October 8, 2025
Signs You’re Following the Savior
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
Read 1 John 2:1-14.
In every area of life, we have milestones and measurements by which we determine if we are on the right course. In his first epistle, John outlines three signposts to help us determine if we are heading in the right direction, if we are truly following our Savior. His signposts will tell us where we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re heading. And if you aren’t on the road to salvation, they will alert you and tell you how to get on it. John gives us these landmarks because we must stop and take stock of our life, whether we are six or sixty.
Today, we’ll explore the first signpost outlined in 1 John 2:3-6: obedience to the will of God. John clearly states, “We know that we have come to know him if . . .” (v. 3). How? By attending church regularly? By becoming a member of a church? By being polite? No, John says we know we belong to Christ “if we keep his commands” (v. 3). So if you want to assess where you are in your spiritual journey—whether you are walking in Christ’s way—you must first ask yourself, “Am I longing to obey God? Do I desire with all my being to be aligned with God’s will in my life?” For, when you love someone, it is natural to want to do everything to please that person. You want to bring them joy. It’s the same with loving God.
Every time you make a detour of disobedience, you are saying, “Lord, I don’t love You.” Now, you might think that’s harsh or cold of me to assert, but don’t shoot the messenger! It’s right in the Scripture. John did not mince words: “Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person” (1 John 2:4, emphasis added). He said if you truly know Jesus, you will love Him, and if you truly love Him, you’re going to obey Him.
We are not born with the desire to obey and please God. It is unnatural, for the unredeemed man has no longing for righteousness. But those who have come to know Christ have been made a new creation and given the Holy Spirit, who fuels us with a thirst for righteousness. This thirst for righteousness is a clear signpost that you are moving forward in Christ toward sanctification and His eternal Kingdom purposes.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the clarity and Truth of Your Word. I praise You for the gift of Your Spirit to make me new and produce in me holy, righteous fruit. I want to please You with my life. Help me to see ways that I can live out Your will for me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did” (1 John 2:5-6).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon Life at Its Best, Part 2: LISTEN NOW
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