Do We Really Love Him?
The clear message of this passage is that a true test of whether we love God is the question; do we obey his commands? And, a true test of whether we have been born of God, or as we say, “born again,” is if we overcome the world. And overcoming the world is the proof of our faith.
Too many of us are trying to be “good Christians,” but we lack the ability to do so because we haven’t truly been born of God. We may have recited a prayer, or we may have believed a doctrine, but we haven’t had a true encounter with God through a saving faith in Jesus Christ.
If you are examining your life just now in the context of how we are looking at this passage and find that you fall short; don’t fall in the trap of trying harder.
The faith walk is not about trying to do right – it is about being changed on the inside so that we are living out his righteousness. It is our desire to be made right with God that draws us to Christ; let us be careful that we do not fall short of that goal by accepting something less than a life changing relationship with Jesus the Christ.
Prayer: I thank you Lord for drawing me to Christ. Grant me the faith that enables me to overcome the world and motivates me to discover what you have commanded and submit my life to your will. In Jesus name, amen.
Message: The faith walk is not about trying to do right – it is about being changed on the inside so that we are living out his righteousness. It is our desire to be made right with God that draws us to Christ; let us be careful that we do not fall short of that goal by accepting something less than a life changing relationship with Jesus the Christ.
Affirmation: Faith in Jesus Christ, and obedience to his commands, has enabled me to be victorious over the world and its temptations.
Reflection: You are being tested daily – are you passing the test? The key to overcoming the world is to be in obedience to how Jesus instructed us to live. Your faith and obedience releases God’s power in you.