1 John 2:5
Verse
Context
Jesus Our Advocate
4If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him.5But if anyone keeps His word, the love of God has been truly perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him:6Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.
Sermons
Bill McLeod
Joe Aldrich
Daniel Steele
Oswald Chambers
Clement of Rome
Dwight PentecostSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But whoso keepeth his word - Conscientiously observes his doctrine, the spirit and letter of the religion of Christ. Is the love of God perfected - The design of God's love in sending Jesus Christ into the world to die for the sin of man τετελειωται, is accomplished, in that man who receives the doctrine, and applies for the salvation provided for him. This seems to be the meaning of the apostle. That we are in him - That we have entered into his spirit and views, received his salvation, have been enabled to walk in the light, and have communion with him by the Holy Spirit.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Not merely repeating the proposition, Jo1 2:3, or asserting the merely opposite alternative to Jo1 2:4, but expanding the "know Him" of Jo1 2:3, into "in Him, verily (not as a matter of vain boasting) is the love of (that is towards) God perfected," and "we are in Him." Love here answers to knowledge in Jo1 2:3. In proportion as we love God, in that same proportion we know Him, and vice versa, until our love and knowledge shall attain their full maturity of perfection. his word--His word is one (see on Jo1 1:5), and comprises His "commandments," which are many (Jo1 2:3). hereby--in our progressing towards this ideal of perfected love and obedience. There is a gradation: Jo1 2:3, "know Him"; Jo1 2:5, "we are in Him"; Jo1 2:6, "abideth in Him"; respectively, knowledge, fellowship, abiding constancy. [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
But whoso keepeth his word,.... Either the word of the Gospel, and the truths of it, who receives it in love, cordially embraces and retains it, and will by no means part with it, but holds it fast, and stands fast in it; or the precepts and ordinances of the word, who loves these, and esteems them above fine gold, and concerning all things to be right, and observes them as they should be: in him verily is the love of God perfected: not the love wherewith God loves him, for that is perfect in himself, and admits of no degrees, and cannot be more or less in his heart, and is entirely independent of the obedience of men, or any works of theirs; it is true indeed the manifestations of this love to the saints are imperfect, and may be more and greater, and greater manifestations of love are promised to such that love Christ, and keep his commandments, Joh 14:21; but here it is to be understood not actively, but passively, of the love wherewith God is loved by his people; and intends not the absolute perfection of it in them, in whom it often waxes cold, and is left, or the fervour of it abated, but the sincerity and reality of it; for by keeping the word of God, both his truths and his ordinances, it is clearly seen that their love to him is without dissimulation, and is not in tongue only, but in deed and in truth:, now it is not the keeping of the word of God that causes this love, or makes it perfect or sincere, for it is a fruit of the Spirit, and is owing to the grace of God; but love, on the other hand, is the cause of keeping of the word; and the latter being a consequent and an effect of the former, is the evidence of it, of the truth and sincerity of it: hereby know we that we are in him: in Christ, not merely nominally, or by profession, as all that name the name of Christ, and are in a Gospel church state, may be said to be; but really, first secretly, through the love of Christ, the election of God, and the covenant of grace, and then openly, in conversion and the effectual calling, through believing in Christ, when the saints appear to be in him as branches in the vine; and which is known by their fruits, as here, by keeping the word, and doing the commandments of Christ, which do not put a man into Christ, but only show that he is there; for a man's being in Christ is owing to the grace of God; this is the first thing done in grace, Co1 1:30.
1 John 2:5
Jesus Our Advocate
4If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him.5But if anyone keeps His word, the love of God has been truly perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him:6Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
To What Purpose
By Bill McLeod1.3K53:21PurposeISA 1:11ISA 66:3JER 6:20JER 7:23MAT 23:231CO 16:141JN 2:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life focused on Christ rather than material possessions. He references the teachings of John Wesley, who advocated for making money, saving money, and giving money, but also warned against accumulating wealth. The speaker highlights the need for purity of heart and single-minded devotion to God, as double-mindedness is a result of impurity. He also emphasizes the importance of demonstrating love through actions, rather than just words, and the significance of true fellowship with God and other believers. The sermon concludes with a question about whether Jesus needs friends, suggesting that friendship with Jesus is a privilege and opportunity for believers.
Love Casts Out All Fear
By Joe Aldrich1.3K57:52FearMAT 6:33JHN 13:341CO 13:5EPH 4:11JN 2:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of discipline and love in parenting. He explains that effective discipline comes from a child's understanding that they have disappointed someone who loves them. The speaker also discusses the role of context in evangelism, stating that building a relationship and demonstrating love is necessary before sharing the message of God. Additionally, the speaker highlights the power of prayer and the need for personal transformation before expecting change in others. The sermon concludes with a reflection on surrendering to God's purpose and treating others with value.
1 John 2
By Daniel Steele11JN 2:11JN 2:51JN 2:151JN 2:291JN 3:91JN 3:24Daniel Steele preaches on the prevention and cure of sin as outlined in the First Epistle of John, emphasizing that sin is not a necessity for believers and that victory over temptation is possible through the grace of Jesus. John aims for complete victory over sin, not regarding it as a normal element of the Christian life. He highlights the importance of keeping God's commandments, the role of Jesus as our Advocate with the Father, and the need to abide in Him to avoid the allure of the world and its ways. Steele delves into the significance of love, righteousness, and the evidence of sonship through deeds of righteousness before God, ultimately pointing to the eternal life found in abiding in the Son and the Father.
The Eternal Goal
By Oswald Chambers0JHN 14:15ROM 6:162CO 1:202CO 10:42PE 1:41JN 2:5Oswald Chambers emphasizes the importance of obedience in our relationship with God, highlighting that prompt obedience is the only response when God speaks to our hearts. Through obedience, we come to understand the nature of God and His promises become real to us. Chambers stresses that our ultimate goal should be God Himself, not just the blessings or joy He provides, and that we must be willing to follow Him at any cost and by any road.
Perfection (Ii Corinthians 7:1. to Be Made Perfect in Love? It Can Be done.)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0HolinessPerfection in LovePSA 18:302CO 7:1HEB 12:121JN 2:5REV 3:2Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the call to be made perfect in love, urging believers to cleanse themselves and perfect holiness in the fear of God. He highlights that while God's way is perfect, our works may not be, and it is essential to strive for a deeper relationship with God to achieve this perfection. Waldvogel encourages the congregation to recognize their imperfections and to actively seek God's love, which can transform their hearts and lives. He reminds them that being made perfect in love is possible through a committed walk with God and reliance on His promises. Ultimately, he calls for a response to God's invitation to holiness and love, which requires effort and dedication.
The Praise of Love
By Clement of Rome0JHN 13:35ROM 13:101CO 13:4EPH 5:21PE 4:81JN 2:5Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of love in Christ, urging believers to keep His commandments and describing the indescribable bond of God's love. He highlights the beauty and exalting power of love that unites us to God, covers sins, and endures all things with patience. Love is the essence of perfection for all the elect of God, making everything pleasing to Him and leading us closer to the Lord through the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ.
Image of God Recreated
By Dwight Pentecost0Fellowship With GodNew Creation in ChristGEN 1:27JHN 14:21JHN 14:23ROM 5:12EPH 4:24PHP 1:9COL 3:102PE 3:181JN 1:31JN 2:5Dwight Pentecost emphasizes that God created humanity in His image with the capacity to know, love, and obey Him. However, due to Adam's disobedience, humanity fell into darkness, losing fellowship with God. Through Christ, believers are made new creations, receiving renewed minds, hearts, and wills to restore that fellowship. Pentecost stresses the importance of growing in knowledge, love, and obedience to truly glorify God and fulfill the purpose for which we were created. The essence of this growth is to align our entire being with God, ensuring we enjoy the fellowship intended for us.
1 John 2:5
By John Gill0ObedienceLove for GodMAT 7:20JHN 14:21JHN 15:5ROM 5:51CO 1:30GAL 5:22JAS 1:221JN 2:51JN 3:182JN 1:6John Gill emphasizes the significance of keeping God's word as a demonstration of genuine love for Him. He explains that true love for God is perfected in those who embrace and adhere to His commandments, reflecting sincerity rather than mere verbal affirmation. This love is not a result of human effort but is a manifestation of God's grace, leading to obedience as evidence of one's relationship with Christ. Gill clarifies that being in Christ is not just a nominal association but a profound spiritual reality evidenced by one's actions and adherence to God's teachings.
Mark 4:21-29. Jesus Encourages His Disciples to Communicate the Word.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0MAT 5:15MRK 4:22MRK 4:261CO 3:6GAL 6:9JAS 5:71PE 1:231JN 2:5REV 22:12Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the importance of sharing the light of God's truth with others, emphasizing the need to proclaim the secret communications of the Lord rather than concealing them. Jesus encourages his disciples to sow the seed of the word, reminding them that the growth and success of the seed ultimately depend on God. Ministers are urged to be patient in sowing the word, knowing that the harvest may not be immediate but will bring joy in due time. The process of spiritual growth is compared to the growth of a plant, with the assurance that those who sow the word will reap heavenly rewards.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But whoso keepeth his word - Conscientiously observes his doctrine, the spirit and letter of the religion of Christ. Is the love of God perfected - The design of God's love in sending Jesus Christ into the world to die for the sin of man τετελειωται, is accomplished, in that man who receives the doctrine, and applies for the salvation provided for him. This seems to be the meaning of the apostle. That we are in him - That we have entered into his spirit and views, received his salvation, have been enabled to walk in the light, and have communion with him by the Holy Spirit.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Not merely repeating the proposition, Jo1 2:3, or asserting the merely opposite alternative to Jo1 2:4, but expanding the "know Him" of Jo1 2:3, into "in Him, verily (not as a matter of vain boasting) is the love of (that is towards) God perfected," and "we are in Him." Love here answers to knowledge in Jo1 2:3. In proportion as we love God, in that same proportion we know Him, and vice versa, until our love and knowledge shall attain their full maturity of perfection. his word--His word is one (see on Jo1 1:5), and comprises His "commandments," which are many (Jo1 2:3). hereby--in our progressing towards this ideal of perfected love and obedience. There is a gradation: Jo1 2:3, "know Him"; Jo1 2:5, "we are in Him"; Jo1 2:6, "abideth in Him"; respectively, knowledge, fellowship, abiding constancy. [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
But whoso keepeth his word,.... Either the word of the Gospel, and the truths of it, who receives it in love, cordially embraces and retains it, and will by no means part with it, but holds it fast, and stands fast in it; or the precepts and ordinances of the word, who loves these, and esteems them above fine gold, and concerning all things to be right, and observes them as they should be: in him verily is the love of God perfected: not the love wherewith God loves him, for that is perfect in himself, and admits of no degrees, and cannot be more or less in his heart, and is entirely independent of the obedience of men, or any works of theirs; it is true indeed the manifestations of this love to the saints are imperfect, and may be more and greater, and greater manifestations of love are promised to such that love Christ, and keep his commandments, Joh 14:21; but here it is to be understood not actively, but passively, of the love wherewith God is loved by his people; and intends not the absolute perfection of it in them, in whom it often waxes cold, and is left, or the fervour of it abated, but the sincerity and reality of it; for by keeping the word of God, both his truths and his ordinances, it is clearly seen that their love to him is without dissimulation, and is not in tongue only, but in deed and in truth:, now it is not the keeping of the word of God that causes this love, or makes it perfect or sincere, for it is a fruit of the Spirit, and is owing to the grace of God; but love, on the other hand, is the cause of keeping of the word; and the latter being a consequent and an effect of the former, is the evidence of it, of the truth and sincerity of it: hereby know we that we are in him: in Christ, not merely nominally, or by profession, as all that name the name of Christ, and are in a Gospel church state, may be said to be; but really, first secretly, through the love of Christ, the election of God, and the covenant of grace, and then openly, in conversion and the effectual calling, through believing in Christ, when the saints appear to be in him as branches in the vine; and which is known by their fruits, as here, by keeping the word, and doing the commandments of Christ, which do not put a man into Christ, but only show that he is there; for a man's being in Christ is owing to the grace of God; this is the first thing done in grace, Co1 1:30.