1 John 2:3-11

(3)  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

(4)  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

(5)  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

(6)  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

(7)  Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.

(8)  Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.

(9)  He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

(10)  He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

(11)  But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

Text: 1 John 2:3–11

Introduction

• Every believer desires assurance—How do I know that I truly know God?
• John answers this question in 1 John 2:3–11.
• He shows us that knowing God is not about mere words or feelings, but about obedience, walking like Christ, and loving others.
• This passage is both a test and an encouragement: it reveals whether our faith is genuine and points us toward the light of Christ.

I. Evidence of Knowing God (vv. 3–5a)

“Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.”

Key Point: True knowledge of God is demonstrated by obedience.

Sub-points:

Obedience is not optional but essential.

• It is not essential for our salvation, but for our growth. (2 Peter 3:18)
• It is a manifestation of true relationship with God. (John 14:15)
• It is a proof that we truly understand the truth.

Claiming to know God without obedience is self-deception. James 1:22

• You claim to be a Christian, but you do not obey His word.
• You hear the word preached, but ignore it, thinking it is for others.
• You think you know a lot, but you do not apply the truth.

God’s love is perfected in those who obey.

(5)  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

What “Love of God Perfected” means.

• The phrase points to the maturing and growth of God’s love in the believer’s life. It’s not about God’s love being incomplete, but about His love reaching its intended goal in us.
• Obedience as the proof of love When we keep God’s Word, our obedience shows that His love is not just received but is actively shaping us. Love is perfected when it moves from theory to practice.
• Perfected = brought to maturity / completion The Greek word teleioō means “to bring to completion, to accomplish, to mature.”
• God’s love is “perfected” when it accomplishes its purpose—transforming us into Christlike obedience and love.
• Love in action – It’s not enough to say “I love God.”
• Love is perfected when it expresses itself in obedience, humility, and love toward others. This is the visible fruit of God’s love at work.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (1 Corinthians 13:1)

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)

II. Walking as Christ Walked (v. 6)

“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”

Key Point: Christ is the model of obedience and love.

Sub-points:

Abiding in Christ means imitating His life.

• Jesus is an example of humility (Philippians 2)
• Jesus modeled submission to the Father. “…not my will but thine be done” (Luke 22:42).

Our walk must reflect His humility, compassion, and holiness.

• Ask yourself, “Am I being Christ-like”?
• “Do I act as if I am better than others?”

Discipleship is not just belief but lifestyle.

• Is Jesus seen in your life? (Matthew 5: 16).
• Are you showing a humble, Christ-like character? (Gal.2:20)

III. The Old and New Commandment (vv. 7–8)

“I write no new commandment… Again, a new commandment I write unto you.”

Key Point: Love is both timeless and renewed in Christ.

Sub-points:

Old: Love God and neighbor (Law of Moses).

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:30-31)

New: Love as Christ loved (sacrificial, unconditional).

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

• Faith in the love of Christ is important.
• Do not think of yourself, or live for yourself, but think of Christ.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. (John 12:24)

The true light now shines—love is illuminated by Christ’s example.

(8)  Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.

• If Christ is truly in you, you will understand the truth.
• You have the Holy Spirit to help you understand.
• Why live in the dark when you have the light shining.
• The true light shineth, that means there is hope and guidance.
• Mahirap maglakad sa dilim, madapa ka. 

IV. The Test of Love (vv. 9–11)

“He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.”

Key Point: Love for others is the proof of living in the light.

Sub-points:

Hatred reveals spiritual blindness and darkness.

• Hate is the work of the devil.
• Hatred causes people to do evil.
• Hatred leads to depression, bitterness, and misery.

Loving others shows we abide in the light and avoid stumbling.

• When we choose to love, instead of hate we abide in the light.
• Some people will cause us to hate, when their hearts is full of envy.
• But we must choose to obey God. 
• Obedience to God demonstrates our trust in Him.
• Loving others is helping others to grow in Him, avoid stumbling.
  • Fall into sin and mistakes.
  • Love is concerned for their correction and growth.
  • Discipline is love.

The absence of love leads to spiritual darkness and destruction.

• Examine yourself
• To know where you are lacking is growth. 
• Growth when you seek God, ask Him to change you. 

✨ Conclusion & Application

• To know God is to obey Him.
• To abide in Christ is to walk as He walked.
• To live in the light is to love one another.
• Practical challenge: Examine your obedience, your walk, and your love—are they reflecting Christ?

CEBUANO PREACHING ON EVIDENCE OF KNOWING GOD