1 John 2:6
Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked.
Whoever claims
This phrase introduces a universal principle applicable to all believers. The Greek word for "claims" is "λέγει" (legei), which implies a verbal profession or assertion. In the historical context of the early church, many professed faith in Christ, but John emphasizes that mere words are insufficient. The claim to abide in Christ must be substantiated by one's actions, reflecting a genuine transformation.

to abide in Him
The term "abide" comes from the Greek "μένειν" (menein), meaning to remain, dwell, or continue. This word suggests a deep, ongoing relationship with Christ, not a transient or superficial connection. In the scriptural context, abiding in Christ involves a continuous, intimate fellowship with Him, characterized by obedience and love. Historically, this concept was crucial for early Christians facing persecution, as it underscored the necessity of steadfastness in faith.

must walk
The Greek word for "walk" is "περιπατεῖν" (peripatein), which metaphorically refers to one's conduct or way of life. In the Jewish tradition, "walking" was often used to describe living according to God's commandments. Thus, John is urging believers to live in a manner consistent with their profession of faith. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that faith without works is dead (James 2:26).

as Jesus walked
This phrase sets the standard for Christian conduct. The life of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels, serves as the ultimate example of righteousness, love, and obedience to the Father. The historical Jesus walked in humility, compassion, and truth, fulfilling the law and the prophets. For believers, walking as Jesus walked means emulating His character and actions, striving to reflect His love and holiness in every aspect of life.

Persons / Places / Events
1. John the Apostle
The author of 1 John, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Jesus and his emphasis on love and truth.

2. Jesus Christ
The central figure of Christianity, whose life and teachings are the model for Christian living.

3. Early Christian Community
The audience of John's letter, likely facing challenges of false teachings and needing encouragement to live out their faith authentically.
Teaching Points
Abiding in Christ
To claim to abide in Christ means to have a continuous, living relationship with Him. This involves daily communion through prayer, reading Scripture, and obedience to His commands.

Walking as Jesus Walked
Walking as Jesus walked involves imitating His character, actions, and attitudes. This includes love, humility, service, and obedience to the Father.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to walk as Jesus did. Relying on the Spirit is essential for living a life that reflects Christ.

Authentic Christian Living
Our claim to know Christ is validated by our lifestyle. True faith is demonstrated through actions that align with Jesus' teachings.

Overcoming Challenges
In a world with competing values and false teachings, staying rooted in Christ and His example is crucial for maintaining a faithful witness.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does it mean to "abide in Him," and how can we practically cultivate this abiding relationship in our daily lives?

2. In what specific ways can we "walk as Jesus walked" in our current context, and what challenges might we face in doing so?

3. How does the concept of abiding in Christ relate to the metaphor of the vine and branches in John 15:4-5?

4. How can the fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23, help us to walk as Jesus walked?

5. Reflect on a situation where you struggled to walk as Jesus walked. How can the teachings in 1 John 2:6 and related scriptures guide you in similar future situations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 15:4-5
Jesus speaks about abiding in Him, using the metaphor of the vine and branches, emphasizing the necessity of remaining in Him to bear fruit.

1 Peter 2:21
Peter encourages believers to follow in Jesus' steps, highlighting Jesus as the example for suffering and righteous living.

Galatians 5:16-25
Paul discusses walking by the Spirit, contrasting the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, which aligns with walking as Jesus walked.

Philippians 2:5-8
Paul urges believers to have the same mindset as Christ, who humbled Himself and became obedient to death.

Ephesians 5:1-2
Paul calls believers to imitate God and walk in love, just as Christ loved us.
Abiding in Christ to be Demonstrated by Walking as Christ DidIsaac Barrow, D. D.1 John 2:6
Christian Profession and Consequent ObligationsW. Jones 1 John 2:6
Imitation of ChristB. W. Noel, M. A.1 John 2:6
Imitation of the Example of Christ in His Temper and LifeJohn Hubbard.1 John 2:6
In Him: Like HimC. H. Spurgeon.1 John 2:6
Inward Grace Manifest in the LifeA. R. Cocke, D. D.1 John 2:6
Of the Imitation of Christ in Holiness of Life1 John 2:6
The Christian WalkBp. Ryle.1 John 2:6
The Christian's Imitation of ChristWm. Fenner.1 John 2:6
The Christlike Walk of One with Guileless Spirit Abiding in GodR. S. Candlish, D. D.1 John 2:6
The Example of ChristD. Duncan.1 John 2:6
Believers Exhorted not to SinB. W. Noel, M. A.1 John 2:1-6
Christ Our Advocate1 John 2:1-6
Christ Our AdvocateW. F. Ireland, D. D.1 John 2:1-6
Christ Our AdvocateJ. Gibbs.1 John 2:1-6
Christ Our Advocate with the FatherJames Fenton, M. A.1 John 2:1-6
Christ Our PropitiationE. Hoare, M. A.1 John 2:1-6
Christ Our Propitiatory Sacrifice and Our AdvocateD. Inglis.1 John 2:1-6
Christ the Advocate of SinnersEssex Remembrancer1 John 2:1-6
Christian SinDudley Kidd.1 John 2:1-6
Christians have Delicate Perceptions of SinSteinhofer.1 John 2:1-6
Christ's Acquaintance with Man's CaseC. Stanford.1 John 2:1-6
Christ's IntercessionS. Charnock, D. D.1 John 2:1-6
Christ's Intercession1 John 2:1-6
For the Sins of the Whole WorldSword and Trowel.1 John 2:1-6
Insufficiency of the Subjective View of the AtonementG. S. Barrett, D. D.1 John 2:1-6
Is There a Doctrine of the Atonement in ScriptureJames Denney, D. D.1 John 2:1-6
Man Lives in a Redeemed WorldR. W. Dale, LL. D.1 John 2:1-6
Man's Advocate with the FatherD. Thomas, D. D.1 John 2:1-6
Nature and Ground of Christ's Advocacy as Meeting the Need of the Guileless SpiritR. S. Candlish, D. D.1 John 2:1-6
Our Advocate on HighS. Martin.1 John 2:1-6
Preventatives Against SinW. Graham.1 John 2:1-6
Propitiation for SinC. New.1 John 2:1-6
Redemption for the Whole WorldW. Birch.1 John 2:1-6
Sin NotDudley Kidd.1 John 2:1-6
Sin Supposed: Sin Dealt withR. Finlayson 1 John 2:1-6
Sinless Aim of the Guileless SpiritR. S. Candlish, D. D.1 John 2:1-6
The Advocacy of ChristJ. Williams, M. A.1 John 2:1-6
The Gospel Prohibits SinC. Stanford, D. D.1 John 2:1-6
The Gracious ProvisionJ. O. Peck, D. D.1 John 2:1-6
The Intercession of ChristJ. Foot, D. D.1 John 2:1-6
The Knowledge of God Preventive of SinHugh Binning.1 John 2:1-6
The Propitiation IntelligibleJames Denney, D. D.1 John 2:1-6
The Propitiation of ChristGeorge Robson.1 John 2:1-6
The Sinner's AdvocateC. H. Spurgeon.1 John 2:1-6
The True PleaderG. Calvert.1 John 2:1-6
Warning and EncouragementJames Morgan, D. D.1 John 2:1-6
People
John
Places
Ephesus
Topics
Abides, Abideth, Bound, Continuing, Manner, Ought, Professes, Remains, Saying, Says, Walk, Walked
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 John 2:6

     2339   Christ, example of
     4020   life, of faith
     6696   necessity
     6756   union with Christ, significance
     8102   abiding in Christ
     8115   discipleship, nature of
     8162   spiritual vitality
     8206   Christlikeness
     8349   spiritual growth, means of
     8402   claims

1 John 2:2-6

     8164   spirituality

1 John 2:3-6

     2425   gospel, requirements
     5932   response
     8112   certainty
     8316   orthodoxy, in NT
     8453   obedience

Library
Youthful Strength
'I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.'--1 John ii. 14. 'What am I going to be?' is the question that presses upon young people stepping out of the irresponsibilities of childhood into youth. But, unfortunately, the question is generally supposed to be answered when they have fixed upon a trade or profession. It means, rightly taken, a great deal more than that. 'What am I going to make of myself?' 'What
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

River and Rock
'The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.'--1 John ii. 17. John has been solemnly giving a charge not to love the world, nor the things that are in it. That charge was addressed to 'children,' 'young men,' 'fathers.' Whether these designations be taken as referring to growth and maturity of Christian experience, or of natural age, they equally carry the lesson that no age and no stage is beyond the danger of being drawn away by the world's
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

The Commandment, Old yet New
'I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning.... Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you.'--1 John ii. 7, 8. The simplest words may carry the deepest thoughts. Perhaps angels and little children speak very much alike. This letter, like all of John's writing, is pellucid in speech, profound in thought, clear and deep, like the abysses of mid-ocean. His terms are such as a child can understand; his sentences short
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Thirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know all things. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as His anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in Him.'--1 John ii. 20, 27. In the revelation by Moses of God's Holiness and His way of making holy, the priests, and specially the high priests, were the chief expression of God's Holiness in man.
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

January the Twelfth Two Opposites
"If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." --1 JOHN ii. 13-17. No man can love two opposites any more than he can walk in contrary directions at the same time. No man can at once be mean and magnanimous, chivalrous and selfish. We cannot at the same moment dress appropriately for the arctic regions and the tropics. And we cannot wear the habits of the world and the garments of salvation. When we try to do it the result is a wretched and miserable compromise. I have seen a
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Difference Between Walking by Sight, and Walking by Faith
"We walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Cor. 5:7. 1. How short is this description of real Christians! And yet how exceeding full! It comprehends, it sums up, the whole experience of those that are truly such, from the time they are born of God till they remove into Abraham's bosom. For, who are the we that are here spoken of? All that are true Christian believers. I say Christian, not Jewish, believers. All that are not only servants, but children, of God. All that have "the Spirit of adoption, crying
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Witness of the Spirit
Discourse I "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." Rom. 8:16 1. How many vain men, not understanding what they spake, neither whereof they affirmed, have wrested this Scripture to the great loss if not the destruction of their souls! How many have mistaken the voice of their own imagination for this witness of the Spirit of God, and thence idly presumed they were the children of God while they were doing the works of the devil! These are truly and properly
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

A Bundle of Myrrh
Concerning our text, let us talk very simply, remarking first, that Christ is very precious to believers; secondly, that there is good reason why he should be; thirdly, that mingled with this sense of preciousness, there is a joyous consciousness of possession of him; and that therefore, fourthly, there is an earnest desire for perpetual fellowship with him. If you look at the text again, you will see all these matters in it. I. First, then, CHRIST JESUS IS UNUTTERABLY PRECIOUS TO BELIEVERS. The
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 10: 1864

In Him: Like Him
"Rock of ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee." We have entered into Christ as into the shadow of a great rock in a weary land, as guest; into a banquet-hall, as returning travellers into their home. And now we abide--in Christ in this sense, that we are joined to him : as the stone is, in the wall, as the wave is in the sea, as the branch is in the vine, so are we in Christ. As the branch receives all its sap from the stem, so all the sap of spiritual life flows from Christ into us. If
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 29: 1883

What God is to Us.
Exod. xxxiv. 6, 7.--"The lord, the Lord God merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands." There is nothing can separate between God and a people but iniquity, and yet he is very loath to separate even for that. He makes many shows of departing, that so we may hold him fast, and indeed he is not difficult to be holden. He threatens often to remove his presence from a person or nation, and he threatens, that he may not indeed remove, but that
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Brooks -- the Pride of Life
Phillips Brooks was born at Boston, Mass., in 1835, graduated at Harvard in 1855 and studied theology at the P.E. Seminary, Alexandria, Va. He was elected rector of the Church of the Advent, Philadelphia, in 1859, and three years later to that of Holy Trinity in the same city. In 1869 he became rector of Trinity Church, Boston, and was consecrated Bishop of Massachusetts in 1891. He died in 1893. He was in every sense a large man, large in simplicity and sympathy, large in spiritual culture. In his
Grenville Kleiser—The world's great sermons, Volume 8

That to Him who Loveth God is Sweet Above all Things and in all Things
Behold, God is mine, and all things are mine! What will I more, and what more happy thing can I desire? O delightsome and sweet world! that is, to him that loveth the Word, not the world, neither the things that are in the world.(1) My God, my all! To him that understandeth, that word sufficeth, and to repeat it often is pleasing to him that loveth it. When Thou art present all things are pleasant; when Thou art absent, all things are wearisome. Thou makest the heart to be at rest, givest it
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

But Since no Man is Worthy to Come Forward in his Own Name...
But since no man is worthy to come forward in his own name, and appear in the presence of God, our heavenly Father, to relieve us at once from fear and shame, with which all must feel oppressed, [8] has given us his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, to be our Advocate and Mediator, that under his guidance we may approach securely, confiding that with him for our Intercessor nothing which we ask in his name will be denied to us, as there is nothing which the Father can deny to him (1 Tim. 2:5; 1 John 2:1;
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

Moreover, the Sophists are Guilty of the Merest Trifling when they Allege that Christ Is...
Moreover, the Sophists are guilty of the merest trifling when they allege that Christ is the Mediator of redemption, but that believers are mediators of intercession; as if Christ had only performed a temporary mediation, and left an eternal and imperishable mediation to his servants. Such, forsooth, is the treatment which he receives from those who pretend only to take from him a minute portion of honour. Very different is the language of Scripture, with whose simplicity every pious man will be
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

The Last Day.
This gospel day is the last day. There never will be another age of time. An age-to-come teacher is branded by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, as a false teacher. We need no other age in which to prepare for eternity. This is the day of salvation. "Now is the accepted time." Now is the day and this is the time for us to accept Christ, and to be accepted of him. The Word of God holds no promise to you of another day of salvation. How can man, unless he be wholly subverted, teach another age to
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

Add to This, and Here is Cause to Cry Out More Piteously...
37. Add to this, (and here is cause to cry out more piteously,) that, if once we grant it to have been right for the saving of that sick man's life to tell him the lie, that his son was alive, then, by little and little and by minute degrees, the evil so grows upon us, and by slight accesses to such a heap of wicked lies does it, in its almost imperceptible encroachments, at last come, that no place can ever be any where found on which this huge mischief, by smallest additions rising into boundless
St. Augustine—Against Lying

(On the Mysteries. Iii. )
On Chrism. 1 John ii. 20-28 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, &c.....that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 1. Having been baptized into Christ, and put on Christ [2415] , ye have been made conformable to the Son of God; for God having foreordained us unto adoption as sons [2416] , made us to be conformed to the body of Christ's glory [2417] . Having therefore become partakers of Christ [2418] , ye are properly called Christs, and
St. Cyril of Jerusalem—Lectures of S. Cyril of Jerusalem

But, Again, Lest by Occasion of this Sentence...
50. But, again, lest by occasion of this sentence, any one should sin with deadly security, and should allow himself to be carried away, as though his sins were soon by easy confession to be blotted out, he straightway added, "My little children, these things have I written unto you, that ye sin not; and, if one shall have sinned, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, and Himself is a propitiation of our sins." [2207] Let no one therefore depart from sin as though about
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Evidences of Regeneration.
III. Wherein saints and sinners must differ. 1. Let it be distinctly remembered, that all unregenerate persons, without exception, have one heart, that is, they are selfish. This is their whole character. They are universally and only devoted to self-gratification. Their unregenerate heart consists in this selfish disposition, or in this selfish choice. This choice is the foundation of, and the reason for, all their activity. One and the same ultimate reason actuates them in all they do, and in all
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished;
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

What Passes and what Abides
'One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.'--ECCLES. i. 4. 'And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.'--1 JOHN ii. 17. A great river may run through more than one kingdom, and bear more than one name, but its flow is unbroken. The river of time runs continuously, taking no heed of dates and calendars. The importance that we attach to the beginnings or endings of years and centuries is a
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Fourfold Symbols of the Spirit
'A rushing mighty wind.' ... 'Cloven tongues like as of fire.' ... 'I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh.' --ACTS ii. 2, 3, 17. 'Ye have an unction from the Holy One.'--1 JOHN ii. 20. Wind, fire, water, oil,--these four are constant Scriptural symbols for the Spirit of God. We have them all in these fragments of verses which I have taken for my text now, and which I have isolated from their context for the purpose of bringing out simply these symbolical references. I think that perhaps we
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The World Our Enemy.
"We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness."--1 John v. 19. Few words are of more frequent occurrence in the language of religion than "the world;" Holy Scripture makes continual mention of it, in the way of censure and caution; in the Service for Baptism it is described as one of three great enemies of our souls, and in the ordinary writings and conversation of Christians, I need hardly say, mention is made of it continually. Yet most of us, it would appear, have very
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

The Wilderness: Temptation. Matthew 4:1-11. Mark 1:12, 13. Luke 4:1-13.
The University of Arabia: Jesus' naturalness--the Spirit's presence--intensity, Luke 2:45-51.--a true perspective--- the temptation's path--sin's path--John's grouping, 1 John 2:16.--the Spirit's plan--why--the devil's weakness--the Spirit's leading--a wilderness for every God-used man, Moses, Elijah, Paul. Earth's Ugliest, Deepest Scar: Jesus the only one led up to be tempted--the wilderness--its history, Genesis 13:10-13. 18:16-19:38.--Jesus really tempted--no wrong here in inner response--every
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

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