First John 2:3-6 study

As I continue my personal study of I John I would like to share some of my research and personal translation of 2:3-6. John writes (NKJV),

"Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked."

Word study of the Text:
"know" in verses 3 & 4 - (Ginosko, Greek), meaning to be sure of; feel; experiential understanding; allow.

"keep" - (Tereo), meaning to guard; keep watch over or eye upon.

"commandments" in verses 3 & 4 - (Entole), meaning injunction; authoritative perscription; precept.

"liar" - (Pseustes), meaning a falsifier.

"truth" - (Aletheia), meaning verity; to become truth.

"word" - (logos), the use of the Greek article indicates "maintaining a presence (or state) of mind.

"perfected" - (Teleioo), meaning consummated; shown complete. Is a derivative of the word (teleios) meaning complete, right standing; of full maturity.

"abides" - (Meno), meaning a given place or state; indwelling.

"walk" - (Peripateo), meaning votary; as a companion.


My Translation of I John 2:3-6:
John is writing to those who are near and dear to his heart, his spiritual children in Christ Jesus. In this section he gives them the litmus test for their faith to expose the heresy of the Gnostics. He is saying the assurance of their completeness in Christ, the proof that they have experienced the fullness of His salvation is their singleness of purpose to honor the greatest command of the Christ to love one another. Greater enlightenment or higher knowledge and revelation is a tactic used of Satan to distract and confuse people, and to discourage the children of God. It is a dead end street which leads to nowhere.

Once Christ has purged our hearts with His love we should consider ourselves complete in the sight of God. We have been refashioned into the image of Jesus and in complete approval and fellowship with God. We are right where God wants us to be! The only thing left for us to do is to love others out of the abundance of His love which has been placed in our heart. If that is the desire of your heart then you've got it! You have become truth because He (Truth) fully resides in you!

Those who say they have experienced Jesus but still think they need something else in addition are deceived. They have simply not become singleness of heart and purpose yet. For those of us who have been perfected through the indwelling fullness of the Holy Spirit the operating system of our life has changed. We can no longer run the old program of sin. Our system of life is set by our Controller, Jesus Christ. And we live in that reality every moment of our day.

Thanks for reading!
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Adrian