John here combines the three tests he has been speaking about in this letter which help give assurance that someone is a born-again child of God.

1. The truth test – believing that Jesus is the Christ who has come (v1)
2. The love test – loving God and loving others (v1b-2)
3. The obedience test – obeying God’s commandments (v2b-3)

How do you measure up? Is there evidence in your life of truth, love and obedience which shows you have been born again?

To have this truth, love and obedience we need to overcome the world (v4-5). Real truth, love and obedience go against the beliefs and ways of this world.

Overcoming the world; breaking its grip on our lives is only achieved through faith in Jesus (v5). Faith in Jesus, brings into our lives a totally different outlook from the world’s and also a new power to enable us to go against the world.

Pray that a Christ centred outlook would be giving you the strength day by day to grow in His truth, love and obedience.