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"By this we know that we love the children of God..."

Text: 1 John 5:2

A PROFOUND THOUGHT

The thoughts of the Apostle John can be very challenging to fathom. He can be very profound. The following text is an example.

“By this we know that we love the children of God,
when we love God and keep His commandments.”
1 John 5:2

1. “By this we know”

a) John makes a very strong statement here.

i) By this… literally means, “by means of this”.

ii) This is like a marker.

b) “We know”

i) He is suggesting that “we comprehend” by this means.

ii) John has used the word “know” to suggest more than a superficial knowledge.

iii) He means, “certain knowledge”.

2. “That we love the children of God”

a) John had written earlier on this matter.

i) We show that we love the children of God when we are prepared to lay down our life for the brethren (1 John 3:16).

ii) We show that we love the brethren when we are able to give to people in need (1 John 3:10-11).

b) John introduces a new thought in this text.

3. “When we love God and keep His commandments”

a) This is almost the reverse idea.

b) How may we show that we love the children of God by: –

i) Loving God?

ii) Keeping His commandments?

A PROFOUND CHALLENGE

Let us consider two possible thoughts!

1. By loving God and keeping His commandments we will be a great source of encouragement to the children of God.

2. We will be setting a wonderful example to the brethren instead of stumbling them by not keeping God’s commandments.