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Daily Devotions

1 John

1 John 
Day 
Day 16

"He who says, 'I know Him...'"

Text: 1 John 2:4

REFUTATION OF CLAIM OF KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

The Apostle John had to emphatically refute the claims of some who insist that they know God! Such were false teachers. They could speak persuasively and adversely affect the faith of believers.

“He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments,
is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
1 John 2:4

1. “He who says, ‘I know Him'”

a) John is dealing with people who claim knowledge of God.
b) These persist in proclaiming that they do know God.
c) How would John challenge such claims?

2. “And does not keep His commandments”

a) John looks at the practical ramification that should accompany claims of knowledge of God.
b) The person who professes knowledge would be keeping His commandments.
c) But what if the solemn reality is that he does not keep God’s commandments?
d) Where then is the proof of true knowledge of God?

3. “Is a liar”

a) This is a solemn pronouncement.
b) This is the sobering reality.
c) John calls the person who does not keep God’s commandment “a liar”.
d) The word “liar” comes from the word “pseudo”.
e) The person is simply “false” (and hence “a liar”).

4. “And the truth is not in him”

a) Knowledge of God must result in truth residing in the individual.
b) Truth is not in the person who merely professes knowledge of God.
c) Truth in the person will in turn result in keeping God’s commandments.
d) The keeping of God’s commandment will result in obedience to His word.

REMEMBERING WHAT JESUS TAUGHT

John must have remembered how Jesus taught His disciples.

“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love,
just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.”
John 15:10