To Love is God’s Commandment
1 John Bible Study, Part 4
1 John 2:7-17
Introduction
- Last week, John gave us tremendous insight into living fully for Christ
• We have an Advocate
• We must live for Him
• God makes us complete
- V4 is the confirmation of this statement: “Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar … AND the truth is not in that person.”
- Caution: We are not all going to live perfect lives, admit it
-- We are also all going to sin and have to ask for forgiveness of our sin
-- The problem is this: When your sin no longer bothers you; then v4 is you
- If we take serious the commands of God, then God’s love is made complete in us
-- If we obey the Word, we are made complete because He dwells within us
- Tonight, John continues to encourage us by furthering his explanations
-- It is when we see why he says what he does, that our encouragement is found
- Read 1 John 2:7-17 / Pray
∆ Point 1 – A New Command Repeated (7-8)
- John gives us what looks like a contradiction of words:
-- Not writing a new command … but says he’s writing a new command?
-- Let’s first examine the command: It’s that we love one another
- Leviticus 19:18, “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
- Then Jesus said (and echoed) this very thing to the disciples:
- John 15:12, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
- It is an old command in that “old” refers to a time when it was given
- Yet, it is a new command because Jesus just gave it ~60 years earlier
-- The evidence we have as proof is His death and resurrection
-- APP: He is the complete example that you and I need in order to be free
-- 1 Peter 2:21, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps.”
- IMP: We NOW have a clearer understanding of what living for God looks like
-- The power of the Holy Spirit has been given to all that believe in Christ
-- The church has joined together to serve and help those in need
-- And it’s through LOVE that Christians demonstrate the life of Christ
- TRANS: If we love, then we cannot live in the darkness without light
∆ Point 2 – Light vs. Dark (9-11)
- John once again puts light and darkness in opposition to one another
-- Fact: It is impossible to walk in the light while living in the darkness
-- APP: It is asking us something simple: Do you love? Or do you hate?
- Challenge: Are we constantly seeking the betterment of one another?
-- Or, are we living in a way that tramples one another so we can be exalted?
- We are not commanded to feel a certain way towards one another
-- But to act in a way that demonstrates what we have been commanded
-- IMP: When we act out of God’s command we demonstrate love for all
- John’s teaching covers not just Christian love, but love for all persons
-- We are blind and without direction if we stumble in the darkness all the time
-- APP: John is saying, “Quit living with blinders on, there’s more to do!”
- We are called to live in love towards one another, which is in the light
-- 1 John 1:6, “If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.”
- TRANS: How can we claim to be a Christian and not have love for all we see?
∆ Point 3 – Who do we live for? (12-17)
- John continues with what may be a confusing section in the middle of this
- John addresses three groups of people: dear children, fathers, young men
-- Some commentary discusses this has to do with spiritual maturity
-- Others indicate this is merely three age groups being identified
-- Both hold validity; we won’t argue the literal list – but look at wording
- John writes because:
• Because your sins have been forgiven (12)
• Because we know the One who always has been (13)
• Because we have overcome the evil one (13)
• Because we know the Father (14)
• Because we know that He always has been (14)
• Because you are strong (14)
• Because the Word lives in us (14)
• Because we have overcome the evil one (14)
- The encouragement here is INCREDIBLE! We are encouraged because of Him!
-- If we forget anything, these verses should spark at least some victory in us
-- We should be reminded of where we’ve come from, and what God has done!
- Everything that is OF the world is not to be loved; or even given attention (15)
-- Our focus must be on heavenly things; the commands of God on living right
-- The world brings destruction and corruption into our lives – leave them behind
-- Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
- TRANS: What is our takeaway for tonight? Re-read verse 17
∆ Big Ideas
- IMP: (17) The world and it’s desires will one day pass away!
-- The world’s values do not last for eternity, they are self-centered and empty
-- John’s cry to the believer here is asking, “Who do you live for?”
- Challenge: Who do you live for? Who has your focus? Who is your Lord?
-- FB post (17): Be intentional. Casual Christianity is a farce ... and it leads to complacency and self-promotion. “Love God, Love People.”
- Pray
