Love

Introduction:

Today we are going to talk about a very familiar topic

Today we are going to talk about love

Wikipedia the foremost authority on all things

Love encompasses a range of strong and positive emotional and mental states, from the most sublime virtue or good habit, the deepest interpersonal affection and to the simplest pleasure. An example of this range of meanings is that the love of a mother differs from the love of a spouse, which differs from the love of food. Most commonly, love refers to a feeling of strong attraction and emotional attachment.

He uses the word “love” 29 times in this passage, using the Greek root word AGAPE in some fashion or form

John declares twice in this passage that “God is Love”

He uses the word “love” 29 times in this passage, using the Greek root word AGAPE in some fashion or form

Classical Greek uses five different words to describe love, and *koine Greek uses three of those words in the NT

Storge =familia love *Phileo =Friendly or platonic love *Eros-= Erotic or sensual love Xenia = love for a guest*Agape = Divine love

*Phileo =Friendly or platonic love

*Eros-= Erotic or sensual love

Xenia = love for a guest

*Agape = Divine love

Within this passage it covers some very important subjects, which we will look at today

Spiritual birth

atonement

gift of the spirit

confidence at judgement

But all of these subjects are possible and find there foundation in the Love of God

The love of God weaves these theological ideas into a beautiful tapestry of truths

But more importantly, it is because of God’s love we are able to experience these truths

it is the love of God that defines who we are

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Verse 7-8

John begins this section with the commandments that Christ gave to his disciples and what would define them as a people

Love one another, but love them with divine love that comes from God,

People who are not saved can love, and are capable of love

But they are not capable to love people with same divine love of God, unless they are born from God

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

We can only pour out that which is in us

When God takes up residence in our lives, he fills us with who he is

And who God is, Love, will flow from our inward parts.

The living, loving, breath of God, has breathed new life into our bones

- Dry bones

It is not the persons abilitiy to love that causes the new birth, but his ability to let divine love flow from his regeneration in Christ

Verse 9-12

Everything God does is motivated by love

Adam and Eve

The nation of Israel

Christ death on the cross

God so loved this world, that he gave love to us, so that we could experience life

We were incapable to love in the way that God loves, so God loved us first, and provided us the way through Christ, through his regeneration, the new birth, that we are able to love one another, with the divine love that only comes from God

Verses 9-10 Look at them closely

The purpose of sending Christ into the world was the atonement

This is truly amazing love

Amazing love, how can it be, that my king should die for me.

John once again states, that no one has ever seen God

But if we are trusting in him, and we are allowing his love to flow through us, then the world will see the love of the Father.

Verses 13-21

To know God, is to manifest his love

IF we know God, then to abide in him, is to love our brother with the same type of divine love that he has loved us with.