Week of July 5, 2024
“And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.” 1 John 2:3 (NKJV)
John had heard our Lord say that you can identify the type of tree by the fruit it produces. John later said that if we claim to know Christ we will demonstrate our faith through our obedience. If we don’t obey and there is no intent to obey then we have reason to wonder whether that person's faith is genuine. Knowing Christ doesn’t guarantee perfect obedience, but true believers exhibit a pattern of obedience and it’s through this pattern of obedience that the Holy Spirit moves us ahead on our path of following Christ.
Our obedience is most often seen by those who are closest to us. We might mislead someone in the community or in the church, but those under the same roof know whether or not Christ is real in us. What does your level of obedience say about our faith in Christ? Is our obedience up to date? Has God told you to do something but you’re not doing it? If so, when will you start? Why is this so important to God? Because your obedience leads to your personal growth. Listen, Listen, God is speaking. Resolve to obey.
God Bless, Pastor Rick