Turning Talking into Walking
Who is a Liar?

Scripture Reading:  1 John 2:1-6

Key Verse: 1 John 2:4

The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

John’s words in our printed key verse seem unusually blunt in today’s politically correct society, but God’s Word is clear and refuses to allow us to pretend we are something that we are not.  It is dangerous to our soul’s eternity to fool ourselves into thinking we are “good” in God’s sight when we are not.  So the apostle lays it out bluntly: Anyone who says they know Him but does not do what He commands is a liar.

            John used a Greek word, ginosko, when he wrote “know” Him.  This word was used in the Jewish faith as an idiom for sexual intercourse between a man and a woman.  John was making sure the reader would understand that to know Christ means an intimate relationship with God through faith in Jesus.  Let’s put this concept into the key verse: anyone who says that they have an intimate relationship with Jesus and yet doesn’t obey His teachings is a liar.

            It is certainly possible to be acquainted with Jesus and, even, agree with most of His teachings, but still not follow the teachings.  It is not possible to have an intimate relationship with Jesus and not follow His instructions.  It is in the “following” that we develop our intimate relationship.  Anyone who wants to move to deeper levels of relationship with Jesus must determine to carefully read and follow all His commands!

Father, I want to be in an intimate relationship with you!  Spirit, please point out any hindrances that are in my life that would prevent this level of walk.  In Jesus’ name, amen.