In a world filled with confusion and contradictions, the Word of God remains the ultimate compass that directs our lives. Just as a mountain range can help us navigate the land, Scripture helps us find clarity in the chaos, grounding us in truth and guiding our actions. As believers, we are called to live in truth and love, not just in words, but in deeds that reflect the very nature of Christ.
1 John 3:18 calls us to this authentic living:
“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
Our faith must go beyond verbal professions; it should be reflected in our actions. Our love for God and others must be visible in the way we live, serve, and interact with others. This isn’t just a matter of saying we believe—it’s about living a life that aligns with the truth of God’s Word.
The Compass of God’s Word
In the sermon, the speaker shared how a mountain range was a constant reference point for navigating his grandfather's property, much like how Scripture serves as our spiritual compass. Jesus emphasizes the importance of abiding in His Word in John 8:32:
“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
To abide in the Word means to let it shape every aspect of our lives, not just to read or hear it passively but to allow it to transform our actions, decisions, and beliefs. Just as the mountain range provided a clear direction, God's Word guides us through life’s challenges, offering clarity and wisdom in every situation.
Salvation is Not an Excuse to Keep Sinning
One of the most dangerous misconceptions about God’s grace is the belief that salvation gives us permission to continue living in sin. While we are saved by grace through faith, salvation is not a license to sin. The truth is, when we truly accept Christ, we are called to turn away from our sinful ways and live in obedience to God.
Paul addresses this in Romans 6:1-2:
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?”
God’s grace is abundant, but it calls for transformation. When we come to Christ, we are made new, and with that newness comes a commitment to live in holiness. This is why repentance is such a vital part of the Christian life—repentance means turning away from sin, not excusing it.
Salvation doesn't erase the importance of obedience to God's commands. We must still uphold the moral laws that God has set, including the Ten Commandments, which serve as timeless guidelines for righteous living:
- You shall have no other gods before Me.
- You shall not make idols.
- You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
- Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
- Honor your father and your mother.
- You shall not murder.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
- You shall not covet.
These commandments are not suggestions or outdated rules; they are a reflection of God’s holy nature. Obeying them is a way to honor God and demonstrate the transformation He has made in our lives.
Loving in Deed and Truth
Our love for God and others is not meant to be passive; it must be active and aligned with truth. James 2:15-17 challenges us:
“If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
True Christian living means that our faith is expressed through loving actions, but these actions must be rooted in the truth of the Gospel. As Christians, we are called not only to do good works but also to share the truth of salvation through Christ. Good deeds are a reflection of our faith, not a substitute for it.
Obedience and Grace: Working Hand in Hand
1 John 3:23-24 summarizes the Christian life in two commands: believe in Jesus Christ and love one another. This love is not a mere feeling but is demonstrated through actions, even when it's challenging. We must remember that our obedience to God is not to earn His favor but as a response to the grace He has already given us.
As Alistair Begg once said:
“The grace of God does not relieve me of my responsibility to be obedient. The grace of God makes possible my obedience.”
God’s grace doesn’t lower the standard; it empowers us to meet it. His Spirit enables us to obey His commands and live in a way that reflects His holiness.
Testing the Spirits and Walking in Truth
We live in a time where false teachings and deceptive philosophies are rampant. This is why 1 John 4:1 warns us:
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
Discernment is key in the Christian walk. We must constantly measure what we hear and see against the Word of God, testing whether teachings align with Scripture. In a world filled with spiritual noise, only the truth of God's Word can help us distinguish between what is genuine and what is false.
Living as Overcomers
Finally, 1 John 4:4 gives us confidence in our walk:
“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
As believers, we are not left to navigate the world’s challenges alone. Christ, who lives in us, is greater than any opposition we may face. This is why we can live as overcomers—by relying on His strength and His truth.
We must remember that our faith is not passive; it is active, empowered by God’s grace and demonstrated in our love for others. We are called to reflect Christ in our words, actions, and the way we uphold God’s commandments.
Conclusion: A Call to Live in Truth and Obedience
The Christian life is a continuous journey of walking in truth and love, fueled by grace but rooted in obedience to God’s commands. Salvation is not an excuse to continue in sin, but a call to turn from it and live a life that honors God. The Ten Commandments remain a timeless guide for how we are to live in a way that reflects the holiness of God. As we walk this path, we must love in deed and truth, continually aligning ourselves with the compass of God’s Word.
Let us not only profess our faith but live it out daily, always seeking to love others and to live in the truth of the Gospel.
Scripture References:
- 1 John 3:18
- John 8:32
- Romans 6:1-2
- James 2:15-17
- 1 John 3:23-24
- 1 John 4:1
- 1 John 4:4
This reflection calls us to live in a way that honors God, demonstrating our faith through obedience and love. May we live lives that reflect the holiness and truth of Christ, turning from sin and embracing the life He calls us to live.