Characteristics of Fellowship

Love for Others (11-18)

John writes this portion to Christians, as he says in verse 11 that this is as something he expected them to know. “this is the message that ye heard from the beginning.”

John uses a negative example of loving others in going through the account of Cain and Abel.

What was happening in Cain's heart before he murdered Abel?

John draws a comparison from Cain and Abel. Abel offered the righteous sacrifice. He was a follower in the light of God, not worried about what his brother, Cain might think of him.

Why did Cain slay him? because he was evil and in darkness, just as those in the world are. They can’t help but to do these things (although it is a choice) because of their sinful nature.

John continues elaborating on this comparison, because Cain hated Abel because Abel was righteous and in the light. When a Christian is walking in the light and abiding in God and doing righteous things, it drives those in the darkness crazy. This is a reaction that is expected by the world.

That is why John tells them not to marvel. Do not even think about it or be surprised, in fact we should expect it. Darkness literally cannot comprehend nor overcome the light.

This is usually due to a feeling of guilt or condemnation inside of them. This will either drive them towards hatred, or to repentance and into the light. That is why we are called to remain steadfast in seeking Jesus.

Do you know what is not acceptable though? Those that profess to be walking in the light and to be Christians, but hate the brothers and sisters in Christ. This points back to what John has been saying this whole time. Those are the ones who are liars, or as in verse 14-15, are the ones that abide in death and do not have the promise of eternal life in them. There is no one more spiteful than someone that has seen the light, and tasted of God’s goodness, yet chose darkness.

What do you think this says about us as the Church leaving feelings of envy and bitterness unchecked in our hearts?

Because we can not be those things and be walking in the light at the same time. If we walk in the light as Christ is in the light, then we will bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Love is literally the prime evidence of our salvation. The love that we have for others, specifically our brothers and sisters in Christ.

God’s love should steer us to love God’s people, and away from envy bitterness and strife.

How do verses 16-18 show us how we can show this love?

We do it by modeling Jesus. He laid down his life for us, so we lay our lives down for each other. It is a calling to lay down our own selfish ego, pride, self preservation, all those things, in response to following God. It is not never about seeking our own glory or to boast in what we do and how good we are, but to glorify Jesus.

As verse 16 says, the cross is literally where we can perceive the love of God.

We can also do it by meeting needs and giving (v.17) the Triune God saw there was a need for humanity because of our sinfulness, and Jesus Christ offered to pay it in full at the cross. That should do something to us and we should seek to glorify Jesus by doing these things.

We also love in deed and truth. Loving sincerely and genuinely in what ways you are capable. It is not about being front and center in service, but loving as you are called to and giving where you are able to.

An Assured Heart (19-21)

What is the difference between conviction from the Holy Spirit and condemnation from our own hearts?

The difference is the source. Conviction comes directly from God. Conviction is meant to correct us and get our attention. When the Holy Spirit convicts us, it is because we are doing something wrong according to God’s truth.

Condemnation from our hearts is not of God, so it is not the voice of God. Condemnation from our hearts is not always defined by the Word of God. Sometimes it is from the voice of society, or close family members, but it is not of God. Example of women wearing jeans and dresses.

What does this about our hearts?

That it is deceitful. We can not rely on what our hearts tell us above what God tells us. This is why we must be in the Word and let it renew our minds. Because when our minds get renewed, it changes the heart. The Word of God should set the direction we follow, not our hearts.

How can verses 20-21 give us assurance?

That even when our heart, and the enemy who can whisper thoughts to us, try to impose this stuff on us, God is greater than all and knoweth all things. This is a promise of assurance from God because He knows all. Even though your heart and negative thoughts may speak louder, it doesn’t change what God thinks of His children.

It is the promise of God that assures our hearts literally in His presence. Not anything we do or can do or have done, but solely based on God and His faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22–23 “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

It is not that we don’t fail, but it is the compassion and mercy of God that never fails.

An Obedience to the Son (22-24)

In verse 23, John states the root of this whole epistle in regards to obedience. It is to believe in the name of the Son of God Jesus Christ, and to love one another.

This shows our faith, and how we can live out our faith.

By keeping these 2 commandments, we can see 2 results that will happen.

1) We will see answered prayer in our life (verse 22)

We don’t only believe on the name of Jesus for our salvation, but we believe on Him for all that He is. We believe that He is truly higher than all; the name above all names, King of kings, and Lord of lords. We believe that all things are possible through Him and that we are able to see victory and answered prayer.

A heart that is truly set on Him, will truly seek His will. Not the vanities of the world, but truly seek His will. Our faith in Him lines our heart with Him which means that we will see answered prayer because we are seeking the things above and not just praying for the things of this world.

2) We will abide in Him (24)

Faith in Jesus and loving others keeps us in His will. This is a promise of direction, that we will be headed on true North in following His will and seeking to live like Him and for Him.