Historical Posts
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!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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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!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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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!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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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
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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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?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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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?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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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?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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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
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 John 03:04-09 – Sin and the Child of God
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Text: 1 John 3:4-9
Introduction
1. This morning, we saw that the true child of God purifies himself because of the hope of being like Jesus one day – 1 John 3:2-3
2. In discussing purity, the subject of sin naturally arises
a. Which may be why John moves right into a discussion of sin and the child of God – 1 John 3:4-9
b. It also fits into John’s overall theme of combating the teaching that sinning did not affect one’s relationship with God
3. How shall the true child of God regard sin? Is it something to be taken lightly? Not if the apostle John has anything to say about it!
Body
I. THE DEFINITION OF SIN
A. AS UNDERSTOOD BY SOME
1. Sin is nothing more than a violation of human relationships
2. Which can be easily resolved by correcting relationship problems
3. While SOME sins may be a violation of human relationships, the true meaning of sin goes much further than that
B. THE LITERAL MEANING OF THE WORD SIN
1. The Greek word for sin literally means to miss the mark
2. For example, as when an archer fails to hit the center of the target
3. So sin is some kind of action (or lack of it) in which one fails to meet the goal intended by God – Romans 3:23
C. AS DEFINED BY JOHN
1. Sin is lawlessness (NKJV), or transgression of the law (KJV)
2. The word for lawlessness means illegality, i.e. violation of law
a. For example, to break or violate a law, such as the law of God
b. In other words, to steal when the law says Thou shalt not steal
3. So sin occurs when you DO WHAT IS FORBIDDEN (commonly called a sin of commission)
D. AS DEFINED BY JAMES
1. James describes another kind of sin – James 4:17
2. So sin is also committed when you FAIL TO DO WHAT IS GOOD OR COMMANDED (often called a sin of omission)
a. For example, failing to love your brother
b. While you may not do wrong toward your brother, failure to do good is just as much a sin!
E. IN BOTH OF THESE DEFINITIONS OF SIN
1. One has failed to meet a certain standard (they have missed the mark)
2. In this case, the standard is the law of God
a. Which, when carefully noted, is designed to help us in our relationships with:
1) God
2) Other people
3) Even self
b. Every command of God, both negative and positive, affect these relationships in one way or the other
F. Failure to understand the true nature of sin is one reason why there is so much apathy toward it today. But every time we sin, we adversely affect our relationship with either God, others, or our own selves!
II. THE ORIGIN OF SIN – 1 John 3:8a
A. SIN IS OF THE DEVIL!
1. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning.
2. This statement of John is reminiscent of one made by Jesus – John 8:44
3. From the beginning the devil has been the father or origin of sin (he is a liar and the father of it)
B. THOSE WHO SIN ARE OF THE DEVIL!
1. Since he is the father of sin, those who practice sin are his children
2. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do – John 8:44a
3. So when we miss the mark by either:
a. Doing what is forbidden
b. Failing to do what is commanded
c. We demonstrate the influences of the devil in our lives!
C. If sin can make one to be the children of the devil, than that ought to tell us something about the terribleness of sin!
III. THE DEFEAT OF SIN – 1 John 3:5a, 8b
A. THIS WAS THE PURPOSE OF CHRIST’S COMING
1. He was manifested to take away our sins – 1 John 3:5a
2. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil – 1 John 3:8b
3. As John the Baptist declared: Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! – John 1:29
4. To continue to walk in sin, therefore, is to undermine the purpose of our Lord’s coming!
B. CONSIDER WHAT IT COST JESUS TO ACCOMPLISH THIS PURPOSE
1. Nothing less than His own death! – 1 Corinthians 15:3
2. Nothing less than His precious blood! – Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 1:18-19
3. Does not this tell us something about the terribleness of sin?
C. When we properly understand what sin is, and how terrible it must be in God’s sight, then for the child of God there can only be one goal: what John describes as not abiding in sin
IV. NOT ABIDING IN SIN – 1 John 3:6-7, 9
A. WHOEVER ABIDES IN HIM DOES NOT SIN… – 1 JN 3:6
1. The phrase does not sin is present tense in the Greek, suggesting a practice of not CONTINUING IN SIN
a. John has already affirmed that Christians sin – 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
2. Such is true of those who abide in Him
a. Those who abide in Jesus do not continuously engage in sin
b. That is because they:
1) Let that which they have heard from the beginning abide in them – 1 John 2:24
2) Strive to walk even as Jesus walked – 1 John 2:6-7
3. But the one who continuously practices sin has neither seen Jesus nor known him (despite any claims to the contrary!) – 1 John 3:6
B. WHOEVER HAS BEEN BORN OF GOD DOES NOT SIN… 1 John 3:9
1. Again, John uses the present tense when he says does not sin
a. He is not suggesting that one born of God never sins
b. But that one truly born of God does not continuously practice sin
2. And why is that? Because His seed remains in Him
a. The seed is that life-giving principle that makes one a child of God
b. Which clearly involves the Word of God – 1 Peter 1:22-23
3. As long as one allows the seed (the Word of God) to remain in him, he is born of God
a. As such he does not continuously practice sin
b. Nor can he continuously practice sin, if the seed is remaining in him
c. Instead, he continuously practices righteousness! – 1 John 3:7
Conclusion
1. Again, it helpful to remember that John is dealing with the idea that one can claim to be born of God and not be concerned about sin in their life
2. But when we are aware of:
a. The definition of sin
b. The origin of sin
c. The defeat of sin
d. The abandonment of sin
3. Our attitude toward sin will certainly be different than those John was having to combat!
4. What is your attitude toward sin?
a. Have you been born again through obedience to the Word of God?
b. Are you letting that seed remain in you so that you do not continuously practice sin?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 John 03:01-03 – The Children of God – audio
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Text: 1 John 3:1-3
Introduction
1. In 1 John 2:29, for the first time John speaks of Christians as those who are born of God
a. It is an expression that will be used time and again throughout the remainder of this epistle – 1 John 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4, 18
b. It is a figurative expression, emphasizing that the Christian’s spiritual life is a result of the redemptive work of God – Colossians 2:12-13
c. As a result of this working of God in our lives, we have been born again, and can therefore be properly called God’s children
2. That we can be called children of God was amazing to John, and in our text (1 John 3:1-3) he desires that we consider:
a. The significance of being called the children of God
b. The news of what we shall be
c. The transformation that is to take place in our lives
Body
I. WHAT WE ARE AS CHILDREN OF GOD
A. WE ARE RECIPIENTS OF GOD’S LOVE – 1 John 3:1a
1. Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!
2. It is through the love of God that we can even become His children – John 3:16, 1 John 4:9-10
3. It is an honor for God to even take notice of us, how much love God must have to allow us to become His children!
B. WE ARE UNKNOWN BY THE WORLD – 1 John 3:1b
1. …the world does not know us…
2. That is, they do not truly recognize, appreciate or understand what we have become in Christ
3. They may even deem us as religious fanatics, fools – 1 Corinthians 4:9-13
4. But this is understandable:
a. For the world did not (and still does not) really know Jesus – John 1:11
b. And for now, our lives are hidden in Jesus – Colossians 3:3-4
5. Loved and honored by God, unknown and sometimes despised by the world; that is what we are today as the children of God.
II. WHAT WE SHALL BE AS CHILDREN OF GOD
A. IT HAS NOT YET BEEN FULLY REVEALED
1. Exactly what we shall be like has not yet been revealed
2. Which may be that due to our finite capability to comprehend
3. In general terms we have been promised a spiritual body and immortality – 1 Corinthians 15:42-44; 50-53
4. But there is something else, hinted at by both Paul and John
B. WE SHALL BE LIKE JESUS!
1. …we know that we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
2. Paul also says that we will be like Jesus when He comes…
a. We shall bear the image of the heavenly Man – 1 Corinthians 15:49
b. Our lowly bodies will undergo a wonderful transformation to become like Jesus – Philippians 3:20-21
III. WHAT WE SHOULD BE AS CHILDREN OF GOD (3)
A. OUGHT TO BE MOTIVATED BY OUR HOPE
1. “everyone who has this hope…”
2. The hope of which John writes, of course, is the earnest expectation that we will be like Jesus when He comes
B. DILIGENTLY INVOLVED IN PURIFYING ONE’S SELF
1. This involves the idea of being set apart for a holy purpose, which Christians are taught to pursue – Hebrews 12:14
2. How can Christians purify themselves?
a. First and foremost by appropriating the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus! – 1 John 1:9
b. Only then can we hope to be truly holy and without blemish – Ephesians 5:25-27
c. But we also have an obligation to remove ourselves from things that would defile us – 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1
Conclusion
1. By virtue of God’s love for us, and His working in us, we can truly be called the children of God!
2. However, to become a child of God, and truly remain such, we must be willing to cooperate with God
a. When our faith joins with the working of God, we can become His children! – Colossians 2:12-13; Galatians 3:26-27
b. As long as our faith remains strong, we have the assurance of receiving the promises God has made – Hebrews 3:12-14; 4:1-2; Revelation 2:10
3. Is the love our heavenly Father has shown in making us His children, serving to motivate us to remain faithful to Him!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 John 04:07-11 – Let All You Do be Done with Love – audio
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Text: 1 John 4:7-11 (Reading by Richard Dillon)
Introduction
A. Every single one of us has something to do every day of our lives.
1) Wake up
2) Go to school or work
3) Do things about the home
4) Do things about town
B. We need to keep Paul’s words in mind: “Let all that you do be done with love (1 Corinthians 16:14).”
Body
I. John gives us the “why” of our love (1 John 4:7-11).
A. He reminds us that love comes from God!
B. As God loves us, so we should return His love and love each other.
C. Peter, on the other hand, gives us the “how.” He brings together what God did for us, and what we need to do for Him and each other (James 4:7-11).
D. James commands Christians to have “fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins (James 4:8).”
1) He then begins to explain how Christians are to treat each other (James 4:9-11).
2) Love is seen as an action, and not merely a feeling (1 John 3:18).
3) In this text we are to pattern our love after God’s love.
II. God did all with love.
A. God created man in His image and blessed him (Genesis 1:26-28).
B. God corrects man when he sins (Proverbs 3:11-12).
C. God provided a way that man could remove his sins (John 3:16-17; 1 John 2:2; John 1:29; Proverbs 10:12).
D. Jesus, God in the flesh (John 1:1-2,14), loved us by laying down His life for us (John 15:9-17; 1 John 3:16).
III. We must do all with love.
A. Paul said, “But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection (Colossians 3:14).”
B. Of faith, hope, and love, the greatest is love (1 Corinthians 13:13).
C. Love covers a multitude of sins, and Christians can share that love by spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ (Proverbs 10:12; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; James 5:19-20).
D. We must love our enemies (Matthew 5:44-46).
E. While speaking, we must speak with love (Ephesians 4:29; James 3:6,8-10).
F. We must keep the commands of Christ to show we love Him (John 14:15).
G. Families are to love each other.
1) Husbands and wives must love each other (Ephesians 5:22-33).
2) Parents are to love their children, and children to love their parents (Ephesians 6:1-4).
Conclusion
A. Everything God did, He did out of love for us.
B. Everything we do, we must do out of love for Him.
C. We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).
D. We love one another as He loved us (John 15:12).
E. We say we love our families, friends, and neighbors.
1) Do our actions show it?
2) Do our attitudes express that love?
Content by Richard Dillon
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1 John 01:03-07 True Fellowship – audio
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Text: 1 John 1:3-7
Introduction
True fellowship means:
- Sharing all things
- Having communion with
- Being in partnership
- Having a close mutual relationship
- Jointly participating with
- Contributing to, or even giving to others
In John’s first epistle, he explains how we can have true fellowship with God, Christ, himself, and others (1 John 1:3-7).
Body
I. We have fellowship with God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit (1 John 1:3,6).
A. From the beginning, God had something in common with man. He created him in His own image (Genesis 1:26-27). Later, Christ (who was God in the flesh, John 1:1-2,14) prayed that we would be one just as He is one with God (John 17:20-26).
B. God has called us into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:9). When we partake of the Lord’s Supper each first day of the week (Acts 20:7), we have fellowship with Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). This is just part of being a Christian. Paul truly knew that by being baptized into Christ, we fellowship in His sufferings and death (Philippians 3:10; Romans 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 3:12).
C. When one becomes a Christian, he receives the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). There is only one Spirit (Ephesians 4:4), and when Christians obey that one gospel, we have fellowship with the Spirit (Philippians 2:1-2; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
II. Christians have fellowship with one another (1 John 1:3,7).
A. The fact that we are Christians simply implies that we have fellowship! After all, we are all children of God and are trying to live faithfully unto death (Revelation 2:10).
B. Regardless of background, we can have fellowship in Christ (Romans 1:16; Galatians 2:9; 3:27-28).
C. Those in Macedonia and Achaia are good examples of fellowshipping by helping those who are in need (Romans 15:26-27; 2 Corinthians 8:1-4; 9:13).
D. We have fellowship in spreading the gospel and sharing our faith (Philippians 1:5; Philemon 6; Ephesians 4:5; Jude 3).
E. We are to continue in fellowship (Acts 2:42,44-47; Hebrews 13:16).
III. Just as there are those we can have fellowship with, there are those we cannot fellowship with.
A. We cannot fellowship with demons, or devils (1 Corinthians 10:20-21). Paul was speaking in context of serving things rather than God (idolatry).
B. Christians do not fellowship with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 1 John 1:7; John 1:5; 1 Peter 2:9).
Conclusion
God wants us to be in fellowship with Him, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and all believers. It is a wonderful blessing! On the other hand, we must not fellowship with the world. Who are you in fellowship with?
Content by Richard Dillon
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1 John 01:05-02:02 – Fellowship with God – audio
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Text: 1 John 1:5-2:2 (Reading by Clark Perkins)
Introduction
1. We saw in 1 John 1:1-4 that John’s aim in this epistle is:
a. To declare the “Word of life”, the “eternal life” that was with the Father and has been manifested in Jesus Christ – 1 John 1:1-2
b. That we might have fellowship with the Father and Son, just as the apostles do – 1 John 1:3
c. That we might have fullness of joy – 1 John 1:4
2. So to have fullness of joy… We must experience the kind of life that comes from having fellowship with God!
3. What is the basis for fellowship with God, so that we may have the life that produces fullness of joy?
a. In our text (1 John 1:5-2:2), John discusses the basis for fellowship with God
b. He also describes the place of sin, and how it can affect that fellowship
Body
I. THE PREMISE FOR HAVING FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD (1 John 1:5)
A. “GOD IS LIGHT”
1. The figure of light is often used in the Scriptures to describe that which to good, righteous, and true – Ephesians 5:8-10
2. Therefore, God must always be thought of in this way: He is good, He is righteous, He is true!
B. “IN HIM IS NO DARKNESS AT ALL”
1. The figure of darkness would represent the opposite of light: evil, unrighteousness, falsehood
2. Therefore we can never think of God as countenancing sin, excusing it in any way
II. FALSE CLAIMS CONCERNING FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD (1 John 1:6-10)
A. “WE HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM”, YET WALK IN DARKNESS (1 John 1:6-7)
1. Why is this claim false?
a. Because fellowship means to have something in common
b. And we have seen that God is “light” (goodness, righteousness, truth)
c. “Walking in darkness”, therefore, would be going against everything God stands for – Ephesians 4:17-24
2. What is the result of such a claim?
a. We are false in our WORDS (“we lie”)
b. We are false in our DEEDS (“do not practice the truth”)
3. Instead, we should “walk in the light as He is in the light”
a. I.e., instead of living a life characterized by “evil, unrighteousness, and error” (all the while claiming to have fellowship with God)
b. …we should live a life in harmony with God’s “goodness, righteousness, and truth”!
4. Only then will we experience:
a. “Fellowship with one another”
1) That is, we will have fellowship with God
2) Whereby we can share in that life which is eternal, and provides fullness of joy!
b. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son [which] cleanses us from all sin”
1) This suggests that “walking in the light” does not imply sinlessness!
2) Any more than “walking in darkness” implies total absence of good
3) Rather, “walking in the light” suggests
a) A life making progress under the positive influence of God’s “light”
b) A life enjoying the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood as one meets the conditions of forgiveness
B. “WE HAVE NO SIN” (1 John 1:8-9)
1. John is reference to statements made by professing Christians who thought they had become sinless
2. The consequences of such a claim
a. Self-deceit (“we deceive ourselves”)
b. Living in error (“the truth is not in us”)
c. In other words, walking in darkness, not walking in light!
3. Instead, we should freely confess our sins – 1 John 1:9a; Proverbs 28:13
4. Then God, who is “faithful” (trustworthy) and “just” (one who does what is right) will:
a. “forgive us our sins”
b. “cleanse us from all unrighteousness”
c. through His mercy He makes it possible for to continue in fellowship with Him!
C. “WE HAVE NOT SINNED” (1 John 1:10)
1. This claim is made by some denying they had ever sinned
2. The consequences of this claim are grievous
a. We make God a liar! – Romans 3:23
b. His Word is not in us!
3. How can anyone who makes such claims as these hope to have true fellowship with God, and thereby enjoy the life such fellowship gives?
4. Fellowship with God does not occur by making claims that turn God into a liar!
5. Though affirming that we do sin, John is not seeking to encourage sin. Indeed, he is writing to discourage sin – 1 John 2:1
III. FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD REQUIRES AN ADVOCATE (1 John 2:1-2)
A. “WE HAVE AN ADVOCATE WITH THE FATHER, JESUS CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS”
1. The word “advocate”
a. Literally means “to call to one’s side, to one’s aid”
b. It suggests the capability for giving aid
c. Used in a court of justice to denote a legal assistant, a counsel for the defense
d. Generally, it is one who pleads another’s case, an intercessor
2. Jesus is the perfect “advocate”, for He is RIGHTEOUS
a. As sinners, we are alienated from God – Isaiah 59:1-2
b. But since Jesus is without sin, He is a fit representative to come before God on our behalf!
c. The author of Hebrews also makes the point that though righteous, He understands our situation perfectly – Hebrews 2:17-18; 4:14-16
B. “HE HIMSELF IS THE PROPITIATION FOR OUR SINS” (1 John 2:2)
1. The word “propitiation” means “an appeasing”
a. E.g., the pagans would offer sacrifices to appease their gods
b. In the New Testament, it is God, not man, who offers the appeasing sacrifice – 1 John 4:10
c. Through His death on the cross, Jesus is the means by which God can show mercy to the sinner
d. This explains how God can be “just” (cf. 1 John 1:9) and still forgive sin
e. This wonderful “propitiation” was given to the whole world, but is accessed only by those who believe in Jesus – 1 John 2:2; Romans 3:21-26
Conclusion
1. In this first chapter, and even into the second, John makes it clear upon what basis we can have fellowship with God, and enjoy the life that provides fullness of joy
2. To have fellowship with God, we who are Christians must
a. Not walk in darkness, but walk in the light of God’s goodness, righteous, and truth
b. Admit that we have sinned, and do sin
c. Utilize our “advocate” (Jesus Christ), whom God provides as the “propitiation” for our sins
3. In 1 John 1:9, John explained how those who are already children of God can appropriate the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus (through confession and prayer).
4. But how about the alien sinner? – Acts 2:38; 22:16 (faith, repentance, and baptism)
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 John 01:01-04 – Introduction to First John – audio
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Text: 1 John 1:1-4
Introduction
1. When Jesus to earth, He came not only to LIVE a life, but to GIVE life: I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. – John 10:10
2. The GOSPEL of John was designed to produce faith so that we might have life – John 20:30-31
3. However, it is the FIRST EPISTLE of John which discusses the nature of that life in greater detail – 1 John 3:14
4. That we might be sure to live the sort of life God offers through His Son Jesus Christ, a careful study of First John is in order
Body
I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A. THE AUTHOR
1. John is the author, the beloved disciple of Jesus
2. Similarities between this epistle and the Gospel of John certainly give us INTERNAL evidence for this conclusion
3. There is also EXTERNAL evidence that this John is the author:
a. Polycarp, a close associate of John, makes reference to this epistle at the beginning of the second century, in a letter to the Philippians
b. Irenaeus, a student of Polycarp, quoted from it and attributed it to John
B. THE RECIPIENTS
1. No one is specifically mentioned
2. John was in Ephesus at the time, and this was a general epistle to the Christians throughout Asia Minor
3. However, John’s comments in 1 John 2:20 and 1 John 2:27 suggest that John may have been addressing a particular group of Christians possessing certain spiritual gifts
C. DATE
1. Estimations range from 60 A.D. to 100 A.D.
2. Most modern scholarship places it around 95 A.D
D. PURPOSE
1. As declared by John throughout his epistle, he wrote it:
a. that your joy may be full – 1 John 1:4
b. that you may not sin – 1 John 2:1
c. that you may know that you have eternal life – 1 John 5:13a
2. While these reasons may state the positive side of John’s purpose, it appears he was also responding to errors that were prevalent at the time – 1 John 2:26
a. If not fully developed in John’s day, there was at least a precursor to Gnosticism
b. Those who came to be called Gnostics
1) Claimed to have a superior knowledge (Greek word for knowledge is gnosis)
2) Believed all matter was evil
a) Therefore God did not create or have anything to do with the material universe
b) Therefore Christ could not have come in the flesh – 1 John 4:1-3
c. Their application to everyday living took two different directions; since all matter was thought to be evil:
1) Some thought one should abstain altogether from anything that would satisfy the flesh
2) Others claimed it did not matter what one did in the flesh (it was evil anyway), and to have full knowledge it was proper to explore everything
II. JOHN’S PROLOG (1 John 1:1-4)
A. CONCERNS THE WORD OF LIFE
1. Which was from the beginning has reference to the creation of the world – John 1:1
2. This Word of life was:
a. heard
b. seen with our eyes
c. looked upon
d. handled
e. all emphasizing that this Word was in the flesh; an reference to Jesus – John 1:1, 14
B. TO DECLARE THE ETERNAL LIFE
1. Which was:
a. With the Father
b. And then manifested to the apostles, who had seen and were bearing witness
2. Again, this is an obvious reference to Jesus Christ
3. But notice the use of the NEUTER gender throughout this passage
a. The emphasis appears to be on the life which Jesus had, especially that which is eternal
b. It is this same life which we can possess if we truly believe in the name of the Son of God – 1 John 5:11-13
4. Thus John is focusing on the eternal life which Jesus offers and made possible by His coming in the flesh
C. THAT YOU MAY HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH US
1. Here is the reason for declaring the Word of life, the eternal life
2. By declaring this life (revealed by Jesus and through Jesus), fellowship is possible
a. Fellowship involves the idea of sharing, communion
b. The sharing, communion that the apostles have is with the Father and His Son
3. John wanted his readers to participate in this same sharing
a. that you also may have fellowship with us
b. In other words, that you can experience what we are experiencing!
4. Why does John desire this? Read on
D. THAT YOUR JOY MAY BE FULL
1. It is fellowship with the Father and Son that makes the life of a Christian so full of joy!
2. And just as Jesus came to give us abundant life (John 10:10), so John now writes
a. That we may be sure to have fellowship with the Father and His Son
b. So that our joy may be full!
Conclusion
1. From 1 John 1:1-4, then, we learn that fullness of joy comes only when we are in fellowship with the Father and the Son
2. Only then do we have that eternal life, which was first manifested in the flesh by Jesus Himself, and now given only through Jesus – 1 John 5:11-13
3. In our next lesson, we shall see what John says is essential if we are to truly have fellowship with God – 1John 1:5-2:2
4. But if you are not a Christian, let me explain how such fellowship with God can begin Galatians 3:26-27
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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