It is generally thought that in 1st John 2:3-11 that John begins a new thought as he starts the section with the phrase “NOW by this we know”. Yet I would argue the force of this phrase is a continuation of what he has been writing about as all we need to do is ask “By what do we NOW know?” Clearly John is referring to that which he now believes they now know as he has just written on it.
It is my opinion that what John is doing is offering a twofold test to the believer as to see if they are indeed NOW KNOWING. It seems to me that John is anticipating the question of those that are reading this letter in which he has just identified Jesus as the believer’s assurance, advocate, and propitiation, while at the same time writing about those who are merely professors to fellowship with Jesus while in actuality they are only pretenders.
How can a person distinguish their true position? By the use of the phrase “In HIM” I believe John offers “two tests” that will indicate our position as possessors of Jesus or only professors of Christ. Of course, they involve the transformative work of Christ in the life of the believer.
Test 1: 2:3-6 Obedience
Test 2: 2:7-11 Love
The person who has met Christ will experience relational transformation which will be seen in our obedience to Christ and truth. Secondly, it will impact us as we relate to our fellow “earth walkers”, and this will be seen in how we treat them in love as Christ has treated us.
The Apostle offers ample tests both that are negative as well as those that are positive. He does so to make certain that the person reading this would not be self-deceived and remain in the state of self-deception but neither did he want them to lack the assurance offered in Christ.