1 John 2:3-14

2:3-4 | To know God does not depend on good works but is instead demonstrated by them. When believers are born into God’s family, they are united with Him in an eternal relationship that cannot be broken. Fellowship with God, however – communion with Him – can be disrupted by sin. Obedience is a sign of relationship and fellowship with Him.

2:5 | God’s people demonstrate their love for God not by words but actions. This is not a matter of lip service but of life service. Those who know and obey have God’s love perfected or matured in them, so they have a desire to do what God has said (John 14:15,21).

2:6 | Obedience is the secret to fellowship with God. Jesus walked in total dependance upon His Father, and He was fully submissive to God’s will. So should believers (John 5:19; 5:30; 8:29; 15:4-7). There is joy and blessing in following in Christ’s footsteps.

2:7-8 | This commandment refers to teachings found in the Mosaic Law (Deut. 6:5; 10:12). Jesus viewed love for God and love for others as the two fundamental commands of the entire law (Matt. 5:43-48; Luke 10:25-37). Through shared life and fellowship with Jesus, every Christian has the power to love like that.

2:9-11 | John states concretely that believers can measure their obedience by answering this simple question: Do you love your Christian brothers and sisters? It is important to remember that true obedience is not performance, and it does not come with reluctance. Obedience is seeking God with one’s whole heart. What a tragedy that some Christian claim to love God but cannot get along with other Christians!

2:12-14 | These words may refer to chronological age, but they are also about one’s spiritual age. The little children symbolize those who are newborns in Christ. The young men represent more mature Christians who are strong and victorious in spiritual warfare (2 Tim. 2:22; Eph. 6:10-18; James 4:7). The fathers are those of any age and gender who have the depth and stability of ripe Christian experience. These descriptive terms remind men and women, young and old, that the Christian live is never static. God’s people should always be growing.

2:13 | Fathers have walked with God for many years. They have already been through the fights and have seen victories and defeats. These experiences yield the confidence that God was and is always with them.