3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him:  1 John 2:3-5

4. The test of our adoption

a. The Test of Fellowship

Our relationship with God the Father and God the Son: 1 John 1:1-3

1. God the Father’s desire to glorify His Son, John 12:27-28

2. God the Son’s desire to purify His church, Ephesians 5:25-27

Our relationship with the Word of God: 1 John 1:4

1. Delight in the Word, Psalm 119:14

2. Love for the Word, Psalm 119:47

Our Relationship to sin: 1 John 1:8-10

1. Experiencing remaining sin: The root in the heart, 1 John 1:8

2. Committing acts of sin: The fruit in life, 1 John 1:9

3. Dealing Godly with our sins: Confession, 1 John 1:9, Psalm 51:3-4

TODAY

b. The Test of OBEDIENCE: 1 John 2:3-5a

– Our Obedience to God’s Word is empowered by the love of God: Romans 5:1-5, 2 Corinthians 5:14, 1 Corinthians 15:58

– Our Obedience to God’s Word is motivated by love for God: John 14:15, 1 Peter 1:6-9

– Our Obedience to God’s Word is chiefly for fellowship with God: John 14:21-23

Fellowship with God must include the obedience of seeking prayer: Jeremiah 49:11-13

Obedience to God for fellowship must include all commands: 1 John 2:4-51, Psalm 119:6