides or lives in a vine, the abiding disciples lives or stays close to the Lord

The abiding disciple An abiding disciple lives as Christ lived. WWJD is a pretty good question. John answers that for us in what follows.