TEXT:

‘By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren’ (1 John 3:16)

THOUGHT:

In previous Today’s Teachings we studied the “This is” statements found in 1 John. Each one is a declaration of biblical truth we can have absolute confidence in and build our lives upon.

In the same epistle John frequently used another phrase, “By this”. This is the verification code for the Christian. I have certain online accounts which need an access code sent to my mobile phone, whenever I want to enter. The code ensures it is the real me, not an imposter trying to hack into my account.

John used this phrase so we can know whether our faith and lifestyle is genuine Christianity, and also to protect us from being deceived by anyone pretending to be a true Christian when they are not. It’s not what we say about ourselves that is important, but whether our lives line up with the Word of God.

Today’s Teaching checks out our relationship with the Father, the Holy Spirit and with fellow Christians.

1. Our Relationship With The Father

There are four key aspects to our relationship with the Father.

• Obedience – ‘Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him’ (1 John 2:3-4).

The Bible makes it very clear that obedience is the key to being in Him. ‘But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him’ (1 John 2:5).

The Bible also says, ‘Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do’ (Ephesians 6:1 NLT). If we expect children to obey their parents, then how much more should we obey our heavenly Father?

• Love – ‘By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren’ (1 John 3:16).

Jesus said, ‘Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you’ (John 15:13-14). Love and obedience go together. Jesus also said, ‘If you love Me keep My commandments’ (John 14:15). Another rendering of this verse is, ‘If you love Me, you will keep My commandments’.

Love has to be active to be of any real value. ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son’ (John 3:16).

• Truth – ‘By this we will know [without any doubt] that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart and quiet our conscience before Him’ (1 John 3:19 AMP).

Knowing the truth is intended to be liberating. Jesus said, ‘You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free’ (John 8:32). Jesus is the Truth. Knowing the truth that we cannot please God or be good enough by ourselves is only liberating if we see our need of Jesus. The truth is not there to condemn us but to save us. ‘Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed’ (John 8:36).

• Abide – ‘By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit’ (1John 4:13).

Just as children reflect their parents, so Christians should reflect Christ. ‘He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked’ (1 John 2:6). Christianity is more than just words; it’s a lifestyle because of a new life.

Jesus taught about Him being the true Vine and Christians are the branches.¹ The only way to produce fruit is to be part of the vine.

Jesus also said the world cannot receive the Holy Spirit.² The gift of the Holy Spirit is for believers, to empower them to be witnesses for Jesus. If you have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit that means you must belong to Jesus. I found that truth inspiring and comforting, to be able to say without any doubt that I am a Christian because I have been filled with the Holy Spirit, and that could not have happened unless I was born again.

In Part 2 we shall study our relationship with the Holy Spirit and with fellow-Christians.

Endnotes:

¹ John 15:1-8               ² John 14:17