Pastor Micah Applegate | 12-7-25
What does it really mean to know God? This question strikes at the heart of authentic Christian faith and challenges many common assumptions about salvation and spiritual life. The apostle John provides a clear and sometimes uncomfortable answer in his first letter.
The Purpose of Scripture: Freedom from Sin
John begins chapter 2 with a startling declaration: “I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.” This isn’t a suggestion or gentle encouragement—it’s the entire purpose of his letter. In our culture where discussing sin makes people uncomfortable, John boldly states that avoiding sin should be our goal.
But John also provides hope: “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” The word “advocate” here is the same word used for the Holy Spirit—our helper. When we fall, we don’t face condemnation but have someone who wants to help us.
How Do We Know If We Really Know God?
John gives us a clear test: “By this we can know that we’ve come to know him if we keep his commandments. Anyone who says, ‘I know him’ but doesn’t keep his commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him.”
This might sound harsh, but it reveals an important truth. To truly know God means to experience His transforming power. If someone claims to know God while remaining unchanged by that relationship, they’re deceiving themselves first and foremost.
What Does It Mean to Keep His Commandments?
Keeping God’s commandments isn’t about perfect performance—it’s about authentic transformation. When we truly abide in Christ, we develop a new nature that cannot continue in habitual sin. As John writes later, “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in them.”
This doesn’t mean we’ll never sin again, but rather that we can’t remain comfortable in sin. God’s presence within us creates a holy restlessness that drives us toward freedom.
The Connection Between Belief and Obedience
Scripture consistently links believing in Jesus with obeying Him. In John 3:36, we read: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
This isn’t a contradiction—belief and obedience are two sides of the same coin. You cannot truly believe in Jesus without coming under His lordship. When Jesus said “follow me,” He didn’t mean subscribe to His teachings from a distance. He meant actually taking the steps He took.
The Works of the Flesh vs. Walking in Light
Paul warns in Galatians 5 that those who practice sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, anger, jealousy, and similar sins “will not inherit the kingdom of God.” This isn’t legalism—it’s the natural result of grace. Grace is so powerful that it actually transforms us.
The goal isn’t to white-knuckle our way to righteousness but to abide so closely with Jesus that His nature becomes our nature.
Walking in the Light Requires Honesty
Walking in the light begins with stepping out of hiding. It means embracing authentic Christian community where God’s truth can cleanse us and His love can shape us. This requires vulnerability about our struggles and failures.
When we project a false version of ourselves—our “Sunday Christian self”—we enter into hypocrisy. But when we humble ourselves and confess our struggles, God gives grace to the humble while opposing the proud.
The Fear of Exposure vs. The Power of Confession
Many people refuse to come to the altar during worship because they worship their own reputation more than they worship God. They think, “I don’t want anyone to think I have problems.” But this is actually another form of idolatry—worshipping the image we’ve projected to others.
True freedom comes when we step out and say, “Here’s where I’m at. I know I’m called to a higher standard, but I’ve fallen short. Will you help me?” Grace shows up in that place of humility.
The Narrow Gate and the Cost of Discipleship
Jesus warned that the gate to life is narrow and few find it. When asked if only a few would be saved, He responded, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many will try to enter and will not be able.”
The gate isn’t narrow because salvation is hard to obtain—it’s narrow because you can’t bring your sin with you. You must let go of everything that doesn’t belong in God’s kingdom.
Salvation is Free But Costs Everything
Salvation is a free gift that will cost you everything—everything of your old self. It requires dying to self and saying, “White flag. Help me.” The only obstacle to the freedom Jesus purchased is our pride against being exposed.
The Reality of Transformation
Jesus didn’t come just to forgive us and give us “fire insurance” for heaven. He came to set captives free. If you’re captive to sin, Jesus can actually liberate you—not just forgive you from a distance, but come inside you and give you new life to walk in.
If you’re not experiencing transformative life, you should ask yourself: “Have I even touched this life? Have I tasted it yet?”
Abiding in Christ: The Key to Freedom
The secret to walking in freedom is simple: abide in Christ. Spend time in His Word daily. Maintain a communion life of prayer with Jesus. When you do these things consistently, you will become a new person who walks in freedom. It’s spiritual mathematics—if you abide in Him, you will bear fruit.
But you can’t abide in Him while hiding in darkness. You can’t have both.
Life Application
This week, choose to walk in the light rather than hoping the light finds you. If you’re struggling with any area of sin—particularly sexual immorality, anger, jealousy, or other works of the flesh—take the step of confession. Find a trusted believer or pastor and be honest about your struggles.
Remember: you cannot heal what you do not reveal. Things in the dark grow; things in the light can be cleaned. Grace covers your sin but refuses to tolerate it. God wants to give you actual freedom, not just forgiveness.
Questions for Reflection
- Am I experiencing the transforming power of God in my life, or am I just hoping for forgiveness without change?
- What areas of sin am I hiding in darkness that need to be brought into the light?
- Do I truly abide in Christ through daily time in His Word and prayer, or am I trying to live the Christian life in my own strength?
- What is my pride costing me in terms of spiritual freedom and authentic relationship with God?
The choice is yours: remain in comfortable darkness or step into the uncomfortable but transforming light of Christ. Jesus is waiting with open arms to help you walk in the freedom He died to provide.