1 John 2:4-6 (MSG) How Did Jesus Live?

If someone claims, "I know him well!" but doesn't keep his commandments, he's obviously a liar. His life doesn't match his words. But the one who keeps God's word is the person in whom we see God's mature love. This is the only way to be sure we're in God. Anyone who claims to be intimate with God ought to live the same kind of life Jesus lived. 

Observation:

John is writing to his spiritual children. He is an old man now and those who are growing up in Christ have never seen Jesus, so He is writing this letter both as instruction and as encouragement to them. John is specifically giving instruction in how to know whether someone is from Christ or a false teacher. Like the present age, false teachers were common place, generally mixing a little bit of gospel with a lot of rules that made themselves look great instead of showing off the greatness of God. Like I said, not much different from the present age. John is saying this is how you will know...... You will know because they will walk and live as Jesus did. The first step is to know how Jesus lived. If you don't know that then there is nothing to compare it to really. 

Application: 

Here is what I know about how Jesus walked on this earth. One, He gave all glory to God. He didn't seek the glory for Himself. This is very difficult to do, for one our flesh wants the glory and for two people want to give it us the glory. Jesus would very often disappear in the crowd because He knew people wanted to give Him glory and it wasn't His time yet. Secondly, He was obedient unto death. Jesus gave His life so that God would be glorified and we would be saved. If someone isn't willing to get uncomfortable for Christ's glory you can bet that the intimacy with Christ is not there. Finally, He loves extreme. Everything Christ did and does is rooted and grounded in love. He always speaks truth, seasoned with grace, because He loves us. Christ's heart motive is love. 

These things have to be pursued by the Christian. It does not come naturally, you have to ask God to help you. I know the battle within myself to steal the glory from God, to be disobedient, to reject instead of love, so I ask God for help. And John gives us the key in how to live as Jesus lived,  intimacy. You must spend time with Him, pursuing, going deeper, falling more in love. 

Prayer:

Father, I want more of You, take me deeper. I choose to purse an even more intimate relationship with You. I will never hit the bottom of Your love. I know I can always choose to go deeper in You. Please take me there and reveal more of Your heart to me.