Walking in His Ways

1. The Foundation

"Walking in His Ways" beautifully echoes the profound truth of 1 John 2:3-6. The Word of God declares:

> "We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commands." (1 John 2:3, NIV)

In Biblical terms, to know God is not merely intellectual assent. It is an experiential knowledge that transforms our living. Here, the song captures this radical call to discipleship, where knowing God is intrinsically linked to a life of obedience and imitation of Christ.

2. The Historical & Biblical Context

This scripture is penned by the Apostle John, often referred to as the "Apostle of Love." Writing in the late first century CE, John confronts the rising tide of Gnosticism, a heretical belief that claimed a special, secret knowledge of God independent of ethics and obedience. The churches to whom John writes are struggling with false teachings that diminish the moral and incarnational implications of Jesus' life and instructions.

The heart of John's message is a corrective: true knowledge of God is demonstrated by a life resembling that of Christ, centered on loving obedience. John isn’t merely concerned with doctrine but with the everyday practice of faith, emphasizing that claims of knowing God must be evidenced by a life that keeps His commands.

3. Word Study (Greek)

Let us turn our attention to two key terms in the scripture: "know" and "keep."

1. Know (Greek: 'ginōskō')

The Greek term 'ginōskō' implies more than factual knowledge. It speaks of an intimate, personal acquaintance gained through encounter and relationship. This 'knowing' is active, a dynamic relationship akin to the relationship between a teacher and disciple or, more intimately, the bond between husband and wife.

2. Keep (Greek: 'tēreō')

The word 'tēreō' means to watch over, to guard, or to keep securely. In this scriptural context, it implies a continual, vigilant obedience to God's Word, reflecting intent and constancy. It's not a passive or occasional action but an ever-present commitment to live by the teachings of Jesus.

Together, these terms highlight that genuine knowledge of God is verified by the steadfast observance of His commandments.

4. Theological Exposition

### Stanza One: Knowing Through Obedience

"We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commands..." The Apostle John sets a foundational truth: the evidence of knowing God is obedience. This aligns with Jesus' own words in John 14:15, "If you love me, keep my commands." Obedience is the fruit and proof of a genuine relationship with the Lord.

### Stanza Two: Walking in the Way of Christ

John's assertion, "Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus walked," draws us deeper into the heart of discipleship. The call to "walk" captures the biblical metaphor for conducting one's life. Jesus invited His disciples with "Follow me" (Mark 1:17), not just to hear His teachings but to model their lives after His. This command finds resonance in Ephesians 5:1-2, urging us to "Be imitators of God...and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us."

### Stanza Three: Identifying the Deceiver

John's stark warning, "Whoever says, 'I know Him,' but does not do what He commands is a liar..." echoes the seriousness of unrepentant disobedience. It serves as a reminder that authenticity in faith is non-negotiable. The truth, 'alētheia' in Greek, indicates alignment with reality—living out the truth is living out God's commandments.

### Stanza Four: God's Love Perfected in Us

"But if anyone obeys His word, love for God is truly made complete in them..." Here John mirrors the teaching of Jesus that our love, when complete, leads to obedience. This completion, 'teleioō' in Greek, suggests maturity—a fullness in the love of God. Our obedience is a response to God’s initiating love (1 John 4:19).

### Stanza Five: Assurance of Religious Integrity

Repeated declarations of certainty ("By this we know...") punctuate this truth: Our assurance of being in Him is tethered to our imitation of Christ. This is underscored throughout the New Testament, such as Hebrews 10:36, emphasizing perseverance in doing God’s will.

5. Practical Application: How to Walk This Out

How then shall we live? Let's turn to practical steps that guide us in walking as Jesus walked:

1. Cultivate an Ongoing Relationship with God

Knowing God requires continuous communion through prayer and meditation on His Word. Set aside dedicated time regularly to immerse in His presence, cultivating sensitivity to His voice and guidance.

2. Guard Your Heart with Vigilant Obedience

Put 'tēreō' into practice by actively guarding your heart, resisting sin, and choosing righteousness. Begin each day with a heart inclined toward obedience, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

3. Imitate Christ Daily

Study the Gospels to understand how Jesus walked. Let His compassion, humility, and integrity infuse your actions and interactions. This imitation is not mere mimicry but a Spirit-enabled life transformation.

4. Examine and Correct Your Walk

Regularly self-reflect in light of Scripture. Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of non-alignment with Christ's life and seek His power for correction, as highlighted in 2 Corinthians 13:5, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith."

6. A Proclamation & Prayer

Proclamation:

"We declare our commitment to walk as Jesus walked, knowing Him through loving obedience. We proclaim that as His Word dwells richly in us, we are transformed into His likeness, living testimonies of His grace and truth."

Prayer:

"Almighty God, we give You thanks for the gift of knowing You through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant us strength by Your Spirit to walk in Your ways. May our lives be a testament to Your love and truth. Fulfill in us Your purpose, that we may imitate Christ and glorify Your name. Amen."

Let us live in assurance, rooted in obedience, that we truly know Him who calls us not to mere belief, but to a radical life of discipleship.