John repeatedly weaves the tapestry of Christian living using obedience, love, and belief as threads.

The finished tapestry is a joyous fellowship of light, life and love. The finished tapestry shows the world that we are disciples of Jesus.

The thread of obedience (verses 3-5)

“How can I know that I am really a Christian?”

We can know we have come to know Him by keeping His commandments.

Obedience to Jesus’ commandments does have bearing on your standing with God.

There is a necessary connection between knowing Christ and obeying Christ.

When we obey His commandments we are moving toward completion in His love.

Two pressing questions:

1) How many commandments did Jesus give? (ballpark: around 50)

2) How do we keep them without experiencing them as burdensome? (1 John 5:3)

Three options: (first two are burdensome)

1.) Fake it- “Fake it till you make it.”- This is more of a behavior change than a heart change. What is your life like when no one is watching?

2.) Pharisee it- “Obedience without really knowing God.”- The Pharisees had their eyes on other, but not on their own hearts.

These two have one thing in common: force obedience. But there is a third option…

3.) Fait it- Awareness > Confession of personal sin

The Holy Spirt gives us a new heart and the ability to keep God’s commandments. We have faith in Christ’s perfect obedience.

Jesus walked in perfect obedience to the Father.

Implication:

All of this begins with a new heart. You can have one by professing faith in Jesus.

Here at Anchor Point Church in Duluth, we practice expository preaching. Expository preaching is a style of preaching that involves explaining and interpreting a specific passage of Scripture in a detailed and systematic manner. Our pastors endeavor to be faithful in drawing out the meaning of the text, often going verse by verse, and then applying its principles to the lives of the listeners. The goal is to faithfully communicate the original intent of the biblical authors, ensuring that the congregation understands the message within its proper context. Please join us on Sunday morning!