Obedience to the Word
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. (5:2-3)
The opening statement of
verse 2,
by this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, is the corollary to the truth John expressed in
verse 1. Just as it is impossible to love God without loving His children, so also is it impossible to truly love His children apart from loving Him. Those twin priorities of loving God and other Christians mark all who have been born again.
The proof of genuine faith is sustained and loving obedience; it is to
love God and observe His commandments. Genuine saving faith produces love, which results in obedience. Those who believe God is who Scripture reveals Him to be will respond in
love, praise, and adoration. Because He is the supreme object of their affections, they will long to obey Him.
Observe translates a present tense form of the verb
poieō,which has the connotation of "to accomplish," "to carry out," or "to practice." The present tense indicates that believers' obedience is to be continuous. It will always be the direction, though not the perfection, of their lives. A different word, a form of the verb
tēreō,is translated
keep in
verse 3. It has the connotation of keeping watch over, guarding, or preserving. One who truly loves God will view His commandments as a precious treasure, to be guarded at all costs (
2 Tim. 1:14).
Poieōrefers to action,
tēreōto the heart attitude that prompts obedience.
The principle that those who truly love God will obey Him permeates Scripture. In
Deuteronomy 13:4 Moses commanded Israel, "You shall follow the Lord your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him. "Samuel rebuked Saul's disobedience by reminding him that "to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams" (
1 Sam. 15:22). Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, wrote, "The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person" (
Eccl. 12:13). God commanded Israel through the prophet Jeremiah, "Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you will walk in all the way which I command you, that it may be well with you" (
Jer. 7:23).
Obedience was also a foundational theme in the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ. In
Matthew 12:50 He said, "Whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother." He pronounced "blessed... those who hear the word of God and observe it" (
Luke 11:28). In
John 8:31 He challenged those who professed faith in Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine." To His disciples in the upper room He stated plainly, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (
John 14:15), and He repeated that truth several times during that discourse:
He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him. (
14:21)
If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word... He who does not love Me does not keep My words. (
14:23-24)
If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. (
15:10)
You are My friends if you do what I command you. (
15:14)
The apostles also taught that obedience is an essential mark of the redeemed:
And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him. (
Acts 5:32)
Through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name's sake. (
Rom. 1:5)
For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed. (
Rom. 15:18)
Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith. (
Rom. 16:25-26)
And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation. (
Heb. 5:9)
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure. (
1 Peter 1:1-2)
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance. (
1 Peter 1:14)
Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart. (
1 Peter 1:22)
The obedience that characterizes a true child of God is not external, ritualistic, legalistic compliance. Nor is it unwilling, partial, inconsistent, or grudging. Loving obedience is from the heart (
Deut. 11:13;
30:2,
10;
Rom. 6:17), willing (
Ex. 25:2;
1 Peter 5:2; cf.
Lev. 26:21), total (
Deut. 27:26;
Gal. 3:10;
James 2:10), constant (
Phil. 2:12), and joyful (
Ps. 119:54; cf.
2 Cor. 9:7).
Those who truly obey God do not find
His commandments... burdensome. In
Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus invited weary sinners, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." In
Psalm 119, the psalmist repeatedly expressed his delight in God's law:
I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches, (
v. 14)
I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word. (
v. 16) Your testimonies also are my delight; they are my counselors, (
v. 24) O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. (
v. 97)
How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (
v. 103)
Those who love God will obey His law,
because they want to honor His holy nature. They do so not out of dread, but
out of loving adoration.
MacArthur New Testament Commentary, The - MacArthur New Testament Commentary – 1-3 John.