Reading Be Real (1 John): Turning from Hypocrisy to Truth
4. Christian Love (1 John 3:18-24)
- True Christian love means loving in deed and in truth (James 2:15)
- One reason why sinners were attracted to Jesus (Luke 15:1-2) was that they were sure He loved them sincerely.
- This love cost a great deal, it cost Jesus Christ His life, yet we have this promise "Give and it shall be given unto you" (Luke 6:38).
To a believer who practices Christian love
1) Assurance (1 John 3:19-20)
- Our relationship with others affects our relationship with God (Matt 5:23-24). a condemning heart robs a believer of peace. Is it us (Jer 17:9) or God (Jer 17:10, John 16:8) - ask him to show, he knows your heart (Psalm 139:1,23-24, Proverbs 21:2, Acts 15:8, John 14:6, Romans 3:23, Psalm 51:10, Heb 4:12)
- We need to accept the forgiveness once we've confessed it and not let the devil rob us of confidence (Rev 12:10). Peter was forgiven Mark 16:7 and was able to proclaim the gospel (Acts 3:14) because his own sin of denying Christ had been taken care of and was forgiven. No Christian should treat sin lightly, but no Christian should be harder on himself than God is. There is a morbid kind of self-examination and self-condemnation that is not spiritual.
- Habitual sin in the heart grieves the Spirit and "turns off" the supply of God's love (Eph 4:30-5:2)
2) Answered prayer (1 John 3:21-22)
- Love for brethren produces confidence toward God, and confidence toward God gives boldness in asking for what you need. 1 John 3:22, Love fulfills God's law (Romans 13:8-10)
- Our relationships cannot be divorced from prayer life (1 Peter 3:7, Psalm 66:18). Ask honestly, "Is there anything between you and another Christian that needs to be settled?"
- Spirit of love delights (Ps 37:4,23-24), the spirit of servitude or fear is like the older brother (Luke 15:24-32). God works through Abigail, David, Saul, and Philistine home (1 Samuel 25-27, Psalm 37)
3) Abiding (1 John 3:23-24)
- Love God and neighbor (Matt 22:34-40), believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ (1 John 3:23)
- Faith and love sum up the Christian's obligations (Gal 5:6)
- Abiding in Christ is a key experience for a believer who wants to have confidence toward God and enjoy answers to prayer. Abiding is about fruit-bearing, maintaining communion is a moment-by-moment responsibility (John 15:3,10). Jesus teaches love precedes obedience and the indwelling Holy Spirit
- The Spirit anoints teaching ministry (1 John 2:20; John 14:26, 16:13-14) as the abiding Spirit (1 John 3:24,4:13). Peace and confidence results, but when the Spirit is grieved he withdraws HIs blessing
- The Spirit is the attesting Spirit (1 John 4:1-6) and the authenticating Spirit (1 John 5:6-8), bearing witness to the person and work of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:14-16,5:5)
Why do you think indifference to the needs of others is such a common and dangerous sin, even among Christians?
What does John mean when he says we should be willing to "lay down our lives for the brethren?"
How does love lead to assurance?
When our delight is in the love of God, our desires will be in the will of God. What does that mean to you?
What's it like to have a moment-by-moment communion with Christ? Is this something just for special Christians? Explain.
How can you abide in God this week?
4. Christian Love (1 John 3:18-24)
- True Christian love means loving in deed and in truth (James 2:15)
- One reason why sinners were attracted to Jesus (Luke 15:1-2) was that they were sure He loved them sincerely.
- This love cost a great deal, it cost Jesus Christ His life, yet we have this promise "Give and it shall be given unto you" (Luke 6:38).
To a believer who practices Christian love
1) Assurance (1 John 3:19-20)
- Our relationship with others affects our relationship with God (Matt 5:23-24). a condemning heart robs a believer of peace. Is it us (Jer 17:9) or God (Jer 17:10, John 16:8) - ask him to show, he knows your heart (Psalm 139:1,23-24, Proverbs 21:2, Acts 15:8, John 14:6, Romans 3:23, Psalm 51:10, Heb 4:12)
- We need to accept the forgiveness once we've confessed it and not let the devil rob us of confidence (Rev 12:10). Peter was forgiven Mark 16:7 and was able to proclaim the gospel (Acts 3:14) because his own sin of denying Christ had been taken care of and was forgiven. No Christian should treat sin lightly, but no Christian should be harder on himself than God is. There is a morbid kind of self-examination and self-condemnation that is not spiritual.
- Habitual sin in the heart grieves the Spirit and "turns off" the supply of God's love (Eph 4:30-5:2)
2) Answered prayer (1 John 3:21-22)
- Love for brethren produces confidence toward God, and confidence toward God gives boldness in asking for what you need. 1 John 3:22, Love fulfills God's law (Romans 13:8-10)
- Our relationships cannot be divorced from prayer life (1 Peter 3:7, Psalm 66:18). Ask honestly, "Is there anything between you and another Christian that needs to be settled?"
- Spirit of love delights (Ps 37:4,23-24), the spirit of servitude or fear is like the older brother (Luke 15:24-32). God works through Abigail, David, Saul, and Philistine home (1 Samuel 25-27, Psalm 37)
3) Abiding (1 John 3:23-24)
- Love God and neighbor (Matt 22:34-40), believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ (1 John 3:23)
- Faith and love sum up the Christian's obligations (Gal 5:6)
- Abiding in Christ is a key experience for a believer who wants to have confidence toward God and enjoy answers to prayer. Abiding is about fruit-bearing, maintaining communion is a moment-by-moment responsibility (John 15:3,10). Jesus teaches love precedes obedience and the indwelling Holy Spirit
- The Spirit anoints teaching ministry (1 John 2:20; John 14:26, 16:13-14) as the abiding Spirit (1 John 3:24,4:13). Peace and confidence results, but when the Spirit is grieved he withdraws HIs blessing
- The Spirit is the attesting Spirit (1 John 4:1-6) and the authenticating Spirit (1 John 5:6-8), bearing witness to the person and work of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:14-16,5:5)
Why do you think indifference to the needs of others is such a common and dangerous sin, even among Christians?
What does John mean when he says we should be willing to "lay down our lives for the brethren?"
How does love lead to assurance?
When our delight is in the love of God, our desires will be in the will of God. What does that mean to you?
What's it like to have a moment-by-moment communion with Christ? Is this something just for special Christians? Explain.
How can you abide in God this week?
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