1 John 2:3

“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.”

Context:The First Epistle of John is a letter written by the apostle John to a group of believers, addressing issues related to faith, love, and obedience. This particular verse is found in the second chapter of the letter.

Knowing God:The verse begins with the phrase, “And hereby we do know that we know him.” John is emphasizing the importance of having a genuine knowledge of God. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but experiential, reflecting a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Keeping His Commandments:John highlights a key indicator of this knowledge and relationship with God-keeping His commandments. Obedience to God’s commandments is seen as evidence of our love for Him and our desire to live according to His will. It is a practical expression of our faith in action.

The Test of Obedience:The verse implies that obedience to God’s commandments is a test or a measure of the authenticity of our faith. It demonstrates that we truly know God and have a personal relationship with Him. Obedience is not meant to earn our salvation, as we are saved by God’s grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Instead, it is a response of gratitude and love towards God for what He has done for us.

Application:This verse challenges believers to examine their lives and evaluate whether they are walking in obedience to God’s commandments. It prompts self-reflection on our actions, attitudes, and choices, questioning whether they align with the teachings and principles of the Bible. Obedience should flow from a heart transformed by God’s love, not out of legalistic duty.

• Relationship and Obedience:It’s important to note that the emphasis in this verse is not on obedience alone, but on obedience as a fruit of a genuine relationship with God. Obedience without love is legalism, while love without obedience is mere sentimentality. True discipleship encompasses both love for God and obedience to His commandments (John 14:15).

In summary, 1 John 2:3 emphasizes that our knowledge of God is demonstrated through our obedience to His commandments. It serves as a reminder that faith and love should be reflected in our actions, and obedience is a natural outpouring of our relationship with God.