Historical Posts
Hebrews 05:12-14 – Right and Wrong – Audio
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Text: Hebrews 5:12-14
What is Right and What is Wrong?
Introduction to What is Right and Wrong
A. What is “spiritual maturity?” It is being able to have our “senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
B. We are to be able to prove or to determine the good, perfect and acceptable will of God – Romans 12:2
C. How do we decide what is right and wrong?
Body for What is Right and Wrong
I. Questions and Biblical Answers to What is Right and Wrong.
A. Is it condemned in the Bible? – Galatians 5:19-21
B. Will it harm me spiritually? – Romans 8:5-8; Galatians 5:16-26
C. Will it harm me physically? – 1 Corinthians 6:15-20; Romans 12:1
D. Will it hurt others, causing them to go astray? – Romans 14:1-15:3;
E. Will it take too much of my time and money? – Luke 12:16 -21; Ephesians 5:15-16
F. Will it hurt my influence for Christ and the church? – Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Timothy 4:12
G. Will it hurt my conscience? – Romans 14:21-23
H. If Christ was here, would He disapprove? – 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Corinthians 11:1
II. Two Thoughts About Sin!
A. Sin is not hereditary.
1. Sin is of such a nature in its very meaning that it cannot be inherited.
2. Sin is something committed – 1 John 3:4; John 8:34
3. We neither inherit the act or the guilt of our parent’s sins.
4. We suffer the consequences of their sins – Exodus 20:4-5
5. We do not suffer the guilt of their sins – Ezekiel 18:20; Matthew 18:1-4
B. Sin is no laughing matter.
1. Sin is rebellion, lawlessness, perversity, and failure.
2. It is a disease that needs curing.
3. It is a taskmaster that needs forsaking.
4. It is an insanity that needs healing.
5. It is a filth that needs cleansing.
6. It is a debt that needs paying.
7. It is a stain that needs removing.
8. It is a darkness that needs light.
Conclusion to What is Right and Wrong
A. An understanding of “what is sin” constitutes a strong argument against sinning.
B. Obey the Gospel of Christ – quit the sinning business – John 8:32
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Galatians 06:14 – How do you View the Cross of Christ? – Audio
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Text: Galatians 6:14 (Reading by )
Introduction to How do you View the Cross of Christ?
1. Some see the Cross of Christ as a piece of jewelry
2. Some see the Cross as a decoration in their home.
3. Some see the Cross as a design in their clothing
4. The bible points out seven different perspectives of the Cross of Christ
Body
A. The Cross of Christ was about silver to Judas
1. He was a thief and traitor – John 12:4-6
2. He sold Jesus – Matthew 26:15
B. The Cross of Christ was about silence to the Pharisees
1. They tried to trick Him – Matthew 22:15-22
2. They decided to kill Him – Matthew 26:3-5
a. He arose – Acts 2:32-33
b. His disciples turned the world upside down – Acts 17:6
C. The Cross of Christ was about self-preservation to Pilate
1. He knew Jesus was innocent – Matthew 27:23-24
2. He sacrificed Jesus to save himself – John 19:12-16
D. The Cross of Christ was about sport to the Roman soldiers
1. The soldiers made fun of Him – John 19:2-3
2. They gambled for His clothes – Matthew 27:35
E. The Cross of Christ was about substitution to the Father
1. This was God’s demonstration of His love
2. He died for us – 1 Peter 2:21
F. The Cross of Christ was about submission to the Son
1. He submitted willing – Matthew 26:39, 53
2. He humbled Himself – Philippians 2:8-9
Conclusion to How do you View the Cross of Christ?
1. The Cross of Christ is about salvation to the saints
2. So Jesus said – Matthew 26:28
3. So they preached – 1 Peter 1:18-20
4. He is coming again – Revelation 1:7-9
5. The Cross can change your life, change you. How will you respond to the Cross of Christ?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Ephesians 05:23-33 – Why I Love The Church – Audio
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Text: Ephesians 5:23-33 (Reading by Andy Anderson)
Introduction to Why I Love The Church
1. There are many people who are cynical when they speak of the church
2. They see the church as a cold, sterile, formal institution
3. However, some people see the church as I do: Something to love
4. I grant the human side of the church remains in a constant state of renovation and repair, but that’s really no reason not to love it
5. Allow me to share with you four reasons why I love the church
Why I Love The Church
I. I Love the Church Because Jesus Loves It
A. My greatest aim in life is to be a Christian
1. I’ll never be perfect
2. But I hope and pray I look more like him today at 73 than when I was 23 years old
B. Jesus loved the church – Ephesians 5:25
II. I Love the Church Because the Church Is Family
A. Members of the church are called sons of God – Galatians 3:26
1. Fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters – 1 Timothy 5:1-2
B. Because we’re family, we have support
C. We don’t have to go through life alone
1. Matthew 12:46-50
2. Mark 10:28-30
III. I Love the Church Because Of Its Impact on the World
A. Don’t we all lament the state of the world?
B. Just think what this world would be like without the influence of the church!
C. Matthew 5:13-16
D. The church is a moral voice and a conscience in our society
IV. I Love the Church Because It Is the Saved
A. Jesus Saves, not the church; but it is the church that Jesus saves!
B. Ephesians 5:25-30; Acts 2:47, 20:28
C. If I’m not a part of the church, then no matter what else I may accomplish in life, it’s all been for nothing – Matt 16:24-26
Conclusion to Why I Love The Church
1. The greatest gift you could ever give the Lord is to love the church of Jesus Christ supremely
2. The greatest gift you could ever give to your spouse is to love the church of Jesus Christ supremely
3. The greatest gift you could ever give to your children is to love the church of Jesus Christ supremely
4. The greatest gift you could ever give your neighbors and friends is to love the church of Jesus Christ supremely
Anxiety and Comfort for Christians – Audio
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Anxiety and Comfort for Christians
Christians Have Anxiety?
Someone has written that an average person’s anxiety is focused on a few major areas:
- 40% of anxiety concerns things that will never happen. No point in worrying about these!
- 30% of anxiety is about things that have happened in the past and can’t be changed.
- 12% of anxiety is over criticism by others. We have no control of others!
- 10% of anxiety is health oriented. Health gets worse when we are stressed and anxious!
- 8% of anxiety is related to real problems that we can be face and possibly address.
Christians Should Take Comfort, Not Have Anxiety.
Look at 1 Peter 1:3-5, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
These are some reasons that Christians should let go of anxiety and take comfort:
- Take comfort because we have experienced God’s mercy (1 Peter 1:3a).
- Take comfort because we have been born again (1 Peter 1:3b). We have another chance to have God as our father!
- Take comfort because we have a living hope (1 Peter 1:3c).
- Take comfort because we have a guaranteed inheritance in heaven (1 Peter 1:4).
- Take comfort because we are kept by God’s power (1 Peter 1:5).
Christians need more comfort? Why? Look at all that God has already provided to comfort us when we are His children!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Matthew 05:13-16 Contagious Christian Living – Audio
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Text: Matthew 5:13-16Introduction to Contagious Christian Living
1. Usually, the term “contagious” has a negative connotation.
2. Contagious simply means that something is transmissible and is not negative by definition.
3. What normally gives the word a negative connotation is that we usually speak of it with reference to disease. (EBOLA as an example)
4. However, are there not many good things that we could wish were contagious?
5. In this lesson, let’s examine some things that we can do with our lives that will help make Christianity contagious and bring others to Christ.
Body
I. Becoming Contagious Christians
A. People may sometimes think that being “contagious” involves attributes such as size, money, entertainment, theatrics, etc., but not so for true contagious Christian living.
B. We may never become a “mega-church,” but we can become a contagious church by following three principles of contagious Christian living.
C. Three principles of Contagious Christian Living:
1. Be Amazed at the Glory of God – Revelation 15:1-4
2. Be Transformed by the Love of Jesus – 1 Timothy 1:12-17
3. Be Yielded to the Word of God – John 12:47-50
II. How Jesus Drew People to Him?
A. Jesus turned ordinary conversations to spiritual Conversations – John 4:10, 13-14
C. Jesus gave people reason to follow Him – John 4:13-14
D. Jesus didn’t force Himself on other people – John 4:26-30
E. Jesus created intentional encounters with people – John 4:4
Conclusion
1. May we strive for true Christian living, with lives are a reflection of the Son of God.
2. Living with a greater awareness of how blessed we are as Christians, we can be contagious to those with whom we come in contact.
Galatians 06:14 – Boast in the Cross – Audio
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Text: Galatians 6:14 (reading by Andy Anderson)
Introduction:
1. “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Galatians 6:14
2. Why would anyone want to “boast” in the cross, an instrument of death?
3. The answer is because the cross is a great paradox.
a. It is Instrument of death – but it gives life.
b. It is darkest day in history – but on it hung the light of the world.
c. It is premeditated murder – but also predestined sacrifice.
d. It is great act of sin – but it was also a great cure for sin.
e. On the cross, Jesus won by losing and He conquered by surrendering.
f. The cross demonstrates how much God hates sin and how much He loves the sinner.
4. The cross is central to the Christian faith, and rightly so, for it gives meaning, hope, and stability for our lives.
5. Let’s examine three messages from the cross which can give meaning, hope, and stability to my life.
Body:
I. The Cross Declares That My Life Is Not Futile
A. You are not an obscurity, but an object of God’s love.
B. John 3:16
C. 2 Timothy 1:9
II. The Cross Declares That My Failures Are Not Fatal
A. Luke 23:43
B. Ephesians 1:7
C. 1 John 2:1
D. 1 John 1:9
III. The Cross Declares That My Death Is Not Final
A. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
B. Hebrews 12:1-4
Conclusion:
1. All of us have suffered from what life can throw at us and how life can shake our faith and how life can knock us off balance.
2. It’s at these moments that we really need to look back to the cross, and lean on it for meaning, hope, and stability.
1 John 05:18-21 – Certainties of the Christian Faith – audio
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Text: 1 John 5:18-21
Introduction
1. In this last section of John’s epistle, we find him summarizing three facts or “certainties” that his readers should have learned – 1 John 5:18-21
2. These certainties of the Christian Faith relate to sin, the evil one, and the truth concerning fellowship with God and Jesus Christ
3. Each of these certainties is introduced by the words we know, and as we consider these three facts we shall begin each section in the same way
Body
I. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THOSE BORN OF GOD AND SIN (1 John 5:18)
A. “WHOEVER IS BORN OF GOD DOES NOT SIN“
1. This statement, like the one in 1 John 3:9, can be somewhat troubling to the English reader
2. But as we noticed in the lesson on that portion of scripture
a. John has already affirmed that Christians sin – 1 John 1:8, 10
b. To say we have no sin is to lie, and to make God a liar
c. So John is talking about one who does not continuously practice sin
B. “BUT HE WHO HAS BEEN BORN OF GOD KEEPS HIMSELF“
1. John explains why the one born of God does not continuously practice sin, but it is difficult to know exactly what he means
a. Some translations have keeps him instead of keeps himself
b. This is because most translators believe he who has been born of God is a reference to Jesus
c. And yet in his epistle, the phrase born of God always has reference to the child of Christ, i.e., the Christian
2. Assuming that himself is the correct wording
a. It becomes clear that the individual bears some responsibility in keeping oneself from sinning
b. While it is true that we have help from God – 1 John 3:9
c. Our faith must cooperate with God’s power – 1Pe 1:5
d. Thus the charge to keep yourselves – 1 John 5:21; Jude 21
C. “THE WICKED ONE DOES NOT TOUCH HIM“
1. When we cooperate with God, Satan has no chance
a. When we submit to God, and resist the devil, the devil flees! – James 4:7
b. For God who is in us is certainly greater than the devil! – 1 John 4:4
2. Instrumental in our cooperation with God is allowing His word to abide in us – 1 John 2:14
3. Even as the Word was instrumental in helping Jesus overcome the temptations of Satan – “it is written…” Matthew 4:4, 7, 10
D. So the first certainty of the Christian faith is that one born of God does not treat sin lightly, and with God’s help is able to win the conflict with the wicked one.
II. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN US AND THE WORLD (1 John 5:19)
A. “WE ARE OF GOD”
1. The Christian has been “born of God” – 1 John 5:1
2. The Christian is privileged to be called the “child of God” – 1 John 3:1-2a
3. Thus we are blessed to be “of God”!
B. “THE WHOLE WORLD LIES UNDER THE SWAY OF THE WICKED ONE“
1. Sadly, those in the world are not of God
2. For when one rejects Jesus Christ, they demonstrate who their father truly is – John 8:42-47
3. While they remain in their sins, they remain under the sway of Satan – 1 John 3:8, 10
C. Whose child are you?
1. Those who are in Christ have the assurance that God is their father.
2. Those not in Christ are still under the influences of Satan who has blinded them! – 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
III. THE BASIS OF FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD AND ETERNAL LIFE (1 John 5:20)
A. “THE SON OF GOD HAS COME AND HAS GIVEN US UNDERSTANDING”
1. Jesus has come to give us true insight concerning God
2. As John declared in his gospel: “No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” – John 1:18
B. “THAT WE MAY KNOW”
1. “…Him who is true“
a. Or as expressed in other translations: He is the true God
b. By true God [John] does not mean one who tells the truth, but him who is really God.
c. By coming in the flesh, Jesus has manifested the true God to us – John 14:7-9
2. “…and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ“
a. Jesus has also given us understanding about how we can be in God
b. It is through His Son, as we keep His words and His commandments, that we can abide in God – John 14:21,23
C. “THIS IS THE TRUE GOD AND ETERNAL LIFE“
1. Again, the expression “true God” is saying He who is “the real God“
2. With this declaration, John is also defining what eternal life truly is
a. It is to “know” Him who is true
b. It is to be “in Him” who is true, and “in His Son Jesus Christ“
3. In other words, eternal life (as defined by John) is that abundant life
a. Which comes from knowing the Father and the Son intimately
b. Which comes by having fellowship with the Father and the Son
4. So John intimated at the beginning of his epistle – 1 John 1:2-3
5. And so Jesus declared in His prayer – John 17:1-3
Conclusion
1. Here then are the certainties of the Christian Faith as summarized by John
a. “We know” the relationship between those born of God and sin
b. “We know” the difference between us and those of the world
c. “We know” the basis of fellowship with God and eternal life
2. May the First Epistle of John always serve to remind of these certainties, and may the last verse always remind us of the need for diligence: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” – 1 John 5:21
3. With his favorite term of endearment, John admonishes us to stay away from anything that would replace our devotion to the One True God
a. We may think that we are too sophisticated to succumb to idolatry
b. But as Paul pointed out time and again, anything that replaces God in our hearts is an idol – Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5
NOTE WELL: If there was no danger of being led astray, there would be no need for a warning!
1 John 05:14-17 – Praying with Confidence and Compassion – audio
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Text: 1 John 5:14-17
Introduction
1. Rapidly approaching the end of his epistle, John has a few words on the subject of prayer – 1 John 5:14-17
2. This is not the first time he has broached this subject, for he has already mentioned…
a. The value of confessing our sins, which is done in prayer – 1 John 1:9
b. Our Advocate in prayer, Jesus Christ the righteous – 1 John 2:1
c. One reason why we receive what we ask in prayer – 1 John 3:22
3. In his final words on this subject, John does two things:
a. Expands upon a theme in prayer already introduced praying with confidence
b. Brings in another theme in prayer that is harmony with his teachings on brotherly love, praying with compassion
Body
I. PRAYING WITH CONFIDENCE (1 John 5:14-15)
A. REQUIRES ASKING ACCORDING TO GOD’S WILL
1. This is the point emphasized in 1 John 5:14-15
2. Confidence in prayer is not based upon some assumption that we have carte blanche in regards to prayer
a. Some may improperly conclude that we do from Jesus’ statements in John 14:13-14
b. But even Jesus’ own example illustrates that answer to prayer depends upon whether or not it is in harmony with God’s will – Matthew 26:39, 42
c. Paul learned this same lesson when he prayed about his thorn in the flesh – 2 Corinthians 12:7-9
3. However, the more we learn God’s revealed will
a. The more likely we will pray according to His will
b. The greater confidence we can have that our prayers will be answered accordingly
B. REQUIRES KEEPING GOD’S COMMANDMENTS
1. This was stressed in 1 John 3:22
2. Even if we are asking something that would normally be within God’s will for us
a. If we are not keeping His commandments
b. …can we really expect God to favorably answer our prayers?
3. As Peter quoted from the Proverbs: “For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And his ears are open to their prayers…” – 1 Peter 3:12
4. The righteous, of course, are those who “do those things that are pleasing in His sight” – 1 John 3:22b
5. Especially in regard to believing in Jesus and loving the brethren, two commandments given to us – 1 John 3:23
C. REQUIRES ABIDING IN JESUS, AND HIS WORDS ABIDING IN US
1. This was taught by Jesus Himself, and recorded by John – John 15:7
2. This should also help to clarify any misunderstanding from taking John 14:13-14 in isolation from its context
3. These words of Jesus actually summarize what we have already seen John to say
a. Confidence in prayer depends upon keeping the commandments, but keeping the commandments is the key to abiding in Jesus! – 1 John 3:24a
b. Confidence in prayer depends upon asking according to God’s Will, but if Jesus’ words abide in us, won’t that help us know what God’s will is, and what is proper to ask of Him?
D. Therefore, if we learn the words of Jesus, keep His commandments and thereby abide in Him, we will know what is in harmony with God’s will and pray accordingly. In this way we can have the confidence in prayer of which John writes!
II. PRAYING WITH COMPASSION (1 John 5:16-17)
A. FOR A BROTHER
1. This epistle of John has been one in which John has stressed “brotherly love“
2. He has told us that we “ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” – 1 John 3:16
3. He has said that if “one sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?“- 1 John 3:17
4. Certainly, then, we should be willing and ready to pray for our brethren
B. SINNING A SIN NOT UNTO DEATH
1. This is a difficult passage, one that raises several questions
a. What is the “sin not unto death” versus the “sin unto death“?
b. What is meant that “He will give him life“?
c. Whatever conclusions we draw should be in harmony with the rest of the scriptures, and with other principles revealed therein, just as we do not draw conclusions about praying with confidence based upon John 4:13-14 alone
2. To understanding of this passage we must see:
a. The difference between “a sin which does not lead to death” and “a sin leading to death” is:
1) John says in 1 John 5:17a, “all unrighteousness is sin“, therefore all sin is not to be taken lightly
2) But there is sin “not leading to death“
a) That is, sin which does not progress to the point in which one experiences spiritual death, or separation from God
b) As indicated by James, sin does not produce “death” until it is “full grown” – James 1:15
c) Sin which does not produce (lead to) death would therefore be sin “repented of“
3) Sin “leading to death”, producing spiritual death and separation from God would be sin “unrepented of“
a) We cannot expect God to forgive one who refuses to repent
b) As John writes with some understatement: “I do not say that he should pray about that” – 1 John 5:16d
C. GOD WILL GIVE HIM LIFE
1. If the “death” in this passage is “spiritual death“, it is natural to assume the life is “spiritual life“
a. The “life” which God will grant our penitent brother in answer to our prayers could also be described as “forgiveness“
b. Which is a crucial element of the “eternal life” to which John has referred throughout this epistle
2. Thus the promise offered in 1 John 1:9 to the child of God who penitently confesses his own sin in prayer is offered in 1 John 5:16 to the penitent brother when prayer is made on his behalf by another member of the family of God
a. One might ask, “Why bother to pray for a penitent brother if his sins will be forgiven anyway,” as taught in 1 John 1:9?
b. One answer might be found in James 5:16, where we are taught to pray for one another: “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.“
Conclusion
1. The privilege of prayer is a wonderful blessing, especially when we do so with:
a. Confidence
b. Compassion
2. Are we fulfilling the requirements to be able to pray with confidence?
a. Abiding in Jesus, and letting His words abide in us?
b. Keeping His commandments and doing the things pleasing in His sight?
c. Asking according to God’s Will?
3. Are we praying with compassion?
a. Praying not only for ourselves, but for our brethren in need?
b. Praying for brethren overtaken by sin, but who have demonstrated that their sin is not one leading to death?
3. As we all need the fullness of God’s blessings in our lives, let’s encourage one another to do whatever we can to be able to pray with both confidence and compassion!
Scatter the Seed, Wait Until it Ripens – audio
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Text: Mark 4:26-29 – And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
1 John 05:11-13 – Life in the Son – audio
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Text: 1 John 5:11-13
Introduction
1. We saw in this morning’s sermon that the word “witness” was used eight times in one form or another – 1 John 5:6-10
2. A form of the word is used again in 1 John 5:11-13, translated as “testimony” in the NKJV (“record” in 1 John 5:11-13 KJV)
3. In these verses, John reviews the “testimony” that God has given about His Son
a. In this case, it does not appear to be the “evidence” God has offered (that was covered in 1 John 5:6-10)
b. Rather, it is the “result” of the testimony which the evidence supports
4. What is the “result” of God’s testimony concerning His Son? What has God declared? And what does John say about these things?
Body
I. GOD HAS GIVEN US ETERNAL LIFE (1 John 5:11a)
A. ETERNAL LIFE: A PRESENT POSSESSION, OR A FUTURE HOPE?
1. John writes of “eternal life” as a present possession
a. “God has given us (not will give us) eternal life” – 1 John 5:11
b. “He who has the Son has (not will have) life” – 1 John 5:12
c. “that you may know that you have (not will have) eternal life” – 1 John 5:13
2. Yet Paul wrote of “eternal life” as a future hope
a. “who will render to each one according to his deeds: eternal life to those…” – Romans 2:6-7
b. “you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life” – Romans 6:22
c. Which then is it? A present possession, or a future hope?
B. ETERNAL LIFE: BOTH A PRESENT POSSESSION AND A FUTURE HOPE!
1. I believe it is “both”, not one or the other
2. This is a case where the same term (eternal life) is used by different authors to describe different concepts
a. Paul normally uses the term to describe that which begins after the judgment
1) The same way Jesus uses it in Matthew 25:46
2) And again in John 12:25
b. Whereas John uses the term to describe the life we now have in Christ because of the fellowship we enjoy with the Father and the Son
1) Jesus defined “eternal life” as knowing the Father and His Son – John 17:1-3
2) John defines it similarly in 1 John 5:20
3. We must be careful, therefore, and allow the immediate context to determine the proper meaning by a particular author
C. THE MEANING OF ETERNAL LIFE IN OUR TEXT
1. John began his epistle by referring to Jesus as “that eternal life” – 1 John 1:2
2. He ends his epistle by describing eternal life as knowing Him who is true and being in Him who is true (i.e., in Jesus) – 1 John 5:20
3. This leads me to conclude that John uses “eternal life” in the same way Jesus did in John 17:3
4. In other words, a quality of life that comes from having true fellowship with Deity
a. Which begins upon our conversion from “death” to “life” – 1 John 3:14-15
b. Which comes from knowing God and Jesus (the term “knowing” suggesting a close and personal relationship, not a casual awareness)
c. Because God and Jesus are “eternal life” (cf. 1 John 1:2), those in fellowship with them have life that is best described as “eternal” (in quality)
D. So the testimony of God is first this: He has given us “eternal life”, a quality of life based upon fellowship with Deity!
II. ETERNAL LIFE IS IN HIS SON (1 John 5:11b-12)
A. HE WHO HAS THE SON HAS LIFE
1. We saw where Jesus defined “eternal life” as knowing God and Himself – John 17:3
2. As confessed by Peter, only Jesus truly has “the words of eternal life” – John 6:68
3. Paul wrote that all spiritual blessings (of which eternal life is one) are found in Jesus Christ – Ephesians 1:3
4. The conclusion should be fairly obvious: it is only in Jesus that eternal life can be found, and if we wish to have eternal life, we must be in Jesus!
B. HE WHO DOES NOT HAVE THE SON OF GOD DOES NOT HAVE LIFE
1. This sounds rather exclusive, but no more so than Jesus’ own words – John 14:6
2. Peter also made it clear that salvation (life) is found only in Jesus – Acts 4:12
3. Therefore, one who remains outside of Christ has no hope for eternal life (in either sense of term)
C. Of course, it is not the will of God than any perish – 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:3-4
D. Therefore, through His Spirit He inspired John to write so we might know whether or not we have the Son.
III. WE MAY KNOW THAT WE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE (1 John 5:13)
A. JOHN HAS WRITTEN THAT WE MIGHT KNOW…
1. That has been the purpose of this particular epistle
2. His desire is that we “know” we are saved, not just hope that we are
a. “Now by this we know that we know Him…” – 1 John 2:3
b. “By this we know that we are in Him.” – 1 John 2:5b
c. “We know we have passed from death to life…” – 1 John 3:14a
d. “And by this we know that we are of the truth…” – 1 John 3:19a
e. “And by this we know that He abides in us…” – 1 John 3:24b
f. “By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us…” – 1 John 4:13a
3. Thus, throughout his epistle he has been giving us “benchmarks” by which we can know whether we have eternal life in us
B. WHEN DOES ONE “KNOW” THEY HAVE ETERNAL LIFE?
1. When they keep the commandments of Jesus – 1 John 2:3-4
2. When they keep His words – 1 John 2:5
3. When they love the brethren – 1 John 3:14
4. When they believe what the Spirit has revealed about such things – 1 John 3:24; 4:13
5. When they confess Jesus to be the Son of God – 1 John 4:15
6. When they believe that Jesus is the Christ – 1 John 5:1
7. Taken together, these “benchmarks” reveal that one truly “knows” the Lord, and thereby has “eternal life” – 1 John 5:20
Conclusion
1. John’s desire was that his Christian readers would continue to believe in the name of the Son of God – 1 John 5:13c
a. That is my desire also, and I pray that in some small way that I have encouraged you to remain strong in your faith in Jesus Christ
b. If you do not yet believe, or your faith is weak, I recommend to you the Gospel of John – John 20:30-31
2. Dear friend, do you truly have “eternal life”?
a. Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who came in the flesh and died for our sins? – John 8:24
b. Are you keeping the commands of Jesus?
1) Such as His command to be baptized? – Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16
2) Which we learn from His apostles is the means by which we receive Christ? – Galatians 3:26-27
c. Do you love the brethren? – John 13:34-35
3. May this First Epistle of John encourage you to examine whether you really “know” Jesus Christ, and thereby have “eternal life” in Him!
1 John 05:06-10 – Witnesses for Jesus Christ – audio
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Text: 1 John 5:6-10 KJV (Reading by Andy Anderson)
Introduction
1. Earlier in his epistle, John stressed two important things
a. That Jesus Christ has come in the flesh – 1 John 4:2
b. That those who believe Jesus Christ has come in the flesh are “of God”; indeed, they have been “born of God” – 1 John 4:2; 5:1a
2. In the text for our study (1 John 5:6-10), John offers five “witnesses” in support of these claims made about Jesus
a. The key word is “witness”, and in various forms is found eight times in our text (nine, if you count 1 John 5:8)
b. The word in Greek is “martureo” {mar-too-reh’-o}, and it means:
1) “to be a witness, i.e. testify”
2) “to give evidence for, to bear record:
Body
I. THE WITNESS OF THE WATER AND THE BLOOD (1 John 5:6a, 1 John 5:8b)
A. THE LIKELY CONTEXT OF JOHN’S WORDS
1. Evidently there was a doctrine that denied Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh – 1 John 4:1-3; 2 John 7
2. A heretical movement later known as Gnosticism was developing at this time
3. One representative of Gnosticism, a man named Cerinthus, taught:
a. That the divine Christ descended upon Jesus at the time of his baptism
b. And then left him before he died on the cross
4. Thus the Gnostics claimed that the “Christ” did not experience death
B. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WATER AND THE BLOOD
1. The “water” likely refers to Jesus’ birth, and the “blood” to His death on the cross
2. John’s emphasis is that Jesus Christ came by both water and blood, and not by water only – 1 John 5:6a
3. Thus emphasizing that not only was the Christ present at the baptism, but that He also suffered in the flesh on the cross
II. THE WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT (1 John 5:6b)
A. THE SPIRIT ALSO BEARS WITNESS
1. Because of His involvement in the earthly life of Jesus, the Spirit can testify to:
a. The conception of Jesus – Matthew 1:20
b. The baptism of Jesus – Matthew 3:16
c. The temptation of Jesus – Luke 4:1
d. The ministry of Jesus – Luke 4:18
2. According to Jesus, the Holy Spirit was to testify about Jesus – John 15:26
3. The Holy Spirit did this by inspiring the apostles and confirming their word with spiritual gifts – John 16:13-14; Hebrews 2:3-4
B. THE SPIRIT AGREES WITH THE WATER AND THE BLOOD (1 John 5:8b)
1. The Spirit, the water, and the blood, all three bear witness, and agree as one
2. That is, they all testify that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh!
3. The significance of having three witnesses agreeing may be taken from the requirement found in Deuteronomy 19:15, “by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.“
(At this point we might simply note that most translations omit the words from “in heaven” (1 John 5:7) through “on earth” (1 John 5:8). Apparently there is good reason for doing so, since these words are found only in four or five manuscripts, and none dating earlier than the 14th century A.D. They are not found in literally thousands of manuscripts dating much earlier. They are likely a gloss.)
III. THE WITNESS OF GOD (1 John 5:9)
A. WHICH OUGHT TO HAVE GREAT WEIGHT WITH US
1. “If we receive the witness of men…”
a. This is a simple conditional sentence that is true to fact
b. It means “Since we receive the witness of men…” (which we do in courts of law, don’t we?)
2. Any witness of God would naturally be greater than that of man
B. GOD HAS TESTIFIED OF HIS SON
1. Certainly God has born witness to Jesus on several occasions
a. At His baptism – Matthew 3:17
b. At the mount of transfiguration – Matthew 17:5
2. So we have three witnesses who in agreement speak for the fourth witness (God).
IV. THE WITNESS IN THE BELIEVER (1 John 5:10a)
A. HE WHO BELIEVES IN THE SON OF GOD HAS THE WITNESS IN HIMSELF
1. This statement is reminiscent of Jesus’ words in John 7:16-17
a. Those who do the will of God (as taught by Jesus):
b. …shall know that the doctrine of Christ is truly from God
2. Likewise the one who believes in the Son, receives confirmation “in himself”…
a. About who Jesus truly is
b. How one who believes in Him is “born of God”
B. ADMITTEDLY, THIS IS A VERY SUBJECTIVE WITNESS
1. As such, one must be very careful with it
2. Many people can easily deceive themselves into thinking that some feeling is an indication that they are saved, or that God has confirmed something to them – Proverbs 14:12; 16:25
3. But if we believe (and act upon) the witness of God concerning His Son:
a. Revealed in His Spirit-inspired Word
b. Which agrees with the witness of the water and the blood… then we will have confirmation in ourselves that Jesus is truly the Son of God!
4. One way we have confirmation is the change that takes place in our lives as we grow in Christ
a. Just as our love for one another is an indication of passing from death to life – 1 John 3:14
b. Just as our unity with one another is evidence that Jesus was truly sent from God – John 17:20-23
Conclusion
1. These are the “witnesses”, then, that John offers in support of Jesus Christ
a. That He came in the flesh
b. That those who believe Jesus is the Christ are “born of God”
2. The first four (water, blood, Spirit, God) provide their evidence whether you believe them or not; but if you will believe them, then you will receive the fifth (the witness in yourself)!
3. But suppose you do not believe the four witnesses? John says you then make God a liar! – 1 John 5:10b
a. Do you wish to stand before God on the Day of Judgment and answer why you believed Him to be a liar?
b. How much better to believe on the Son, and through obedient faith become His child! – Galatians 3:26-27
Psalm 37 – audio
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Text: Psalm 37
1 Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
6 He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret – it only causes harm.
9 For evildoers shall be cut off;
But those who wait on the Lord,
They shall inherit the earth.
10 For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more;
Indeed, you will look carefully for his place,
But it shall be no more.
11 But the meek shall inherit the earth,
And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
12 The wicked plots against the just,
And gnashes at him with his teeth.
13 The Lord laughs at him,
For He sees that his day is coming.
14 The wicked have drawn the sword
And have bent their bow,
To cast down the poor and needy,
To slay those who are of upright conduct.
15 Their sword shall enter their own heart,
And their bows shall be broken.
16 A little that a righteous man has
Is better than the riches of many wicked.
17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,
But the Lord upholds the righteous.
18 The Lord knows the days of the upright,
And their inheritance shall be forever.
19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time,
And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
20 But the wicked shall perish;
And the enemies of the Lord,
Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish.
Into smoke they shall vanish away.
21 The wicked borrows and does not repay,
But the righteous shows mercy and gives.
22 For those blessed by Him shall inherit the earth,
But those cursed by Him shall be cut off.
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,
And He delights in his way.
24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;
For the Lord upholds him with His hand.
25 I have been young, and now am old;
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread.
26 He is ever merciful, and lends;
And his descendants are blessed.
27 Depart from evil, and do good;
And dwell forevermore.
28 For the Lord loves justice,
And does not forsake His saints;
They are preserved forever,
But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off.
29 The righteous shall inherit the land,
And dwell in it forever.
30 The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom,
And his tongue talks of justice.
31 The law of his God is in his heart;
None of his steps shall slide.
32 The wicked watches the righteous,
And seeks to slay him.
33 The Lord will not leave him in his hand,
Nor condemn him when he is judged.
34 Wait on the Lord,
And keep His way,
And He shall exalt you to inherit the land;
When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.
35 I have seen the wicked in great power,
And spreading himself like a native green tree.
36 Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more;
Indeed I sought him, but he could not be found.
37 Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright;
For the future of that man is peace.
38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together;
The future of the wicked shall be cut off.
39 But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
He is their strength in the time of trouble.
40 And the Lord shall help them and deliver them;
He shall deliver them from the wicked,
And save them,
Because they trust in Him.
Jesus the Grace of God – Titus 2:11-14 – audio
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Text: Titus 2:11-14 – For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
Be an Example – 1 Timothy 4:12-16 – audio
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Text: 1 Timothy 4:12-16 – Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
Psalm 61 – audio
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Text: Psalm 61
1 To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. Of David. Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer;
2 from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I,
3 for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.
4 Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah
5 For you, O God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
6 Prolong the life of the king; may his years endure to all generations!
7 May he be enthroned forever before God; appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!
8 So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.
1 John 05:01-05 – Three Tests of Authentic Christianity – audio
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Text: 1 John 5:1-5 (Reading by Andy Anderson)
Introduction
1. As we began our study of First John, it was noted that it had a different objective than the Gospel of John
a. John wrote his gospel in order that one might have eternal life – John 20:30-31
b. His epistle was written so that one might know they have eternal life – 1 John 5:13
2. Throughout his epistle, then, John has mentioned the kind of things that provide evidence that one is truly a child of God, possessing fellowship with the Father and the Son – 1 John 3:10
3. There are actually several tests that John has been applying by which we can know that we have eternal life, and in the text for our study (1 John 5:1-5), they are mentioned together
Body
I. THE TEST OF BELIEF
A. IN PARTICULAR, BELIEF IN JESUS
1. As the Christ – 1 John 5:1a
2. As the Son of God – 1 John 5:5b
3. Who has come in the flesh – 1 John 4:2
B. TO DENY JESUS AS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD
1. Makes one a liar and antichrist – 1 John 2:22
2. Makes fellowship with the Father and the Son impossible – 1 John 2:22-23
C. THE IMPORTANCE OF SUCH FAITH IN JESUS
1. Necessary for one to be born of God – 1 John 5:1a
a. Just as faith in God is necessary to please Him – Hebrews 11:6
b. So faith in Jesus is necessary to experience eternal life – John 8:24
2. Necessary for one to overcome the world – 1 John 5:4-5
a. We can overcome the world only through the One who lives in us – 1 John 4:4
b. But with such strength, we can do anything God desires of us – Philippians 4:13
II. THE TEST OF LOVE
A. JESUS HAD MADE BROTHERLY LOVE
1. A mark of discipleship – John 13:34-35
2. A commandment to prove we are His friends – John 15:12-14, 17
B. JOHN HAD STRESSED BROTHERLY LOVE
1. As evidence of abiding in the light – 1 John 2:10
2. As evidence of being a child of God – 1 John 3:10
3. As evidence of having passed from death to live – 1 John 3:14
4. As evidence of knowing God and being born of God – 1 John 4:7-8
C. AND NOW, IN DISCUSSING BROTHERLY LOVE
1. John describes it as a necessary corollary to loving God – 1 John 5:1a
a. If you love God who brings forth children
b. …then you must love those children who have come from Him!
2. John reveals how we can be sure that we love God’s children by loving God and keeping His commandments – 1 John 5:2
a. I may claim to love my brethren
b. But if I do not love God and keep His commandments, my claim is a shallow one!
III. THE TEST OF OBEDIENCE
A. JOHN HAD EMPHASIZED THIS TEST EARLIER
1. As essential to having fellowship with the Father – 1 John 1:6-7
2. As essential to knowing Jesus – 1 John 2:3-4
3. As essential to loving God – 1 John 2:5
4. As essential to abiding in Jesus – 1 John 2:6
5. As essential to being a child of God – 1 John 3:10
6. As essential to having our prayers answered – 1 John 3:22
B. NOW HE STRESSES THAT IT IS ESSENTIAL TO
1. Loving the children of God – 1 John 5:2
2. Loving God Himself – 1 John 5:3a
C. TO JOHN, HOWEVER, THIS TEST IS NOT A BURDEN
1. The commandments of God are not burdensome – 1 John 5:3b
2. Though he had served the Lord for many years (possibly 50 or more), he had not found the commandments grievous
3. His attitude toward commandment-keeping was like that of David’s – Psalms 19:7-11
Conclusion
1. In these three areas, then, we find the proof of authentic Christianity:
a. Belief in Jesus as the Son of God who came in the flesh
b. Love for the brethren
c. Obedience in keeping the commandments of God
2. It is interesting that today
a. Many people do not have any problem with the first two (belief and love)
b. But will often balk when told they need to be obedient to the commands of Jesus Christ (Oh, you are just being legalistic!)
3. But if we really love God and His children, if we really believe in Jesus as the Son of God who came in the flesh and died for our sins, then the commandments of the Lord will not be grievous
a. If you love Me, keep My commandments. – John 14:15
4. Are we passing the tests of authentic Christianity?
1 John 04:07-21 – Brotherly Love – audio
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Text: 1 John 4:7-21
Introduction
1. Who is best known as “the apostle of love”?
a. The apostle Paul is certainly worthy of such a title in view of his great chapter on love in 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
b. But because of the many references to love in his first epistle, John has come to be known as “the apostle of love”
2. We have already seen where John declared that love is evidence of:
a. Abiding in the light, in other words, having fellowship with God – 1 John 2:10
b. Being children of God – 1 John 3:10, 14
3. And we have already seen where John has touched upon:
a. The definition of love – 1 John 3:16
b. The value of love – 1 John 3:18-19
4. But now, John writes of brotherly love in much greater depth – 1 John 4:7-21
Body
I. BROTHERLY LOVE IS EVIDENCE OF SONSHIP
A. WE SHOULD LOVE ONE ANOTHER, FOR LOVE IS OF GOD
1. As will be illustrated shortly, true love (the Greek word is agape, “active goodwill”) emanates from God – 1 John 4:7a
2. That is because “God is love” – 1 John 4:8b
a. Every action of His is motivated out of an “active goodwill” toward us
b. This does not mean He overlooks sin, for God is also “light” – 1 John 1:5-6
B. THOSE WHO LOVE, DEMONSTRATE THEIR SONSHIP
1. They demonstrate that they are “born of God” and “know God” – 1 John 4:7b
2. But if one does not love as God does, then they have not yet come to truly know God – 1 John 4:8a
II. BROTHERLY LOVE IS DEFINED BY GOD’S LOVE
A. GOD MANIFESTED HIS LOVE THROUGH THE GIFT OF HIS SON
1. He sent His “only begotten Son” – 1 John 4:9
2. He sent His Son, not because we loved Him, but because He loved us – 1 John 4:10
3. He sent His Son for two reasons:
a. That we might live through Him – 1 John 4:9; John 10:10
b. That He might be the propitiation for our sins – 1 John 4:10
c. Jesus died not just to provide forgiveness, but also to provide new life!
B. THIS IS THE KIND OF LOVE WE SHOULD HAVE
1. If this is kind of love God has had toward us
2. Then this is the kind of love we should have toward one another!
a. Where we love, not because we are loved first
b. But as God is love, so we are to be as His children! – Luke 6:35
III. BROTHERLY LOVE IS EVIDENCE OF FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD
A. THROUGH BROTHERLY LOVE, GOD’S ABIDING IS POSSIBLE
1. No one has seen God at any time – 1 John 4:12a
2. However, when we keep the command to love one another, God will abide in us, and His love will be perfected in us! – 1 John 4:12b
3. We know this is true because of the Spirit which God has given – 1 John 4:13
a. The Spirit was to remind the apostles of all that Jesus taught – John 14:26
b. This included Jesus’ teaching on how the Father and the Son would abide in them – John 14:21, 23
B. THIS IS NOT THE ONLY NECESSARY REQUIREMENT FOR GOD TO ABIDE IN US, BUT IT IS AN ESSENTIAL ONE
1. The apostles have testified that Father sent the Son to be our Savior – 1 John 4:14
2. And so we must be willing to confess Jesus as the Son of God – 1 John 4:15
3. Then, when we have known and believed the love God has for us, we are in a position to fully accept two basic principles of the gospel:
a. God is love
b. He who abides in love abides in God and God in him – 1 John 4:16
IV. BROTHERLY LOVE PROVIDES ASSURANCE
A. WHEN BROTHERLY LOVE IS PERFECTED, WE CAN HAVE BOLDNESS
1. As we grow and become more complete and mature in brotherly love, we will be able to have boldness in the day of judgment – 1 John 4:17a
2. The boldness will come from knowing that as His children we were like Him in this world – 1 John 4:17b
B. AS BROTHERLY LOVE IS PERFECTED, FEAR IS DISPELLED
1. Because the prospects of torment naturally produce fear, the more we grow in God’s love, to that degree fear is dispersed – 1 John 4:18a
2. If we fear the day of judgment, that is an indication we need to grow in love! – 1 John 4:18b
3. Growing in love is made so easy for us, however, because God first loved us! – 1 John 4:19
V. BROTHERLY LOVE IS ESSENTIAL TO LOVING GOD
A. TO CLAIM TO LOVE GOD AND STILL HATE ONE’S BROTHER IS A LIE
1. Like those who claim:
a. To have fellowship with God while they walk in darkness – 1 John 1:6
b. To not have sinned – 1 John 1:10
c. To know Jesus while not keeping His commandments – 1 John 2:4
d. So is one who claims to love God while hating his brother: John says that they are all liars! – 1 John 4:20a
2. For to love one whom we cannot see (God) requires that we first be able to love those whom we can see – 1 John 4:20b
B. TO LOVE GOD, THEREFORE, MEANS WE MUST DEVELOP BROTHERLY LOVE
1. This is why we have the commandment from Jesus – John 13:34-35
2. Indeed, Jesus taught that loving God and one another were the two greatest commandments of the old law! – Matthew 22:35-40
Conclusion
1. If “brotherly love” is:
a. Evidence of sonship
b. Defined by God’s love for us
c. Evidence of fellowship with God
d. A means of providing assurance in the day of judgment
e. Essential to loving God
f. Then how dare we neglect this most essential commandment of God?
2. While there are other commands of our Lord that we must be careful to obey, none is so important, so essential to our spiritual life as God’s children, as this “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
3. Are we letting the love that God displayed toward us through His Son Jesus to teach us how to love one another?
1 John 04:01-06 – Test the Spirits – audio
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Text: 1 John 4:1-6
Introduction
1. So far in this epistle, John has discussed what our relationship should be in regards to:
a. God – 1 John 1:5-6
b. Jesus – 1 John 2:3-4
c. The things in the world – 1 John 2:15
d. Sin – 1 John 3:4-5
e. Our brethren – 1 John 3:11
2. As chapter four begins, we find John exhorting us concerning a very real danger: false prophets! – 1 John 4:1-6
Body
I. TEST THE SPIRITS!
A. “DO NOT BELIEVE EVERY SPIRIT”
1. For example, don’t believe everything you hear, or everyone who claims to be from God
2. How foolish it would be to do so should be obvious:
a. We would be in a constant state of confusion (believing one thing one moment, and another thing the next)
b. We would be easily misled by those teaching error
B. “TEST THE SPIRITS, WHETHER THEY ARE OF GOD”
1. The word “test” (“try”, KJV) means:
a. To examine, prove scrutinize (Thayer)
b. To see whether a thing is genuine or not
2. So don’t just accept what some teacher or preacher is saying; examine what is being taught
3. Those who have this attitude are highly commended in the Scriptures:
a. The Bereans – Acts 17:11
b. The Ephesians – Revelation 2:2
C. “BECAUSE MANY FALSE PROPHETS HAVE GONE OUT INTO THE WORLD”
1. This is the reason we must “test the spirits”
2. Others have also warned us of this fact
a. Jesus – Matthew 7:15
b. Peter – 2 Peter 2:1-3
c. Paul – 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
3. So we must examine, prove, and scrutinize those who would teach us!
a. Even though some teachers might consider it insubordinate
b. Even though some might not like the possible controversy can cause
4. Whether one teaches in our classes, pulpits, radio, web, etc., we must “test the spirits!”
D. But HOW shall we test the spirits?
II. THE TESTS
A. DO THEY CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST HAS COME IN THE FLESH?
1. 1 John 4:2-3 are best understood in light of the Gnostic-like errors that were prevalent at that time
a. In which some denied Jesus Christ actually came in the flesh – 2 John 1:7
b. Whose doctrine was leading many astray, possibly because the false teachers claimed inspiration by the Spirit
2. But those who would teach such falsehood are not led by the Spirit of God, but possess the spirit of the Antichrist! – 2 John 1:7
B. DO THEY LISTEN TO THE APOSTLES OF CHRIST?
1. 1 John 4:6 reveals how we can distinguish between “the spirit of truth” and “the spirit of error”
a. Those who truly know God listen to the apostles
b. Those who are not of God will reject them
2. For example, does the teaching agree with what the apostles teach?
a. For Jesus taught that to receive them was to receive Him and God – John 13:20
b. Thus the early church continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine – Acts 2:42
c. For they recognized their words as the commands of the Lord – 1 Corinthians 14:37
d. And even the apostles recognized their fellow-apostles’ writings as equivalent to inspired scriptures – 2 Peter 3:15-16
e. Therefore, those who are of God will heed the apostles, and agree with their teaching!
3. This is a test that we can easily apply today on virtually every issue!
a. But it implies knowledge and understanding of the apostles’ doctrine on our part
b. Yet that should not be a problem if we follow the example of the first church in Jerusalem – Acts 2:42
C. THOUGH NOT MENTIONED BY JOHN, HERE ARE TWO MORE “TESTS”
1. The test of Deuteronomy 18:21-22
a. To be used when a person claims to be a prophet of God
b. If their prophecy fails, they are shown to be a false prophet
2. The test of Deuteronomy 13:1-4
a. To be used when wonders are performed, and prophecies seem to be fulfilled
b. If their doctrine contradicts what God has already revealed, they are to be rejected
Conclusion
1. In the midst of these warnings to “test the spirits”, John provides some comforting words in 1 John 4:4-5
a. By being of God (because they have heeded the words of His apostles)
1) They can overcome the false prophets
2) For the One in them is greater than he who is in the world
b. Don’t be surprised to see the world following after the false prophets
1) For the false prophets are of the world and speak in a way as to appeal to the world
2) Therefore don’t be deterred by the “apparent success” of the false teachers (size and numbers are not a proper measure of truth!)
2. In view of the proliferation of religions and various doctrines bombarding us today, all in the name of Christ and the Spirit of God, the exhortation of John is very relevant and important for us: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God”
3. Are you continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine so you can properly apply the test?
1 John 03:15-24 – Brotherly Love – What is it and Why do I Want it? audio
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Text: 1 John 3:15-24
Introduction
1. The apostle John has given us two reasons in 1 John 3:10-15 for why it is necessary that we love the brethren:
a. Along with practicing righteousness, it distinguishes the children of God
b. It signifies a passing from death to life
2. But what does it really mean to love the brethren? And what benefits do we receive in return when we possess brotherly love?
3. These two questions are answered by John in 1 John 3:16-24, which serves as the text of this lesson
Body
I. BROTHERLY LOVE IS: (1 John 3:16-18)
A. JESUS EXEMPLIFIES WHAT IT MEANS TO LOVE THE BRETHREN (1 John 3:16)
1. The word for love, has often been described as “active goodwill”
2. In giving His life for our sins, Jesus certainly demonstrated goodwill in an active way
3. Meditating upon His example we are “taught of God to love one another” – 1 Thessalonians 4:9
4. With Jesus’ example, then, we come to understand what brotherly love is all about: sacrificially serving others!
a. Therefore we should be willing to lay down our lives for one another
b. In some cases, it may indeed involve “dying” for our brethren; but it can also be “living” for them through serving
B. BROTHERLY LOVE IS NOT: (1 John 3:17)
1. John uses the example of not helping a brother when it is within your power to do so
2. In view of Christ’s love, how we can claim to have love if we are not willing to sacrifice for a brother in need?
3. This illustrates that brotherly love is not only being willing to “die” for someone, but willing to “live” for them as well, through active service on their behalf
C. THEREFORE, AN ADMONITION TO “TRUE LOVE” (1 John 3:18)
1. An admonition prefaced by John’s favorite term of endearment: “My little children”
2. To love, not just in words, but truly, through deeds!
D. We see, then, that “brotherly love” which:
1) distinguishes the Children of God, and
2) signifies one as having passed from death to life, must go beyond the spoken word or occasional hymn.
E. Patterned after the example of Jesus, “brotherly love” is manifested by what one does, not just by what one says – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
F. The blessedness of such love is not only for the recipient, but also for the giver, as we learn beginning in 1 John 3:19
II. THE VALUE OF BROTHERLY LOVE (1 John 3:19-24)
A. IT GIVES ONE ASSURANCE BEFORE GOD (1 John 3:19-21)
1. Love of the brethren is an indication that one is “of the truth”, just as it as an indication that one had passed from death to life – 1 John 3:14
2. It is certainly not the only indicator (1 John 3:10), but it does help to provide one with assurance of their salvation
3. The importance of such assurance:
a. If our own hearts condemn us…
1) Because we know we do not love the brethren as we ought
2) Certainly God, who is greater and knows all things, will know of our shortcomings in this area, if conscience condemn us in known sin, or the neglect of known duty, God does so too.
b. But if our hearts do NOT condemn us…
1) Because we are loving the brethren as we know we should
2) This will make us able to approach God with joyful confidence!
B. IT LEADS TO POSITIVE ANSWERS TO PRAYER (1 John 3:22-23)
1. Our prayers are more likely to be answered according to our requests
2. Because we are keeping the commandments of God (of which loving the brethren is one), and thereby pleasing Him
3. “Commandment-keeping” is a condition upon which God hears prayer, just as it is a condition upon which Christ promises His abiding love – John 15:10
C. IT ENSURES THAT ONE ABIDES IN CHRIST (1 John 3:24)
1. Abiding in Christ is contingent upon keeping His commandments (and loving the brethren is certainly one of His commandments) – John 14:23
2. And how do we know that Christ truly abides in those who keeps His commandments?
a. By the Spirit whom Christ has given
b. He (the Spirit) is the one Who reminded the apostles of the key to abiding in Christ – John 14:19-26
Conclusion
1. Aren’t these three blessings what every true Christian desires…?
a. Abiding in Christ, and He in us?
b. God answering our prayers?
c. Confidence concerning our standing before God?
2. For these blessings to be ours…
a. We must allow Christ to teach us by His example what it really means to have “brotherly love”
b. And then manifest such sacrificial service in our lives! “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”
3. Does the love of God abide in you?
1 John 03:10-15 – Children of God vs Children of the Devil – audio
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Text: 1 John 3:10-15 KJV (Reading by Andy Anderson)
Introduction
1. In our previous study, we saw where John described two different kinds of people:
a. One who continuously practices sin, and is therefore of the devil – 1 John 3:8a
b. One born of God, who does not continuously practice sin – 1 John 3:9
2. John continues to illustrate the contrast between the children of God and the children of the devil in 1 John 3:10, presenting two criteria which distinguishes them:
a. Practicing righteousness
b. Brotherly love
3. Both of these criteria have already been introduced earlier in this epistle:
a. John enjoined brotherly love as necessary to abiding in the light – 1 John 2:9-11
b. He connected practicing righteousness to being born of Him – 1 John 2:29; 3:7
4. It is primarily the subject of brotherly love that John expounds upon throughout the rest of this epistle, including that which serves as our text for this study – 1 John 3:10-15
Body
I. LOVE DISTINGUISHES THE CHILDREN OF GOD (1 John 3:10-13)
A. TWO THINGS MANIFEST THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOD’S CHILDREN AND THE DEVIL’S CHILDREN (1 John 3:10)
1. The word manifest means:
a. To show or demonstrate plainly; reveal
b. To be evidence of; prove
2. That which clearly demonstrates the children of God are:
a. The practice of righteousness
b. The love of the brethren
3. Whereas those who are the children of the devil are clearly revealed when they:
a. Do not practice righteousness
b. Do not have brotherly love
B. THE COMMAND TO LOVE IS FROM THE BEGINNING (1 John 3:11)
1. In other words, from the beginning of the gospel, spoken by Jesus – John 13:34-35
2. Note that Jesus also stressed how loving one another would make the children of God (His disciples) manifest to the world: by this all will know – John 13:35
C. EXPECT SOME CONFLICT BETWEEN THESE TWO CHILDREN (1 John 3:12-13)
1. Just as Cain killed his brother Abel
a. He who was of the wicked one killed his brother
b. The murder was sparked by the contrast between the works of the two
2. So don’t be surprised if the world hates you as well – John 15:18-20
D. When we follow the teachings of Jesus, especially His command to love one another, it soon becomes evident (manifest) that we are different from those of the world. But that difference sometimes leads to jealousy and its unpleasant consequences.
E. Why do we have to heed a command that makes us stand out so?
II. LOVE SIGNIFIES A PASSING FROM DEATH TO LIFE (1 John 3:14-15)
A. IT IS A MARK OF TRUE CONVERSION (1 John 3:14a)
1. Certainly brotherly love is not the ONLY indicator
2. Remember that we must also practice righteousness – Galatians 5:22-23
3. But love for the brethren is a positive sign that true conversion has occurred
B. WHEREAS LACK OF LOVE IS AN OMINOUS SIGN (1 John 3:14b-15)
1. That one abides in death
2. As we saw earlier, one who hates his brother is in darkness until now – 1 John 2:9, 11
3. Indeed, hating one’s brother makes one a murderer! (just like Cain)
4. And it should be self-evident that a murderer does not possess eternal life!
C. WHY DO CHRISTIANS NOT LOVE THEIR BRETHREN?
1. It MAY be an indication that true conversion never occurred, and that they are Christians in name only
2. It MAY be that there was true conversion:
a. But the Christian is still a babe in Christ – 1 Corinthians 3:1-3
b. Or that what the writer of Hebrews feared has occurred – Hebrews 3:12-14
3. In ANY circumstance, it is not what God desires for us!
Conclusion
1. Two compelling reasons are therefore given by John for why we should love one another:
a. It distinguishes the children of God
b. It signifies a passing from death to life
2. John will have more to say about love and its value, but may these two reasons compel us to examine our hearts and our attitudes toward our brethren!
3. Let brotherly love continue – Hebrews 13:1