When John says, "If we say that we know Him, and keep not His commandments, we are liars," he powerfully highlights the vital connection between faith and obedience. In this message, we explore how true knowledge of God is demonstrated not just through words but through our actions—actions that reflect His commandments and teachings. Obedience is not a burden, but a privilege that deepens our relationship with God and reveals our love and commitment to Him. Join us as we uncover how faith and obedience work together in our spiritual journey, shaping us into the people God has called us to be.
Verse Explanation: 1 John 2:4
1 John 2:4 (KJV):
“He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
In this verse, the Apostle John is addressing the importance of authentic Christian living. He challenges believers to live in a way that matches their profession of faith. Simply claiming to know God isn’t enough—true knowledge of God is demonstrated by obedience to His commandments. John uses strong language, calling out hypocrisy by saying that anyone who claims to know God but doesn’t follow His commandments is a “liar.”
This is not about achieving perfection, but about the direction of one’s life. It’s about living in alignment with God’s teachings as evidence of a genuine relationship with Him. John emphasizes that real knowledge of God transforms how we live, and if we truly know Him, it will be reflected in our actions, particularly in keeping His commandments. Obedience is the evidence of faith, not just an empty declaration.
Commonly Asked Questions & Answers
1. Why does John use such harsh language by calling someone a “liar”?
John uses the term "liar" to stress the seriousness of the matter. He wants to highlight that simply professing faith without obedience is self-deception and hypocrisy. By calling someone a "liar," he’s not necessarily condemning them, but rather making it clear that words without actions are empty. It’s a call for believers to examine their lives and ensure that their faith is genuine, expressed through obedience to God’s commandments. John uses strong words to show the contrast between truth and deceit, urging believers to live authentically.
2. Does this verse mean Christians must be perfect and sinless to know God?
No, John is not saying that Christians need to be perfect. In fact, earlier in this letter (1 John 1:8-9), he acknowledges that believers will still sin and that they need to confess their sins to God. The key idea here is about the overall direction of your life. Are you striving to follow God’s commandments, even if you stumble along the way? It’s not about never making mistakes, but about having a heart that desires to follow God and obey His Word. True believers may fall short, but they repent and continue striving toward obedience.
3. What does “keeping His commandments” refer to in this context?
In this context, "keeping His commandments" refers to living according to God’s instructions and teachings. While it includes the Ten Commandments, it also encompasses Jesus’ teachings, especially the command to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). Essentially, it’s about living a life that reflects God’s character, rooted in love, humility, and righteousness. Keeping His commandments means more than just following rules—it’s about cultivating a lifestyle that aligns with God’s will and values.
4. How can we know if we are truly "keeping" God's commandments?
We can evaluate our lives by examining whether we’re genuinely striving to live according to God's will. Do we seek to obey God’s teachings and apply them in our daily lives? Are we trying to live out the love and forgiveness that Jesus exemplified? While we won’t always succeed, the question is whether our hearts are set on pursuing God’s commands and whether we seek to repent when we fall short. Keeping His commandments doesn’t mean perfect execution but consistent, sincere effort to align our lives with His Word.
5. What if someone claims to know God but isn’t following His commandments?
According to 1 John 2:4, if someone claims to know God but consistently disobeys His commandments without repentance, there’s a disconnect between their words and their actions. This doesn't mean they are beyond redemption, but it does suggest that they may not have a genuine relationship with God. John is encouraging believers to live in a way that shows their faith is real—through obedience. If someone isn’t living in accordance with God’s commandments, it may be time for them to reflect, repent, and seek a deeper connection with God.
6. What is the “truth” John refers to in this verse?
When John says, “the truth is not in him,” he’s referring to the truth of God and the gospel message. The truth in this context is about living in alignment with the reality of who God is and what He’s done for us through Jesus Christ. If someone claims to know God but doesn’t live according to His ways, it shows that they don’t fully grasp or embrace the truth of the gospel. True faith is transformative, and when the truth of God is in us, it changes how we think, act, and live.
7. How does obedience to God’s commandments deepen our relationship with Him?
Obedience to God’s commandments helps us grow closer to Him because it aligns our lives with His will. When we follow His teachings, we experience the blessings of living according to His design. Obedience is a response to God’s love for us—it shows that we trust Him and want to honor Him with our lives. The more we obey, the more we come to understand God’s heart, character, and purpose for our lives. It’s through this obedience that we deepen our relationship with Him and experience the fullness of His presence.
8. Can someone be saved if they don’t consistently follow God’s commandments?
Salvation is based on faith in Jesus Christ, not on perfect obedience to God’s commandments. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works. However, genuine faith in Jesus naturally leads to a desire to obey God’s commandments. While obedience isn’t the basis for salvation, it is the evidence of a heart transformed by God’s grace. If someone is truly saved, they will desire to follow God’s commandments, even if they don’t always do so perfectly. Persistent disobedience without repentance may be a sign that someone hasn’t fully embraced the transformative power of the gospel.
Conclusion: Walking the Talk
1 John 2:4 is a powerful reminder that our faith isn’t just about what we say—it’s about how we live. Knowing God means more than claiming His name; it means living a life that reflects His character and follows His commandments. While we will all fall short at times, a true relationship with God will always be marked by a desire to obey His Word. As we walk in obedience, we not only deepen our relationship with God, but we also show the world the authenticity of our faith.
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