THE HUB

Knowing God

Devotional

What does it mean to live a Christian life? It’s to make Jesus the center and decision-maker of your faith and all that you do. It’s to pursue a relationship with God out of love for Him. Not out of fear of condemnation in hell or so that He can bless your obedience, but driven by the desire to be in deep fellowship with Him for eternity. It’s to share your faith, not merely because it is a rule or command, but because you want others to know God as you know Him and be saved. This is the Christian pursuit of eternal life: to know God and to make Him known. To demonstrate our love for Christ by keeping His commands. To live as Jesus did, and continually be transformed into God’s image from glory to glory.

3 We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

1 JOHN 2:3-6

2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

1 JOHN 5:2-5

Questions:

  • How is a true relationship with God connected to obeying His commands? Explain in your own words.
  • In 1 John 5:3, it says that God’s commands are “not burdensome” or difficult. Do you find this to be true? Why or why not?
  • What commands of God do you struggle with obeying?
  • “True love for God finds a way to obey.” What are your thoughts or reactions to this quote?

Practice The Way of Jesus:

If you are a Christian, have you grown as much as you would like since you became a Christian? What has been your strongest area of growth? Your weakest? What might be holding you back? This week, consider what kind of commitment the Lord is prodding you to pursue in this season of your life. Seek to make the changes that is neccessary for a true loving relationship with God.