Vrs 17 Because of the love of Jesus, we can have confidence when our day of Judgment comes.
1,Confidence in our salvation. 2. Confidence that we will be rewarded. 3. Confidence that we have a just and loving Savior.
“as He is” our standing in the world and to the world is similar to Jesus, when we love.
Think of Jesus’ reputation in the world…
One of the reasons for the Incarnation was… Jesus was an example for us.
Our chief purpose in bringing glory to God is becoming more and more like Jesus - Sanctification
Vrs 18 When we rely on Jesus’ love for our salvation there is no fear about our eternity.
Who shall we fear? Only God Luke 12:4-5
An unloving Christian experiences fear because they have the torment of guilt that they are being displeasing to God. There will be no reward for the lack of love we show others.
On the other hand we have to remember what we learned about Expiation, that is Jesus cleanses our guilt, shame and the stain of sin, so if you messed up Jesus takes care of it.
Vrs 19 Reminder, again He says Jesus first loved us. I would say this is God’s irresistible grace. When you fully understand the Love of Jesus it is almost as if you can’t help but love Him.
Vrs 20-21 If you say you love God you must love others, if you don’t you are not clinging to the truth of the Gospel. The Gospel is a call to love, remember Jesus loved us and we are said to be His enemies because of our sin. This reminds us of Propitiation, true love takes wrath on another’s behalf.
What John is saying in this passage is when a Christian loves it has eternal implications. It also shows others of their Regeneration
Vrs 1 The Gospel and now He is reminded us of the oneness of the Father and the Son
Vrs 2 Litmus test #3 How do you know you are truly showing love to fellow Christians? You are keeping the commands of Jesus, if you do that love will come through. “the law is summed up in love”
Vrs 3 “This is the love of God”… do what Jesus would do. “His commands are not burdensome” when you have a love in you for Jesus. Following Him is a joy, not a checklist of things to do. “Labor of love”
There may be joy in disobedience but the consequences of disobedience cancel it out. There is more joy in obedience and showing love to others
So how do you love? The heart of the how is “Consider others better then yourselves” Phil 2 says that is what Jesus did when HE laid down His life for us.
1. Say it, encouraging words. Eph 4 “encourage one another and build each other up” Your words have power to express love, use them wisely. With words you can make someone’s day or ruin it.
Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. William Arthur Ward.
Abraham Lincoln carried with him a newspaper clipping stating he was a great leader.
2. Empathize, with their situation, Author Jess Lair said Empathy is “your pain in my heart”. Galatians 6:2 “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ”
3. Practice unconditional love, Usually our love is based on conditions “but he or she did this” (women and divorce ill) Luke 6:27-36 brings us to our next point.
4. Expect nothing in return, (Letter about bunk beds) if you expect something in return you will start to resent, when you resent you will hate what started as a labor of love. Phil 2:4 “interests of others”
5. Realize the opportunity can and will be lost. If we don’t love in these ways we face regret
Alfred Lloyd Tennyson “Better to have loved and lost, then to never love at all”
Vrs 4-5 Our Faith in Jesus and His example of love will help us have victory in our live. If you practice love towards others your relationships will be better, sure there will be relationships that will still fail but at least you can rest in the fact that you have followed the law of love that Jesus told you to.
Now in the next 8 verses John gives us the reason or the proof of why Jesus can be trusted to follow…
Vrs 6 water=baptism which was Jesus’ earthly ministry. Blood=Jesus crucifixion
This was most likely refuting Cerinthus who was a teacher at that time that taught that Jesus became God at the moment of His baptism. This is not a Scriptural teaching.
Vrs 7 Trinity oneness
Vrs 8 Spirit=the scriptures prophecy about Jesus which were Holy Spirit inspired. These three agree Jesus came, He had an earthly ministry and He died in our place for our sins. Many of you who are in Community Groups learned about how Jesus fulfilled 300 prophecies. The prophesies, His work and His Death
Vrs 9 Listen if you are trusting in man, why would you not trust in God. “there is a way that seems right to man and in the end it leads to death” pro 14:12 & 16:25 They knew the law of Deut 19:15 which was accept the testimony of a person if there were two witnesses. Jesus’ testimony is greater.
Vrs 10 “witness in himself” is the Holy Spirit and the Scripture and for all those who do not trust the Scriptures are making God out to be a liar.
Vrs 11 Eternal life is only through Jesus
Vrs 12 Plain and simple without Jesus you don’t have a life
Vrs 13a “know you have eternal life” Reminder of eternal security. One of the most amazing things about Jesus is that His love Romans 8:39 “nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ”
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