"These Things I've Written..." (1 John 3:13-18)

Introduction

Last wee, we learned that we are to all love one another. John used the example from involving Cain and Abel.

Cain = World, Anger / Abel = God, Righteousnous

Love is the key to it all.

How does the world know the difference between a Christian and a non christian when it comes to sharing love?

1 John 3:13–18 NASB95

13 Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 16 We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 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? 18 Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.

1. There is a clear separation in love and hate. (v. 13-16)

The example of Cain is translated in the world that we live in now.

It should not be surprising to Christians when the world hates them.

Christians have been hated since the beginning.. Why?

Christians have been transformed from death into life.

Anything else is simply death.

Life - Death, Love - Hatred, Darkness - Light, Truth - lie

The character of a Christian is changed forever. There is a difference in how they live their lives among people.

It is not just hatred, but the hatred of Christian people that reveals the worlds true color.

Christians have a hunger for fellowship.

This is met with misunderstanding that can turn into hatred.

The scriptures call hatred murder.

They both come from the same emotions.

We come to the knowledge of true love at the cross.

The cross is where everything starts and ends for the Christian.

It affects who we are to become.

It changes where Christians place their time, labor, and substance.

The cross teaches that the essence of true love is self sacrifice.

Coach Wright. He was the meanest coach that we had and yet everyone wanted to be around him.

There is a difference when love is the motivating factor.

It changes how we live around other people.

2. Love from God must be applied. (v. 17-18)

John understood that laying down ones life was not always literal.

He taught people to lay the means by which life is sustained.

Resources, wealth, and anything that we own.

Don’t withhold your resources from people. Jesus didn’t withhold them from you.

Meet the needs of the church family around you.

True love is revealed not only in the ultimate sacrifice; it is expressed in all lesser givings.

Surrender value from our own life to enrich the life of another.

The separation between a believer and a nonbeliever is in the heart.

An opening

A closing

“Faith gives Christ to me; love from faith gives to my neighbor.”

Verse 18 is one of the most applicable words in the New Testament.

Protesting of love is not enough.

Actions speak louder than words.

The homeless person situation.

- Loves doesn’t proclaim “Jesus loves you” while driving by at 45 mph.

Love notices, assesses, and determines what action to take.

Love doesn’t make people disappear from the mind. It ascribes value to people.

Who we do close our hearts from on a daily basis? Do our decisions reflect the world or God’s love?

Important test.

Jesus accompanied love with action every time.

When we follow His example, it will reveal our true and genuine faith in Him.

Anyone can say that they love God. Does His love motivate you to love others?