“He that saith, ‘I know him,’ and keepeth not his commandments,
is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
(1 John 2:4)
The apostle John, in 1 John 2:4, draws a sharp contrast between true believers and those who just profess godliness. True faith, kindled by the Holy Spirit, is evidenced by a transformed life that loves holiness and hates sin. Jonathan Edwards observes, “Sanctification is the mark of God’s elect, distinguishing them from those who have only a form of godliness without its power.” Unlike the hypocrites of 2 Timothy 3:5 who only mimic morality, the sanctified believer delights in God’s law, as Romans 7:22 declares: “I delight in the law of God after the inward man.”[1]
Sanctification, a gift of the covenant of grace, restores the image of God in the believer that was defaced by sin. Ephesians 4:24 describes the believer putting on “the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” This renewal, as 2 Corinthians 3:18 explains, transforms us into Christ’s likeness “from glory to glory” by the Spirit’s work. And Matthew 12:20 says that “a bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench,” assuring me that Christ nurtures even my weakest efforts toward holiness.
This sanctifying work is the evidence of my justification. James 2:18 challenges, “Shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works,” while 1 John 2:3 affirms, “Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.” My obedience, love for God’s people, and hatred of sin testify to His grace within me. Romans 8:1 declares, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
The fact that I struggle against sin is a mark of God’s work in me. Galatians 2:19 states, “I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God,” reflecting a new nature that wars against sin and clings to holiness. Even when I falter, Philippians 1:6 promises, “He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” This assurance causes me to cherish every measure of sanctification, however small, as evidence of His grace, confident that His sanctifying work will carry me to glory.
Contemplations:
- The evidence of sanctification. 1 John 2:4 challenges me to examine my life for signs of God’s work. My struggle against sin, though imperfect, shows His grace. Do I see this as His gift, or do I despair in my weakness? I must trust His Spirit, cherishing every step toward holiness.
- The distinguishing mark. The foolish virgins of Matthew 25:1-13 lacked true faith, despite their appearances. I need to ensure that my Christianity is evidenced by a genuine love of holiness and hatred for sin. And I must seek genuine renewal, letting His Spirit shape my heart to reflect His truth.
- Wrestling against sin. Romans 7:22-23 reveals my dual nature, that while sinful I can still delight in God’s law. The fact that I war against sin proves His sanctifying work in me. I need to embrace this struggle and cling to Matthew 12:20’s promise, trusting Christ to sustain my weak faith.
- Resting in God’s assurance. 1 John 2:3 assures me that a life of obeying His commandments confirms my faith. Even small graces like grieving sin and seeking purity are evidences of His work in me. I must rest in Romans 8:1, remaining confident in His sanctifying grace.
Prayer (Supplication):
O Lord, You are the God of holiness, whose Spirit sanctifies Your people, transforming us into Christ’s likeness. Your Word in 1 John 2:4 calls me to live out my faith, so I come before You, seeking Your grace to bear the fruits of sanctification. Grant me a heart that loves Your commandments, hates sin, delights in Your holiness, and reflects Your image in my life.
I plead for Your Spirit to renew me daily, as Ephesians 4:24 promises, creating in me a new spirit of righteousness. When temptation comes, strengthen my resolve to fight, trusting Matthew 12:20’s assurance that You will not break my bruised faith. Let my works of obedience, love, and repentance testify to my faith.
I ask for courage to walk in Your light, as 1 John 1:7 calls me to do, free from hypocrisy. Guard me from a form of godliness (2 Tim. 3:5) and root my faith in Your truth. In moments of weakness, remind me of Romans 8:1, that there is no condemnation in Christ, and sustain me with Your grace, as Philippians 1:6 promises, until Your work is complete.
Lord, I seek Your blessing for Your church, that we may be sanctified, united in holiness and love. Raise up ministers to guide us in Your truth, fostering genuine faith. Let our lives reflect Your grace, drawing others to Your salvation. And may we hate sin and love righteousness, as You do, testifying to Your transformative power.
O God, make sanctification my pursuit. Let me never rest in half-hearted faith but strive for holiness, trusting Your Spirit’s work. Keep my heart fixed on Christ and my hope set on glory. Sustain me until I am fully conformed to Your Son.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for 1 John 2:4:
1 John 1:6, 1 John 1:8, Titus 1:16, Hos. 8:2, James 2:14.
[1] Thomas Shepard, The Sound Believer, (Boston: Green, Bushell, and Allen, for D. Henchman, in Cornhill, 1742), 218.
