MIDDLE SCHOOL LOVE // WEEK 1

Introduction

This apostolic letter speaks authoritatively about the truth of the incarnation—a message John’s doubting readers needed after hearing false teachers deny the full divinity and humanity of Christ. It reaffirms the core of Christianity, saying that either we exhibit the sound doctrine, obedience, and love that characterize all Christians, or else we are not true Christians. When all the basics of faith are in operation, we not only know joy but can live a holy life and be assured of salvation (3:19, 24)—even though we are still far from perfect (1:9). This assurance comes especially as we find ourselves learning to “love one another” as brothers and sisters in Christ (4:7–8).

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It’s February and Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! That means IF you have a girlfriend/significant other you definitely need to get them something! Be a secret admirer. Those are always fun.

Back in my day we used to make these boxes and we would decorate them and honestly I used to think mine we’re so cool. Maybe I was a little weird or different.

Then the next day at school we’d bring those in and people would drop their valentines in them with candy and a little note. Do y’all still do stuff like this today?

Well, just like we’ve heard about little notes being dropped in boxes, we’ve had a similar note dropped in our laps tonight. For the next few weeks, I want to help you take your next steps with Jesus through the love of Jesus found in a letter.

If you’ve got a Bible, I need you to turn to 1 John. It’s in the back of your Bibles and this letter is an important letter in regards to love because of a very famous scripture in there that tells us that God, Himself, is love. .

So before we dig in and I teach about taking your next steps with Jesus through the love of Jesus, let’s do a little context...

Introduction

This apostolic letter speaks authoritatively about the truth of the incarnation—a message John’s doubting readers needed after hearing false teachers deny the full divinity and humanity of Christ. It reaffirms the core of Christianity, saying that either we exhibit the sound doctrine, obedience, and love that characterize all Christians, or else we are not true Christians. When all the basics of faith are in operation, we not only know joy but can live a holy life and be assured of salvation (3:19, 24)—even though we are still far from perfect (1:9). This assurance comes especially as we find ourselves learning to “love one another” as brothers and sisters in Christ (4:7–8).

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Jn.

An Apostle wrote this - someone sent out from God, they had authority to write about the love of God.

Incarnation - God really proved his love through showing up. He didn’t keep us at a distance, but He came and walked life with us and dealt with everything we could ever possibly deal with and overcame it.

False teaching - the world was trying to disrupt the love of God by convincing us God didn’t really love us and there are “better” loves found in the world if we would just seek them out.

Core of Christianity - exhibit sound doctrine, obedience, and love.

When all of these things work together - guess what? We can be sure of God’s love for us, take our next steps in that love, even though we aren’t perfect and that love doesn’t originally come from us.

MIDDLE SCHOOL LOVE // WEEK 1

Intro

Turn to 1 John

(Translated from above) Some important need to know things about this letter...