He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. 1st John 2:3-6

A.  The Danger of a Self-Deceived Profession Only Faith

1.  The ease of self-deception: 1 John 1:8, 1 John 1:10, Rev. 3:14-17, Luke 6:46-49

2.  Three areas revealing self-deception

a.  Professing without outward evidence: 1 John 1:6, 1 John 2:4, James 1:22-25

b.  Professing without indwelling truth: 1 John 1:8, 1 John 2:4, John 8:31

c.  Professing without Christ’s indwelling presence: 1 John 1:6, 1 John 2:3-4, Rev. 3:1-2

B.  The Cure for a Self-Deceived Profession Only Faith

1.  Cultivate the attitude of relational obedience

a.  Motivated by love: 1 John 2:3-5, John 15:9-11

b.  Modeled by the Lord Jesus: 1 John 2:6, John 13:12-17

2.  Constantly feed our inner being truth: 1 John 2:4

a.  In private with the Lord:  Colossians 3:16a

b.  In public with the Lord and His people:  Col. 3:16b, Eph. 5:18-21, Psalm 122:1, Psalm 63:2

3.  Consistently evaluate our growth in love:  1 John 2:5

a.  God’s love experienced: Eph. 3:14-19, John 14:21

b.  Our love developed: 1 Thess. 3:11-12, 1 Thess. 4:9-10, I John 4:8-10, 1 John 4:19