Do We Love?
Notes
Transcript
Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.
Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.
But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake.
I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
This letter as we go through it is bringing up many different status questions that have us considering how we measure up to these things. However I want to make sure that we understand that these questions aren’t posed for us to compare to others and see how good of Christians we are. They are written to a group of believers in an attempt to help them differentiate the believer from the unbeliever. They were encountering a group of people at that time that were basically saying “yeah we believe in God but...”
So John is laying out these tests to help clear up this line that was becoming blurred of Christian or not.
These tests that he throws out and that he will keep revisiting are:
The Moral Test (1 John 1:5-7):
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
This test focuses on the believer's lifestyle and conduct. True believers walk in the light, meaning they live in accordance with God’s commandments and principles of righteousness. They strive to live a life characterized by honesty, integrity, and love for others. Those who claim to have fellowship with God but walk in darkness or persist in sin without remorse and repentance are shown to be false.
The Love Test (1 John 4 7-8):
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.
Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
This test examines how believers relate to others, particularly fellow Christians. True believers demonstrate love for their brothers and sisters in Christ. They do not harbor hatred or bitterness but instead show genuine care, forgiveness, and compassion. Failure to love fellow believers indicates a lack of genuine fellowship with God.
The Doctrinal Test (1 John 2:18-27):
Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.
But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.
I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.
No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.
Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.
And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.
I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.
But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
This test involves adherence to true Christian doctrine and teachings. True believers hold fast to the apostolic teaching about Jesus Christ—that He is the Son of God who came in the flesh, died for our sins, and rose again. They reject false teachings and remain rooted in the truth of the gospel as revealed in Scripture.
The Obedience Test (1 John 2:3-6):
And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.
Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,
but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him:
whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
This test emphasizes obedience to God’s commandments as evidence of genuine faith. True believers not only profess faith in Christ but also strive to obey His teachings. They seek to live in a manner that pleases God, following the example set by Jesus Himself.
Persistent disobedience and lack of repentance indicate a disconnect between professed faith and genuine salvation.
These tests in 1 John collectively serve to affirm and strengthen the assurance of believers in our salvation, while also providing a framework for self-examination and spiritual growth. They encourage believers to walk in righteousness, love, doctrinal truth, and obedience, thereby reflecting the transformative work of God in our lives.
Which is important for us to understand for two reasons.
I think sometimes we can get into a head space where we question am I really saved? I think that can be especially true for newer believers or believers who are stuck in a rut struggling mightily with certain sins in theirs lives.
It can help us to see a biblical point of view when we have others claiming to be believers in Christ. Especially those claiming to be Christians and they are in influential positions and are trying to influence our lives. John gives us these tests to be able and say wait a minute, that is in stark opposition to what the word of God says. I need to test what this person is saying to me against what the bible says before I let them influence me in the wrong direction.
John in his letter lists many reasons why he writing what he is writing, but it is important for us not to lose the context of
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.
So that if we do find ourselves questioning our salvation or have someone trying to influence us a certain way and claiming to be in Christ we have these tests if you will from the word of God to use as a guide for the assurance of our salvation.
So let’s look at this first section from today’s verses.
Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.
Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.
But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
The imagery of light and darkness continues, stating that a person cannot walk in light and darkness at the same time. If he hates his brother, he walks in darkness. If he loves his brother, he walks in light. This is not claiming that we need to be fond of every other Christian or emotionally bonded to all believers. Love, agape love can be understood as the steady direction of the will for the good of another. We are not commanded to “feel” a certain way toward others, but to “act” properly toward them. Understood this way, when we act properly toward our Christian brothers, out of a desire to be obedient to God, we love them.
Some interpreters have accused John of less than Christian values for not teaching here that we ought to love not just our Christian brothers but even our enemies, as Jesus taught. John certainly didn’t disagree with Jesus’ teaching. His point in this book, however, was specifically to address a situation which the Ephesian Christians faced—a person claiming to be a Christian but refusing to love his fellow Christians.
So last week Pastor Tony talked about the differences of the worlds definition of love and Christlike love. So if you were here and heard those explanations and now hearing John say if we love each other we are in the light if not we are in the darkness it brings the question
Do we love?
1. Love as a Mark of True Discipleship (1 John 2:9-11)
John begins by addressing a fundamental aspect of our Christian identity: love. He writes, "Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother is still in the darkness". Here, John is unwavering in his point that genuine followers of Christ cannot harbor hatred towards others. Instead, love for one another is not just a commandment but a natural outflow of abiding in the light of Christ.
As Christians, our love for others should attempt to mirror God’s love for us—a selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the good of others above our own interests. This love not only distinguishes us as disciples of Jesus but also testifies to the transformative power of Christ in our lives.
So what does that look like?
Showing Up- We can get into mindsets where all we consider is our own wellbeing when we are deciding to come to church or go to community group. One of the ways we can show this type of agape love towards our fellow believers is instead of saying I don’t feel like going today. We say God I don’t know how you plan to use me today, but if you do let it be for your glory.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Vulnerability- When we love each other enough to open up with our deepest struggles it brings down the walls of surface level relationships and let’s others know they are in a safe space to open up and that creates a space for God to help heal us through one another.
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Prayer- Putting our own desires, needs or struggles to the side for a moment and praying for one another is such a pure form of love.
We see this example from Paul in
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
and also in
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Then the last one that I don’t think a lot of us enjoy, but is still vitally important in showing true Christlike love is...
Accountability- That requires out of love going to our brothers and sisters when we see them struggling. This one can be difficult but is it really love if we see someone standing on the train tracks but don’t approach them about moving out of the way? It is the same with sin. We don’t need to become these modern day Pharisees that we see nowadays pointing out all these religious traditions that we think others are doing wrong. But we do go to our brothers and sisters and say are you okay? I’m noticing some things and I want you to know I am here and ready and willing to wade into this mess with you till we walk out together.
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
This verse speaks to the value of honest feedback and correction from those who care about us. It shows the significance of being open, truthful and vulnerable in our relationships with one another. This strengthen the body because it is built on trust, support and authenticity.
Moving on in today’s verses. These verses are difficult to understand, and they do not have a strong connection with what went before or what comes after. After the stern warning up to this point, these verses seem to be reassuring us that we are in fact Christians.
I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake.
2. Maturing in Faith and Knowledge (1 John 2:12)
John continues by addressing different stages of spiritual maturity within the church. He writes, "I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name".
Here, John in spite of all these tests he’s been throwing out there he brings it right back to the gospel. It is because of Jesus we forgiveness and salvation. Whether we are new to the faith or seasoned in our walk with Christ, the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ remains the bedrock of our relationship with God.
John then addresses young men and fathers in the faith, highlighting the progression of spiritual growth and knowledge that comes with maturity. As we grow in our understanding of God’s Word and deepen our relationship with Him through prayer, study, and fellowship, we are strengthened to overcome the challenges and temptations that confront us.
I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
3. Victory Over the Evil One (1 John 2:13-14)
In the final verses, John emphasizes the victory that believers have in Christ over the evil one. As followers of Christ, we are not merely survivors but conquerors through Him who strengthens us.
Our victory over the evil one is grounded in our identity as children of God, filled with the Holy Spirit, and equipped with the Word of God. Through prayer, faithfulness, and reliance on the power of Christ, we can resist temptation, overcome trials, and bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel.
Conclusion
So earlier we asked ourselves the question do we love? We then looked at some ways to find the answer to that question. But the reality is that if we are in Christ and understand the love that has been poured out on us how could we not love one another?
The love we have been shown by God is beyond measure, profound in its depth and limitless in its scope. Scripture tells us that "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" Romans 5:8. This sacrificial act of Jesus on the cross stands as the ultimate expression of God’s love toward humanity. It is a love that surpasses human understanding, for it was not contingent upon our worthiness or merit but flowed freely from God’s compassionate heart. This love is unconditional and unwavering, reaching out to embrace us in our brokenness and offering us reconciliation with God.
What’s even more beautiful is that God’s love is not passive but active and transformative. It is a love that pursues us relentlessly, seeking to heal our wounds, restore our souls, and redeem our lives. Through Jesus Christ, God reveals His desire for a restored relationship with each one of us, inviting us into a journey of intimacy and communion with Him. This love is not based on fleeting emotions or circumstances but is grounded in God’s unchanging character and faithfulness. It is a love that endures through trials and tribulations, offering us hope and strength to persevere. As we meditate on the love we have been shown from God, may it inspire us to love others with the same selfless and sacrificial love that we have received, becoming beacons of God’s love in a world desperately in need of His grace. Amen?
Let us pray.