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The person who says, “I know him,”1 and yet is not observing his commandments, is a liar, and there is no truth in this person.2
| 1 | I know him: That is: “I have a relationship with Christ,” or, “I have an intimate acquaintance with Christ.” Compare Hosea 8:2. |
| 2 | There is no truth in this person: John’s words are strong. He makes it clear one must know these commandments and then obey them. On the 60 “commandments” of Christ see the work Nazarene Commandments 2000© (Nazarene Commentary 2000©). Even now there are Christian groups who insist they may do as they will and still remain in good relationship with God and Christ. Some call themselves “carnal Christians”! It is impossible to claim love of the Nazarene and disobey his commandments. There are 60 “commands” of Christ in the Gospel of Matthew alone. A “disciple” is not a mere learner but an adherent who has become adept in the teachings of the Master and now teaches them to others. (Matthew 28:19) It is obvious a new disciple must first begin with a thorough knowledge of those commandments and teachings of the Son as paramount before attainment as an adept in knowing the Father and the Son. This involves a working knowledge of the Gospels as a prerequisite. There will always be those pseudo-delphians (false brothers) who were drawn to the Christian fellowship and then whose motives became twisted as a poisonous root began to grow. They are known by their fruitage which is manifest by: a) lovelessness or hatred; and, b) a disobedient liberal attitude toward the commandments of Christ. The Sermon on the Mount can be used to identify these “workers of lawlessness.” [Matthew 7:21-23] In Paul’s letters these fake disciples are often met. Note this in Philippians 1:15-18. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose 1 John 2:4 as the theme verse of chapter two – A Knowing Child. The beloved apostle says that Christians have come to know the Helper. [1-6] John writes that the purpose of his epistle was that a Christian should not sin, however, if sin does occur Christians have a heavenly helper in Jesus Christ. Those who truly know Christ will be observing his commandments. John writes of both old and new commandments. [7, 8]
Only those who love those in their fellowship remain in the Light. [9-11] The Christian who claims to be in the Light and yet hates a fellow Christian remains in darkness. Such a Christian is blind. The apostle then writes of the spiritual state of his children. [12-14] Those Christians who love the world do not originate with God the Father. [15-17] John warns of the desire of the flesh and the eyes as well as any prideful display of possessions.
According to John Christians living then were in the “last hour” and “antichrists” had made their appearance. [18-21] Those who have been anointed know the Truth. How will Christians be able to identify “antichrists”? [22-25] By sticking to the original teachings. Anointed Christians do not need antichrists to teach them. [26-29] When Christ returns and becomes visible John hopes these Christians will not be humiliated but be free-spoken before Christ the Judge. Christians must continue in righteousness.
Abba our Father bless those who remain in the Light.
[8 September 2002]
If one claims to have a saving knowledge of Christ, yet lives in disobedience, his life puts the lie to his words.
