As we studied in Sunday school, 1 John is doctrinally applied to Tribulation saints.   However, excellent spiritual applications can be made throughout this epistle.  One such application is the test of your testimony.  You can TEST your TESTimony.

Three times in 1 Jn 2 we find the expression, “He that saith”.  We see it in v.4, v.6, and v.9.  What you say is your testimony.  The testimony is that you know him, that you abide in him, and that you walk in his light.  These are easy things to say.  But do you really do them?  

Do you do his will? v.4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar…

God’s will is clearly stated.  Among other things he says:

• 1 Thes 4:3-5 abstain from fornication and possess your vessel in sanctification and honour.
• Rom 12:1-2 present you body a living sacrifice and be not conformed to this world.
• 1 Thes 5:18, Give thanks always.
• 1 Pet 2:13-15 Submit to every ordinance of man.

Do you do these things?  Too many people who call themselves Christians fornicate and are not sanctified.  Too many Christians are conformed to this world and are not transformed by the renewing of their minds to prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.  Too many Christians complain and are not thankful.  Too many Christians think it’s okay for them to live above the law.

Test your testimony.  Are you saying that you know him but you don’t do his will?  Your walk doesn’t match your talk.

Do you walk as he walked? v.6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk, even as he walked.

The Gospel of John shows us some clear examples of how Jesus walked.  

• He walked as a servant.  Jn 13:14-16 he showed them how to serve one another.  Paul wrote in Phil 2, let this mind be in you… he made himself of no reputation, he took upon him the form of a servant, he humbled himself, and he was obedient. You’re supposed to serve like he served.
• He did the works his Father gave him to do.  Jn 14:12 the works that I do shall he do also.  Jn 15:16 that ye should bring forth fruit.  You’re supposed to do the works that he did.
• He endured persecution. Jn 15:20 The servant is not greater than his lord.  If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.  You should be getting some persecution, at least, for preaching what he preached.

Test your testimony.  You’re saying that you abide in him. Are you walking even as he walked?  Are you doing things the way he did?  Are you catching a little flak like he did?  Perhaps your walk doesn’t match your talk.

Do you love your brothers? v.9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

Here’s what Jesus had to say about loving our brothers.

• Jn 13:34 as I have loved you, that ye also one one another.
• Jn 13:35 by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Test your testimony.  Do you assemble together in church, and maintain friendships, even with those who are not quite like you? Do you love others even though they might not love you?  Paul said, “the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved”, 2 Cor 12:15.  

Establish a unity in love that petty differences, squabbles, and even the devil can’t break.

Conclusion: Regularly put your testimony to the test.  Be sure that how you live matches what you profess. Do his will.  Walk as he walked.  Love as he loved.  Then you’ll pass the test of your testimony.  And when you pass, strive to do even better.