Now by this we know that we know Him,

.... if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him (1 John 2:3, 4). Some would say we don't need to keep His commandments, because keeping His commandments is a work,  and we're not saved by works (Ephesians 2:8, 9). But John is not saying here that keeping His commandments saves us, rather that keeping His commandments is evidence that we are saved. Conversely, if we don't keep His commandments, this is evidence that the truth is not in us (verse 4), i.e. that we are not saved! If we are saying we are saved and don't keep His commandments we are fooling ourselves.  But,  you might ask, who truly keeps His commandments?

Well nobody, for if we say we have no sin we are also fooling ourselves (1:8). And there is provision for that for “if we confess our sins He is faithful to forgive” (1:9). This mornings verse is part of the context of that verse, and the assumption therefore,  is that the confession includes forsaking the confessed sin.  But again, you might ask how can we then be sure we are saved? We Biblical assurance is about doing our best to walk in the light, and as much as possible with us, to be keeping His commandments. And if in the midst of sincerely seeking to do this doing we sin, then Jesus Himself is the atoning sacrifice (2:1,2).  It is presumption (God will forgive me, that's His job), not weakness that is the problem here!  We must not play games with God!

Keeping His commandments (Christ's commandments verses 1,2) is about keeping His Word (verse 5). It is about loving one another (John 13:34), about walking in the light and in the ongoing process of being cleansed from all sin (1:7). If we hate our brother we are walking in darkness (2:11). Walking in the light is about by the Spirit putting to death the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (Romans 8:13; 2:16). The lust of the flesh is that which pampers our sinful nature, the appetites we develop when we continue to sin. The lust of the eyes, is that which delights the eyes, the things money can buy, bigger and better cars, houses, material possessions etc. It is the love of these things which is the problem, not the things themselves (verse 15)! Our first love must be to Him. The pride of life is about vain glory, it includes thirsting for knowledge that  puffs us up (1 Corinthians 8:1),  for honour and applause from man, rather than from God.  It's about putting too much importance on titles and position.  It is wanting to feel better than others,  and it was Satan's problem (Isaiah 14:14), and that of the Scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:6).  

Father, You truly want us to know that we are saved  (1 John 5:13), and as John is telling us in these verses,  true assurance comes as we walk in the light as You are in the light (1:7).  Nobody can do this perfectly Lord, and  I want to thank You this morning for Your provision for when we fail (1:9; 2:1,2). Thank You Lord it's not all up to us, for it is You who keeps what we have committed to You (2 Timothy 1:12) in Jesus Name Amen