{"id":415,"date":"2023-04-11T14:25:29","date_gmt":"2023-04-11T14:25:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/?page_id=415"},"modified":"2025-12-16T17:13:06","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T17:13:06","slug":"identity-check","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/identity-check\/","title":{"rendered":"IDENTITY CHECK"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

IDENTITY CHECK<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Series: ILLUMINATE \u2014 Message #2<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 John 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last week we began a new series called Illuminate \u2014 and today we\u2019re going to continue our study of the book of 1st John. So, if you have your Bible, turn there with me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This morning we\u2019ll be in chapter 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TRANSITION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you\u2019re turning there, I thought I\u2019d begin with a question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How many of you are plant people? Do, you love plants?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, I\u2019ve discovered that I\u2019ve become sort of a plant person. The older I get, and the busier life becomes, the more I find myself drawn towards that which is green and growing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, I\u2019ve always enjoyed gardening and mowing \u2014 and caring for the plants and flowers in our yard. But during the long days of 2020 (and the shut-down of the world)\u2026I found a renewed passion for plants and gardening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Add to that the fast and furious pace of life \u2014 and the increase of time spent on digital things \u2014 and it seems like getting my hands in the dirt, and gardening and growing things just helps rest the mind and revive the heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, beyond that \u2014 I think I probably get my love for plants and gardening from my mom. Because \u2014 she\u2019s always been a plant person.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But one of the things <\/strong>I have a hard time with is remembering the names of types of plants I have.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, a couple of years ago \u2014 my brother-in-law said, \u201cThey have an app for that.\u201d <\/em>And, he introduced me to an app called \u201cPlant-Snap\u201d. If you don\u2019t have it \u2014 you should.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plant-snap. It\u2019s pretty awesome. With it, I can point my phone\u2019s camera at any leaf, plant, tree, shrub, or flower \u2014 snap a pic, and it will identify the species, giving me the common name, the scientific name, the nature of the plant, where it grows, the details about it\u2019s care and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s pretty amazing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But \u2014\u00a0 it got me thinking, what it they had an app like that for helping to identify the nature of people. What it they made something to help determine if someone was a follower of Jesus?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wouldn\u2019t it be great to have an app like that? One, where you didn\u2019t have to just take someone\u2019s word for it \u2014 but you could snap a pic, and discern the authenticity of someone\u2019s claims about Jesus.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than words, you could determine the genuineness of their commitment to Christ.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or maybe, you\u2019d like to snap a selfie, to check and see if your life and your faith would qualify as genuine in regards to following Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MESSAGE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, this morning \u2014 in the second chapter of 1st John \u2014 we find three distinctive that help us do an IDENTITY CHECK in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today we\u2019ll discover three things to help us identify the authenticity of our faith.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, according to John, the first mark of authentic faith, means that you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. DO WHAT JESUS SAID!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Beginning in verse 3, John writes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. <\/em>4\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Whoever says, \u201cI know him,\u201d but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. <\/em>5\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First of all: John says, \u201cIf you want to know if you are truly living for God \u2014 and following Christ\u2026check to see \u201cif you are obeying what He said.\u201d Are you, keeping his commands!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    That\u2019s pretty straightforward, right? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • If you keep the commands of God, that indicates that there is a change in your life.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • It indicates that you have a new heart and a new mind.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • It indicates that the Holy Spirit of God dwells inside of you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      So, are you doing what Jesus said to do?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Just think about that for a second.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      We don\u2019t keep the commands of God in order to be noticed, loved, and saved (by God). That happens simply by our surrender to Him and our confession of faith. But, once we\u2019ve given our lives to Jesus, our lives should begin to reflect our profession of faith. John says that we should keep the commands of God.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      By the way, it\u2019s not only John who says this; Jesus says this, Paul says this, James says this, Peter says this, Moses says this, Joshua says this, Ezra says this, and many others.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      John\u2019s point is this\u2014information alone is never enough.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Just knowing something isn\u2019t sufficient. There must be an application of truth in our lives to really make a difference in us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      It is important to make sure we are thinking RIGHTLY about God\u2019s Word \u2014 and have a doctrinally sound faith. But being informed must also be coupled with being transformed\u2026living fully surrendered to God\u2019s Will.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      In our culture, we might think about it like this: Talk is cheap!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Just knowing or saying something isn\u2019t sufficient. In order for something to be life-changing, it needs to be lived out. We need to put some legs to it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      And so, John says \u2014 \u201c\u2026do what he commands\u201d.<\/em> Keep the commands of God. Practice what you preach.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Now, don\u2019t misunderstand me (or John) This isn\u2019t about living a PERFECT LIFE. It\u2019s not a TOTAL obedience \u2014 but rather a GENERAL obedience.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      John has already told us that we can\u2019t live a PERFECT LIFE on our own.<\/em> In verse 2 of this chapter, John said:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u201dIf anyone sins, he has an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” <\/em>(1 John 2:1). His point is that you and I will sin \u2014 we aren\u2019t perfect. But when we sin, when we stumble and fall, Jesus becomes our advocate (our champion, our supporter, and the one who upholds us).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      So, the expectation is not about perfection \u2014 but that we would generally obey Jesus.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      There\u2019s an expectation that we will strive to obey Him. And John says, if we claim to know God, then we must obey Him. And if we don\u2019t — then that\u2019s a problem.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      John says if we don\u2019t obey Jesus \u2014 then we are LIARS! <\/em>But we don\u2019t have to be LIARS. Because, there\u2019s an alternative. And in verse 5, John says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      5 <\/em><\/strong>\u2026if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      I don\u2019t have time to go through every command that we find in God\u2019s Word \u2014 nor all that Jesus said. But, here are a few. Listen to these, and ask yourself if you are obeying these commands.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Jesus said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Repent.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      17 <\/em><\/strong>From that time on Jesus began to preach, \u201cRepent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.\u201d<\/em> (Matthew 4:17<\/strong>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Follow Me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      19 <\/em><\/strong>\u201cCome, follow me,\u201d Jesus said, \u201cand I will send you out to fish for people.\u201d <\/em>(Matthew 4:19<\/strong>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Seek God\u2019s Kingdom first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      33 <\/em><\/strong>But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. <\/em>(Matthew 6:33<\/strong>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Turn the other cheek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      38 <\/em><\/strong>\u201cYou have heard that it was said, \u2018Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.\u2019[<\/em>a<\/em>] <\/em>39 <\/em><\/strong>But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. <\/em>(Matthew 5:38-39<\/strong>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Go the extra mile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      40 <\/em><\/strong>And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. <\/em>41 <\/em><\/strong>If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. <\/em>(Matthew 5:40-41<\/strong>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Comply with God\u2019s Word \u2014 do what Jesus commanded. Obey Him. That\u2019s the first test of IDENTIFYING the authenticity of our faith. Are you doing what Jesus said to do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Here\u2019s the second test. If you want to determine the authenticity of your faith \u2014 then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. LIVE LIKE JESUS LIVED!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Listen to how verse 5 continues. John says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        5<\/em><\/strong> \u2026 This is how we know we are in him: <\/em>6\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        1 John 2:5b-6 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        John says, the next test for an authentic faith in Jesus \u2014 is this, are we living like Jesus lived?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Now, at first glance, this is a bit intimidating. But John reminds us that Jesus was our forerunner. And, He lived the life that He came and called us us to live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve heard it said: ‘Actions speak louder than words’, and they do! In fact, that\u2019s what John was saying here. So, don\u2019t just profess to follow Jesus\u2026really follow Him. And, live like Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        So, how did JESUS live? Well\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Jesus lived in faith. The Bible says Jesus did nothing of Himself. Instead, He chose to depend upon His Heavenly Father for all things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Jesus practiced <\/strong>contentment.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Jesus acted generously. He gave of himself, His resources, His time, His attention and eventually, His life.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Jesus lived a submissive life. Even though He was fully God, He choose to obey the will of the Father. Even to the extent of laying down his life for the salvation of humankind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Jesus also lived a life of prayer. He constantly retreated away from distractions in order to spend time with His Father (in prayer). Even though there was work to be done \u2014 He practiced a devotion and dependence upon His Father (through prayer). So, before he did miracles, and feed the hungry \u2014 before He ministered to the needs of those around Him\u2026He spent time with God in prayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        But the bigger question is \u2014 are you living like Jesus?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        There\u2019s a story told about a sculptor who once took a huge piece of granite and determined that he would carve it into the shape of a lion. For weeks he pounded his hammer and chisel against the rock \u2014 until one day, he had finished. And the result was a masterpiece. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        When the towns-people came to see it, they all asked, \u201cHow did you do it? How did you make it look so real?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        To which he responded, \u201cIt was easy. All I did was chip away everything that didn’t look like a lion.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        So, let me ask you? How are you doing at living like Jesus? Are you intentionally chipping away those habits and patterns in your life that don\u2019t look like Jesus?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        According to John, the first test of IDENTIFYING the authenticity of our faith.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Are you doing what Jesus said to do? And the second is\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Are you living like Jesus lived?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The last command John gives is this \u2014 to determine the authenticity of your faith:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        1. LOVE LIKE JESUS LOVED!<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          In verse 7, John says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          7 <\/em><\/strong>Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1 John 2:7 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Here\u2019s what John is saying: I\u2019m not saying anything that you haven\u2019t heard before, but somethings changed. And it\u2019s JESUS! He changes everything.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          I like the way the Eugene Peterson paraphrases that verse in The Message Bible. He puts it this way \u2014 he says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \u201cMy dear friends, I\u2019m not writing anything new here. This is the oldest commandment in the book, and you\u2019ve known it from day one. It\u2019s always been implicit in the Message you\u2019ve heard.\u201d <\/em>(MSG)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          John<\/strong> is saying that this idea of following God<\/strong>, obeying His ways<\/strong>, and walking in the light,<\/strong> is an old command. God has always wanted His people to obey His commands. God has always wanted His people to love Him and love others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          So\u2026Love, it seems, is a Bible basic\u2026it\u2019s an OLD COMMAND! <\/strong>But, now there\u2019s something different about the way we love and serve Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Because, now we are to be empowered to: Obey<\/strong>, Live<\/strong>, and Love<\/strong> \u2014 by the power of Christ in us! No longer doing these things on our own. Now doing them through Jesus. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          So, in verse 8, John<\/strong> goes on to say, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          8 <\/em><\/strong>Yet I am writing you a new command; <\/em>its truth is seen in him and in you<\/em>, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1 John 2:8 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          And that light that John\u2019s<\/strong> referencing is Jesus<\/strong>. In chapter 1,<\/strong> John<\/strong> said God was light.<\/strong> And that LIGHT <\/strong>came from heaven to earth in the person of Jesus<\/strong>. And here in chapter 2<\/strong>, John<\/strong> reminds us that that LIGHT<\/strong> now lives in us. And His name is Jesus!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          And so, when we love<\/strong> \u2014 it is the love of Christ <\/strong>that should flow through us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          But let be clear about something. Just as we need to identify who we are (in Christ). We also need  to identify WHO JESUS IS. <\/strong>Because in our world, people try everyday to redefine HIM<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Everyone seems to have an opinion<\/strong> about WHO JESUS IS and WHAT HE\u2019S LIKE. <\/strong>And quite often, people define Jesus <\/strong>through their biased agendas<\/strong>. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Maybe you\u2019ve heard people make Jesus out to be someone He\u2019s not. All in an effort to support their views of life. So, they make Jesus<\/strong> out to be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • A Republican<\/strong> Jesus. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Or a Democrat<\/strong> Jesus. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Or sometimes a free-loving <\/strong>Jesus without any convictions. <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • A sort of milk-toast, light-weight, non-confrontational<\/strong> Jesus.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • And sometimes, they make Him out to be an angry or bigoted <\/strong>Jesus. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Sometimes He\u2019s viewed as a pro-Gay<\/strong> Jesus. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Or a feminist<\/strong> Jesus. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Or an environmentally aggressive <\/strong>Jesus.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Or recently, a Georgia Gubernatorial<\/strong> candidate<\/strong> described Him as a pro-abortion<\/strong> Jesus.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Or\u2026you fill in the blank. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Here\u2019s the thing.<\/strong> Jesus<\/strong> came with His own agenda<\/strong>\u2026and it looks very different than ours. His agenda was to LOVE THE WORLD<\/strong>\u2026and to conform us<\/strong> to His views\u2026not the other way around!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            The truth is, I don\u2019t like any of those descriptions of Jesus. <\/strong>Like John, <\/strong>I prefer the O.G. Jesus<\/strong>. The incredibly divine, completely holy \u2014 <\/strong>original Jesus!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            So, <\/strong>let\u2019s identify Jesus as the Bible defines Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Jesus<\/strong>, the only begotten Son of God.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Who responded to the total depravity of man<\/strong>, by coming and giving of Himself.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • So, because of His love, He entered our world and lived among us. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Let\u2019s remember that He is the Jesus<\/strong> who never sinned\u2026but took ours and nailed it to the cross.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • He\u2019s the Jesus<\/strong>, who bridged the gap of God\u2019s holiness<\/strong> and our sinfulness. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • He\u2019s the one<\/strong> who was crucified<\/strong>, died<\/strong>, and rose<\/strong> again<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • He\u2019s the Jesus <\/strong>who came once \u2014 and has promised to come again.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              And that\u2019s who Jesus is<\/strong> \u2014 and that\u2019s how He has shown His love!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              And\u2026I don\u2019t know about you \u2014 but I\u2019m prefer that Jesus. He\u2019s the real deal! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              So, in verse 9 <\/strong>\u2014 John<\/strong> says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              9 <\/em><\/strong>Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. <\/em>10 Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light<\/em><\/strong>, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              1 John 2:9-10 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              So if you know Jesus \u2014 then you\u2019ll LOVE like Jesus. Even when it\u2019s not easy. But it can be done when we allow Christ<\/strong> in us<\/strong> to shine through us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • It means we will treat<\/strong> everyone<\/strong> with<\/strong> dignity<\/strong> and respect \u2014 always. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • It means that we will speak<\/strong> truth<\/strong> with gentleness <\/strong>to a culture that often refuses to listen.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • It means that we will guard<\/strong> our<\/strong> mouths<\/strong> and speak<\/strong> in ways that build<\/strong> up<\/strong> and not tear down.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • It means that we will show<\/strong> kindness<\/strong> to those who refuse to show it back. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • It means that we will forgive<\/strong> those who do wrongs against us. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • So, loving like Jesus<\/strong> means that we\u2019ll put the needs of others first. <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • It means that we will show<\/strong> compassion<\/strong> to the neglected and overlooked. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                That\u2019s what it means to LOVE LIKE JESUS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                CONCLUSION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Listen, John<\/strong> mentions these three distinctive<\/strong> to help check our Identity in Christ \u2014 and evaluate the <\/strong>authenticity of our faith<\/strong>. So, how are you doing with these?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Are you DOING what Jesus said to do?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                <\/strong>Are you LIVING like Jesus lived?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                And, are you LOVING like Jesus loved?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                If not\u2026make a change. Start today. Change your habits<\/strong>, change your actions<\/strong>, and change the way you treat others. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                And if you are doing these \u2014 then commit to being<\/strong> even<\/strong> more<\/strong> intentional<\/strong> about<\/strong> maintaining<\/strong> Godliness<\/strong>. Keep proclaiming your faith <\/strong>and continue living for Him.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                IDENTITY CHECK Series: ILLUMINATE \u2014 Message #2 1 John 2 Last week we began a new series called Illuminate \u2014 and today we\u2019re going to …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-415","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/415","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=415"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/415\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2730,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/415\/revisions\/2730"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=415"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}