Love One Another

1 John 3:11–24 NASB95

For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another; not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous. Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight. This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

INTRO: Have you ever seen those “Is it cake? videos?” It’s pretty amazing when they show you what is obviously not cake- it’s like a sewing machine or something… until they slice it open with a knife and it is cake. It’s hard sometimes to tell if it’s really cake. Well, we might also find it a challenge when we look at others who profess Christ- are they for real?

We’ve been warned in this study of false teachers, antichrists, and even some people in the church who deceive others by proclaiming to be in fellowship with Jesus while really living in a lifestyle of sin. Last week, we were urged to pursue holiness as believers because of our identity, our aspirations, and our testimony.

And as we wrapped up, we noted John’s statement that there is an obvious difference between those who are of God and those who are of the devil. This week, we are going to take that one step further. How can we tell the difference between an imposter and the real deal?

Actually, Jesus answered our question about how we can tell a real Christian. Let me just read for you

John 13:35 NASB95

“By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John echoes our Lord in this letter. In fact, he reminds us that the command to love one another is not new. Look with me at v. 11 (READ)

Now, I know that it might seem kind of crazy that anyone would have to say this to a bunch of Christians, but here John is saying it to the Ephesians and it extends to us as well. Folks, we are to love one another.

When we talk about love, we are not talking the mushy, cheesy, ooey-gooey love you see on the Hallmark Channel. Love is an ACTION and it means that we are to sacrificially seek God’s best for one another. In our time together this morning, we are going to see the contrast between the heart of a Christian and the heart of an imposter.

I’m going to warn you, this message has some sting to it. But in the end, what we will see is that if you are an authentic follower of Jesus Christ, you will be encouraged and assured. If not, then I pray that there would be repentance.

The message is titled “Love One Another”. If you picked up a bulletin, you’ll find a handy dandy sermon guide inside that you can use to take a deeper dive into today’s passage. Let us begin.

The first contrast we see is between:

Committed vs. Casual Worshiper (12)

Now, you might be thinking, “Wait, I thought we were talking about loving one another…?” We are, but here we need to recognize that love for one another is borne out of our relationship with God.

1 John 4:19 NASB95

We love, because He first loved us.

It is God who assigns value to us. Without God, there is no basis for love or for right and wrong.

John immediately points us to way back to Cain to help us to see how this works. (READ 12a) Do you remember Cain?

Long before Moses and the tabernacle, men understood that God is worthy of our worship and devotion. And so we have, in Gen. 4, the sons of the first couple bringing an offering to God. Let me just read to you this brief account:

Genesis 4:3–8 NASB95

So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground. Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? “If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.

Now, perhaps you noticed that the offerings were different- Cain brought produce, Abel brought animals. Does this mean that God would not accept Cain’s offering because it was not the animal offering that Abel brought? No. God sees the heart (motivation) and that’s what you and I need to observe.

John gives us a commentary in his epistle, saying that Cain was ‘of the evil one’ - his heart was not devoted to God. Cain brought an offering, but we get the idea that his offering was a ‘checking off the box’ - perhaps an offering of left-overs.

Cain’s offering was rejected because it was tainted with the sin of casual worship. Cain expected God to accept his hollow offering- that He would lower His standards or give him a pass. After all, he did bring an offering…Can you use your imagination and consider Cain’s line of thought?

“So what if it wasn’t a sacrificial, committed offering? So what if it’s what is just whatever I have left? God should be pleased that I would bring anything at all!”

But you know, He could have brought his best produce, but still been rejected because, in his heart, Cain was not committed to worship God as He deserves and demands.

Abel, on the other hand, brought of the firstlings of his flock. He didn’t wait to see if he had enough to give, he knew that God was due his worship as a priority over everything else. He demonstrated that he was truly surrendered to God, and God accepted this offering.

Here’s the thing we need to see: Cain could not love Abel because he did not love God. Likewise, the heart of a Christian is committed to God, which produces in him the love for others. If you are a citizen of God’s Kingdom, you will love one another.

I wonder how many times we, as professing Christians bring an offering to God that is simply left-overs; a casual offering instead of the committed offering that God deserves… Do we expect that God should accept our hollow offerings?

The next contrast we see is between:

Spirit-filled Vs. Spiteful (13-16)

Let’s read 13-15 (READ)

We have to dig deeper into Cain’s actions as we seek to understand this. You see, Cain did not see a problem with his casual worship. Rather, he saw a problem with his brother’s righteousness. Instead of pursuing God, becoming humble and seeking to draw near to God, Cain murdered his brother. He was jealous and he hated that Abel seemed to be more mature in his faith. Abel was ‘showing him up’.

This spite comes from the thinking that we are in competition against one another for God’s love and favor. Like siblings competing for their parent’s attention… It’s no wonder that the world hates true Christians- we are a reminder that there is a God who reigns above all. We are a reminder that God deserves our worship and devotion. Darkness hates light because light always overcomes darkness!

On the other hand, those who are are spirit-filled love one another and recognize that love to be evidence of their identity. And this love is a genuine desire to see one another flourish. If you are spirit-filled, you look at these young folks and you want to see them grow and do well. You can genuinely celebrate with them.

For example: When someone is growing in their faith, and they are leading a ministry area, you don’t resent them because they are doing it different or even better than you would do it. You celebrate them! Praise God that there are more teachers and preachers being called to serve God’s Kingdom! Praise God there are talented people who can cook, sing, and serve! When we raise up more and better servants, that’s what it looks like when we’re making disciples!!

Imagine how different things could have been in Cain’s life if he’d went to Abel and put his arm around him and said, “hey brother, it’s so awesome that you are committed to worship God like you are. Praise God! I see your sacrifice and I am convicted. I need to grow in faith and dedication here.”

But all too often, people - even some in the church - approach one another like Cain: with hatred and jealousy. It may not manifest in murder, but it might be gossip or slander. This spite reveals that the heart of the individual.

John says that if you hate your brother (or sister), then you cannot have Christ abiding in you. Why? Look with me to v. 16 (READ)

Because hatred is murder in your heart, then it is the opposite of laying down your life for one another. A spiteful person demands that others lay down their lives for him. A spirit-filled person is humble and lays down their life for others.

What does that look like?

Well, it might look like denying our preferences or comforts so that another may flourish.

It might look like taking a back seat so another can gain experience.

It might look like cheering someone on and building them up.

I’m sure you can think of more examples. To love one another is to be committed to God and spirit-filled.

Finally, John draws to the the contrast between:

Action vs. Idleness (17-22)

Look at v. 17-18 again (READ)

Love for one another is action. We have talked about this before - it’s not enough to say “I love you” if you avoid or reject the opportunities to demonstrate that love. James reminds us of this idea as well in

James 2:15–16 NASB95

If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?

If you have the means by which to meet a need, then meeting a need is the expression of that love. In Romans 13:8, Paul asserts that we owe this love to our neighbor.

A positive example of this is found in the book of Acts as the early church was beginning to take off. (Acts 4:32-35, Acts 2:44-45) Luke tells us that these Christians would actually sell land or other belongings and give to provide food or clothing to those among them who were in need.

They ACTED! They didn’t just talk a big game- they didn’t say, “It sure would be nice if we could have a food ministry” No, they saw that there was a need and they met that need in accordance with their abilities. (I believe this was done prudently, not flippantly)

In contrast, John says that if we have the means to meet a need and we close our heart, we are demonstrating that the love of God does not abide in us. You see, the love of God is a generous love. He gives freely to us- to bless us and meet our needs.

Matthew 7:11 NASB95

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

Because He is in us, our generosity in ACTION should reflect God’s generous love for us

I like how John wraps up this thought in v. 21-22 (READ)

When we love through action, we can be confident that we are obeying God’s command to love one another, and this is pleasing to the Lord.

Perhaps you are one who believes that you don’t need to be involved in a small group or engaged in church- maybe you have taken the “ “Just me and Jesus” approach. Can I tell you something? The church is the body of Christ. We live out our faith in community because that’s God’s design- it’s how we testify to the world. They will know we are Christians by our love.

What is the evidence of our love for one another?

Are we pursuing God together- worshiping with pure, untainted motives?

Are we building up one another or are we spiteful of some?

Are we bearing one another’s burdens?

So church, let me ask you: Are you more Christ-like or Cain-like?

In just a few moments, we will sing our benediction hymn. As we do, I want you to respond to the Holy Spirit as you have examined your life and love for one another. Perhaps you need to come and pray- maybe there is bitterness or jealousy in your heart this morning… maybe you need to go and reconcile with someone.

[PRAY]

Discuss: How does Cain’s example inform our command to love one another?

Discuss: How are you celebrating God’s favor in the lives of others?

Discuss: What ACTION of love toward another will you express this week?