Obey, Love, Reject | 1 John 2:3-17
Welcome! Whether you're a longtime believer or visiting for the first time, I’m glad you’re here. Today, we’re journeying through 1 John 2:3-17—a powerful passage teaching us that our walk with Christ is revealed in how we obey, love, and reject the ways of the world. Let's break down this transformative message and find practical ways to apply it in our lives.
Assurance in Faith: The Purpose of 1 John
The book of 1 John was written to give believers assurance in their faith and to help us walk in the light. This assurance isn’t just about having knowledge of God, but truly knowing Him—something that clearly shows through our actions, affections, and priorities.
The Big Idea
Our relationship with Christ is revealed in how we live, who we love, and what we long for. These are the key elements Apostle John highlights in his epistle.
1. Obedience Reveals Fellowship with Christ
1 John 2:3-6 emphasizes that knowing God is tied to keeping His commandments. It's not enough to simply recite or enforce these commandments; we're called to live them out.
Not legalism, but fruit: Obedience isn't about checking religious boxes. It’s the natural result of abiding in Christ. Like a branch cut from a tree, we can appear spiritually alive for a while, but real, lasting fruit only comes from staying connected to Jesus.
Abiding, Not Perfection: Verse 6 encourages us to “walk in the same way in which He walked.” This isn’t calling for perfection, but for a life that continuously reflects Jesus—marked by truth, compassion, and faithfulness.
“Apart from me, you can do nothing.” – John 15:4-5
Obedience to God is proof that we truly know Him—it's not about earning God's love but expressing our trust and relationship with Him.
2. Love Shows We’re in the Light
One of the clearest commands Jesus repeated: Love one another.
John shifts the focus from obeying God to loving others. According to him, you can’t claim to walk in the light if your heart is full of hatred or indifference.
Active, not optional: Love isn’t just an emotion or a sweet thought—it's seen in our readiness to forgive, serve, pray, and pursue reconciliation.
The test of true light: "Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness." Real love, especially when people disappoint or hurt us, is one of the most profound signs we belong to Christ.
Spirit-produced: This love doesn’t come naturally; it's a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22), growing as we abide in Christ.
It’s not about saying the right things, but showing love in visible, sacrificial ways—just as Jesus loved us.
3. Rejecting the World Shows Our Loyalty
We can't claim full devotion to Christ while still loving the world and its values (verses 12-17).
Affirmed identity: John first reminds believers of who we are in Christ—forgiven, known by God, and victorious over evil—not to condemn, but to affirm us before calling us to reject the world.
Undivided loyalty: Our hearts were made to worship God alone. Divided affections leave us confused and distant from God.
What is 'the world'? The cravings of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life are not from the Father but from the world. These things are temporary, fading away with time.
Eternal perspective: While the world and its desires will pass away, whoever does the will of God lives forever. It's like building a sandcastle knowing the tide will take it—only what’s rooted in Christ is eternal.
Where is your loyalty today? Are there desires competing with your love for God? The call is to repent, turn to Christ, and let Him be your one true hope and light.
Bringing It Home: Examining Our Walk
At the heart of John’s message is a call beyond outward behavior—to ask ourselves, “Do I truly know Jesus, or do I just know about Him?” Is my life marked by obedience, love, and loyalty to Christ, or am I still clinging to the darkness?
The good news: Jesus came not just to show us the way but to be our substitute, giving us new life through His obedience, sacrificial love, and rejection of worldly values. When we place our trust in Him, we can walk in the light, rooted and secure—to love, obey, and remain loyal to Him alone.
Ready for Change?
If you haven’t trusted in Christ, the invitation is open. Turn from self and sin, receive His forgiveness, and start a new life abiding in Him. For believers, let’s reaffirm our commitment to obey, love, and reject—walking as He walked, shining with His light in a world that desperately needs it.
If this message encouraged you, share it with a friend or leave a comment about how you’ve seen God grow your obedience, love, or loyalty lately!