January 13th, 2019

 John 2:3-6 We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4 The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
 
“KNOW” appears 33 times in 1 John. Eighteen of those occur with the phrase “we know”, indicating the teacher and his church have the same knowledge of Jesus. To know is to accurately determine the truth of Jesus as Savior and Son of God. How does this happen?
    John, the apostles and the church know Jesus because they have experienced Jesus’ transforming power. John was an eyewitness. He has told them of his personal experiences with him. John obeyed Jesus’ commands. Jesus’ life power is at work in hearts and minds. All living as Jesus lived has transformed their lives. To know Jesus means they can say, “I have determined Jesus’ ministry, his resurrection and ascension have made known – have demonstrated – God’s power on earth.”    
    Years ago, author and minister Henry Blackaby wrote a book and study guide called “Experiencing God”. This work points you to the ways we determine God is affecting our lives. Dr. Blackaby teaches we hear God through his Word, others in the church speaking to us, prayer and the gifts we have to minister. These four areas unify to focus your mind to know – to determine – God is impacting your life through real-life experiences.
    Jesus said it this way: John 14:7 “If you really knew (determined my character) me, you would know (determine the character of) my Father as well. From now on, you do know him (have determined who he is) and have seen him.” He could say this to his disciples because they had personally experienced his life for three God-empowered years. They experienced God.
    Knowing Jesus, the apostles readily obeyed his commands. They were true to him. God used them to begin an extraordinary change in the entire world. The same is true for you. When you truly determine Jesus is your Lord and Savior, you will readily obey his commands. The more we obey, the more personally we will know his presence in your life. Even more, you will show him to the world yet to know him. John 13:35 “By this all men will know (determine) that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Your life will witness the risen Christ.
    This is absolute: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.   
 
Life Thought: Live true to th One you know.