Signs You’re Following the Savior

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

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

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
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