MIGUEL NÚÑEZ 1 de Jn 5/27 Mi obediencia como señal de conversión

Understanding Obedience in the Christian Faith

Introduction to the Series

• The speaker invites the audience to open their Bibles to 1 John, Chapter 2, as they continue a series on this epistle.

• The speaker notes that while many consider this book difficult to preach, it is also one of the most practical books in the Bible.

Key Themes and Structure

• The message will focus on verses 3 to 5, emphasizing obedience as a key theme and introducing two main principles:

• Obedience as evidence of genuine conversion.

• Love for God as the primary motivation for obedience.

Criteria for Genuine Conversion

• The speaker reads from verses 3 to 5, highlighting that knowing God is linked with keeping His commandments.

• Throughout the series, John establishes criteria for recognizing true conversion amidst false claims by groups like the Gnostics who profess faith but deny it through actions.

Importance of Communion with God

• John emphasizes that true believers must have genuine communion with both God and fellow believers.

• This communion is contingent upon being in truth; without prayer and engagement with Scripture, communication with God falters.

Consequences of False Claims

• If one lacks communication with God, their salvation may be questionable. John warns against self-deception regarding one's spiritual state.

• A summary of Chapter 1 indicates that true communion leads to assurance of eternal life; otherwise, one remains spiritually dead.

Obedience as Evidence of Regeneration

• In verse 3, John states that knowledge of Christ is evidenced by obedience; conversely, claiming knowledge without obedience makes one a liar.

• John's teachings stress continuous emphasis on obedience as an indicator of regeneration; those who do not obey are under God's wrath according to previous writings.

Human Nature and Divine Intervention

• Before conversion, individuals lack desire for God's pleasure due to sin's enslavement.

• Paul’s letter highlights that unregenerate minds are hostile towards God and incapable of submitting to His law.

Conclusion on Salvation Understanding

• The necessity for divine intervention is underscored; only through God's action can individuals come to salvation and desire righteousness.

Understanding Repentance and Obedience

The Nature of a Converted Person

• A converted individual develops new desires aligned with God's will, possessing a renewed ability to obey His law.

• Regeneration leads to internal conviction that can help avoid future sin, contrasting mere feelings of shame or failure.

Distinguishing Shame from True Repentance

• Many confuse negative feelings after sinning as true repentance; however, these feelings may stem from shame rather than genuine remorse.

• Shame arises when one realizes they are not who they claimed to be, while true repentance is about failing God rather than personal reputation.

Understanding the Depth of Repentance

• In Hebrew, "repentance" (shuv) implies deep internal pain and a focus on one's relationship with God rather than self-image.

• Genuine repentance fosters lasting change, unlike transient feelings of shame which do not lead to meaningful transformation.

Misconceptions About Obedience

• Many believe they are obedient when they are actually disobeying; this includes praying for forgiveness without honesty in their hearts.

• Obedience is often misinterpreted as simply being better than before or reducing sinful behavior frequency, which does not equate to true obedience.

Defining What Obedience Is Not

• Being "better" than the previous year does not guarantee obedience; one can still be disobedient despite apparent improvements in behavior.

• Changes in conduct alone do not signify repentance; external improvements can occur without heart change recognized by God.

Further Clarifications on Obedience

• True obedience cannot be measured by comparison with others or fulfilling commands partially; it requires complete adherence to God's will.

• Compliance out of fear or obligation does not constitute genuine obedience but rather reflects an imposed action lacking heartfelt commitment.

Understanding Obedience and Its Motivations

The Nature of Obedience

• The speaker discusses how many people view their relationship with God as fulfilling a duty rather than genuine obedience, emphasizing that true obedience should be voluntary.

• A quote from Hesperion states, "obedience that is not voluntary is disobedience," highlighting the importance of intention behind actions in faith.

• The secular definition of obedience aligns with biblical principles, suggesting that pleasing God requires an attitude of submission rather than mere compliance.

• The speaker critiques the notion that obeying God's law out of obligation equates to rebellion, stressing the need for a heart aligned with God's will.

• A biblical definition of obedience is proposed: it involves submitting one's will to God in a way that pleases Him.

Personal Responsibility in Obedience

• The speaker emphasizes personal accountability when fulfilling roles assigned by God, such as being a spiritual leader in the home; failing to do so willingly indicates rebellion.

• Reflecting on why divine favor may seem absent, the speaker suggests it could stem from disobedience or lack of sincere compliance with God's precepts.

Misguided Motivations for Obedience

• Many individuals obey out of fear—fear of consequences for themselves or their loved ones—which diminishes their relationship with God and misrepresents His character.

• This fear-based approach portrays God negatively, likening Him to a tyrant rather than recognizing His benevolence and mercy towards humanity.

Relationship Dynamics with God

• When obedience stems from fear, it creates a distant and impersonal relationship with God; intimacy cannot flourish under such conditions.

• Fear-driven relationships lead to legalism—a focus on rules without love for the lawgiver—resulting in an inability to experience joy or closeness with God.

Legalism vs. Genuine Obedience

• Legalism is characterized by adherence to laws motivated by fear rather than love; this leads individuals to feel entitled after following certain rules while neglecting others they deem lesser.

• True motivation for obedience should not be rooted in duty but should arise from love and desire for closeness with God; duty serves only as a fallback during times of discouragement.

Understanding the Essence of Salvation

The Relationship Between Love, Obedience, and Salvation

• Christ emphasizes that love for Him is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments. He states that if one loves Him, they will keep His word.

• True salvation is characterized by a genuine love for God, which naturally leads to obedience to His commands. This connection is central to John's message.

Barriers to Loving God

• A common reason for not loving God is a lack of true conversion among those who identify as Christians. Many may not fully understand what it means to be converted.

• Even among converted individuals, self-love can overshadow love for God. People often find themselves loving God's blessings more than God Himself.

The Impact of Delayed Blessings

• When blessings from God are delayed, individuals may feel distant from Him and express frustration or anger towards God, indicating a conditional relationship based on receiving blessings.

• Christ's commandment reinforces that true love for Him results in adherence to His teachings; failure to obey indicates a lack of genuine love.

Self-Reflection on Conversion and Obedience

• Individuals struggling with obedience should seek God's help in understanding their conversion status and whether they truly love Him.

• John reiterates that knowing God is linked directly with keeping His commandments; this theme recurs throughout his writings.

Evidence of True Knowledge of God

• John asserts that claiming knowledge of God without obedience makes one a liar; true believers will demonstrate their faith through their actions.

• The text highlights the importance of living in truth; being in darkness signifies a lack of salvation and communion with God.

The Narrow Path to Salvation

• John establishes a direct correlation between conversion, love for God, and obedience. Those who do not obey have not genuinely believed.

• Genuine evidence of conversion includes both obedience and an intrinsic motivation rooted in love for God.

Understanding God's Law

• Keeping God's word reflects the perfection of divine love within believers; this serves as assurance that they are indeed in fellowship with Him.

• Lack of communion with both God and fellow believers indicates spiritual darkness and questions one's salvation status.

Final Thoughts on Christian Life

• Many may claim faith but lack the necessary evidence—obedience—to substantiate their claims. This disconnect raises concerns about their true relationship with Christ.

• The psalmist expresses deep affection for God's law, viewing it as protective rather than restrictive—a perspective essential for understanding the nature of divine commandments.

Understanding the Love for God's Law

The Importance of Meditating on God's Word

• The psalmist expresses a deep love for God's law, stating that it is his continuous meditation throughout the day.

• A comparison is made to romantic love, suggesting that if one were as passionate about God’s word as they are about a loved one, they would engage with it frequently.

Delight in Commandments

• The psalmist finds joy in God's commandments, indicating a level of affection that many believers may not experience.

• Emphasizes that true delight comes from obeying God’s will rather than worldly distractions like television or personal achievements.

Submission and Obedience

• Illustrates the concept of delighting in obedience to God by comparing it to children willingly submitting to their parents.

• Highlights how genuine commitment to obeying God can lead to profound joy and fulfillment within relationships.

The Order of Love and Service

• Discusses the correct order of loving God first, then obeying Him, followed by serving others; this sequence is crucial for effective spiritual life.

• Stresses that service should stem from love and obedience rather than being an obligation or sacrifice.

Spiritual Warfare and Mind Control

• Addresses the internal struggle within Christians where rebellion exists in thoughts and hearts despite outward compliance with commands.

• Paul’s teaching emphasizes bringing every thought into captivity under Christ's authority as essential for overcoming mental strongholds.

Overcoming Strongholds through Obedience

• Points out that disobedient thoughts can lead to sin; thus, it's vital to align one's thinking with what is pure and good according to scripture.

• Describes how capturing rebellious thoughts can dismantle long-standing mental strongholds against knowledge of God.

The Role of Grace in Transformation

• Encourages repentance from negative thoughts before they manifest into actions; grace follows sincere acknowledgment of wrongdoing.

• Concludes that true strength comes from divine intervention when individuals submit their willfulness to God.

Personal Responsibility in Sin

• Emphasizes individual accountability regarding sin; blaming others perpetuates spiritual stagnation and bondage.

• Reinforces the idea that personal relationship with God must be prioritized over external influences or justifications for sinful behavior.

Understanding True Repentance and Its Benefits

The Nature of Repentance

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of approaching God with a broken heart, acknowledging personal sin against Him alone.

• There is a recognition of past confessions lacking true repentance, highlighting feelings of shame and failure rather than genuine sorrow for violating God's law.

• A plea for divine assistance to produce true repentance and forgiveness is made, indicating reliance on God's spirit for transformation.

Obedience as a Pathway to Blessings

• The speaker asserts that obedience opens doors to blessings from God, suggesting that it is essential for receiving His favor.

• Three key benefits of obedience are introduced: stability in life, joy, and prosperity.

Benefit 1: Stability in Life

• Drawing from Matthew 7:24, the speaker compares wise builders who practice God's words to those who do not; only the former withstand life's storms.

• Emphasizes that practicing God's teachings provides solid foundations for life, ensuring resilience against challenges.

Benefit 2: Joy in Life

• Referring to John 13:17, the speaker notes that true happiness comes from knowing and practicing Christ's teachings.

• Happiness is described as a continuous state resulting from consistent obedience rather than fleeting emotions tied to circumstances.

Benefit 3: Prosperity in Actions

• The concept of prosperity discussed does not align with material wealth but rather achieving one's purpose through alignment with God’s will.

• Citing Psalm 1, the speaker explains how those who walk with God will prosper in their endeavors due to deep-rooted faithfulness.

The Importance of Genuine Obedience

• James 1 emphasizes being doers of the word rather than mere listeners; effective action leads to blessed outcomes.

• True happiness (makarios), according to scripture, stems from an internal attitude towards obedience that pleases God.

Conclusion on Attitude Towards Obedience

• The speaker warns against begrudging compliance; genuine worship should come from love and commitment rather than obligation or fear.

• An example is given about Abraham's faithfulness when asked by God to sacrifice Isaac—demonstrating trust in God's provision even amidst trials.

Resurrecting the Song: A Call to Surrender

The Heart's Disposition

• The essence of worship is not merely in singing but in offering a heart surrendered to God, as exemplified by the story of Abraham and Isaac.

• Many believers struggle with small acts of obedience throughout the week while professing devotion on Sundays, highlighting a disconnect between faith and practice.

The Nature of Worship

• Songs should be seen as promises made to God rather than mere entertainment; they reflect our commitment and relationship with Him.

• Singing songs that focus on surrender emphasizes the seriousness of our vows to God, reminding us that true worship involves total submission.

Decision-Making Guided by God

• Every decision in life should be rooted in seeking God's guidance; relying on human wisdom or fear can lead to sin.

• Trusting God's plan over financial gain is crucial; if something is not meant for us, we should let it go without regret.

Obedience as Evidence of Faith

• True obedience stems from a regenerated heart; decisions must align with divine guidance rather than personal benefit or societal norms.

• Obeying God's commandments leads to testing one's faith against worldly standards, emphasizing integrity and wisdom.

The Role of Regeneration in Obedience

Understanding Regeneration

• Before conversion, individuals lack the desire to please God due to their sinful nature; they are focused solely on earthly pleasures.

• The mind set on flesh is hostile towards God and cannot submit to His law, illustrating humanity's need for divine intervention.

Divine Initiative in Salvation

• Salvation comes through God's initiative; He instills both the desire and ability within us to obey His will.

• A converted person experiences new desires aligned with God's purposes, leading them toward obedience despite past inclinations.

Misunderstanding Repentance

• Feelings of shame or failure after sinning do not equate to true repentance; many confuse these emotions with genuine remorse for disobedience.

• Recognizing that even non-believers experience feelings of failure highlights the distinction between worldly sorrow and godly repentance.

Understanding True Repentance and Conversion

The Nature of Shame and Failure

• The speaker discusses how feelings of shame and failure do not necessarily indicate true repentance. Shame arises when one's actions do not align with their self-perception or claims.

• The distinction between shame and repentance is emphasized, highlighting that one can feel ashamed without being repentant. This is illustrated through the example of claiming to speak French but failing to do so.

Criteria for Genuine Conversion

• The Apostle John provides criteria in his first letter to help assess genuine conversion, focusing on obedience to God's commandments as a key indicator.

• John addresses the Gnostic group who professed faith in Christ verbally but denied it through their actions, clarifying the importance of aligning belief with behavior.

Communion with God and Others

• A true believer must have genuine communion with God and fellow believers, which is contingent upon living in truth. Lack of communication with God indicates a lack of salvation.

• Practical aspects such as prayer life and engagement with scripture are essential for maintaining communication with God, which directly affects relationships with others.

Light vs. Darkness: A Test of Salvation

• John warns against self-deception regarding one's spiritual state; being in darkness signifies a lack of new birth and eternal life.

• The relationship between communion with God, fellowship among believers, and the experience of conversion is summarized as crucial for understanding one's salvation status.

Obedience as Evidence of Faith

• John states that knowing Christ involves keeping His commandments; disobedience indicates falsehood about one's relationship with Him.

• This teaching aligns with earlier messages from John's Gospel, reinforcing that obedience is integral to authentic faith.

Continuing Exploration in 1 John

• The speaker invites listeners to open their Bibles to continue exploring 1 John, noting its complexity yet practical relevance for today’s believers.

• Emphasizing simplicity in message structure while discussing verses 3–5 highlights obedience as a test for genuine conversion.

This structured summary captures key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.