The Standard of Christian Faith

by: Matt Hall on: Sunday, 22nd January 2012

Scripture: 1 John 2:3-6

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Application questions

• What is your stance on absolute truth with regard to the teachings of Jesus?
• In a society where freedom of speech (and opinion) is encouraged how effective is teaching on absolute truth?
• Where does your information about living the right way come from?
• How important is it to example and remain steadfast in the teachings of Jesus to a world that more and more is ignoring them?
• How can we best introduce the principles and authority of God's word to other people?

Message Overview

John, in his epistles, writes about what it is to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ, touching on three key themes: obedience, love, and knowing Jesus. Although these topics can be talked about individually they are not mutually exclusive in a Christian's life – they cannot truly exist without the other.

The authentic relationship with God, the true example of intimacy, what everything else is measured by; is the standard of the Word i.e. genuine love of God is to obey the commands of Jesus Christ. To be in love with God is to obey everything he asks and to do that you must know him.

Absolute Truth

In society and some areas of the Body of Christ absolute truth (a truth that is unalterable; a fixed fact) is being replaced with moral relativism (there is nothing that is true everywhere and that everything is true somewhere).

In order to live a non-contradictory Christian life we must believe the bible to be true, we must believe in the absolute truth of the teachings of Jesus Christ; and we must live by them.

In all cases, we are to judge our lives by the Scriptures not judge the Scriptures by our lives

A True Commitment

Romans 10:9-10 - Profess implies an action; Faith is active.

You can never judge someone else’s salvation, and what goes on in someone’s heart can only be known by God. But, a conversion experience is a death experience, your old self dies. In fact, you can no longer continue to live the old way. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Matthew 28:19-20 - If you believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be saved; but, you will also obey him. You cannot serve 2 masters; either you are a slave to sin or a slave to righteousness.

Love, Obedience and Knowing Jesus

1 John 2:3-6 - "If you love me you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

"But God knows I am human, if I sin he'll forgive me, it doesn't really matter" (Romans 6:1-2)

Yes, God forgives; and there is no doubt that God’s mercy and grace is enough. But if we love Jesus more than anything we will continually persevere to put Jesus before whatever it is that is tempting us and we will determine to root that sin out of our lives as a priority.

The standard of Christian faith is the Word (the teachings of Jesus) and we obey because it’s an instinct of our love for him.