Sermon Recap — March 8, 2020

Sermon Recap

Love One Another

Jeremy Bell
1 John 3:11-18
March 8, 2020
Sermon Audio 

 

Main Theme: Genuine love for others is a mark of authentic Christian faith.

 

I. Hatred is the evidence of spiritual death

1. Hatred is seen in Adam’s son Cain

If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you (John 15:18).”

2. Hatred originates with the devil

“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44).”

3. Hatred divides people and brings death

You have heard that it was said to those of old, “You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment. But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says ‘You fool’ will be liable to the hell of fire (Matthew 5:21-22).

II. Love is the evidence of spiritual life

1. Love is demonstrated in God’s Son Jesus

2. Love originates with God

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change (James 1:17).

3. Love brings people together and brings life

III. Application

1. Loving one another means dying to self (verse 16)

2. Loving one another means getting involved (verse 17)

3. Loving one another means forsaking anger and embracing mercy (verse 14)

 

Questions For Discussion/Application:

  • Re-read the text, 1 John 3:11-18. What initial observations and insights do you have from reading this text?
  • What is the point of John’s illustration regarding Cain and Abel (verse 12)? What is the “take home” point from this illustration? What can we learn from it?
  • Re-read verse 14. John is clear that love is a defining mark of those who have spiritual life and that a lack of love is a defining mark of those who have not life. Explain and unpack what John is saying there.
  • Re-read verse 16. In keeping with Christ’s own example, what does it truly mean and look like to “lay down our lives for the brothers (verse 16)” ? Please be as practical as you can.
  • Looking at verse 18, what is the difference between merely loving “in word or talk” and truly loving others in “deed and in truth” ?
  • Consider taking time to pray that God would help each of us, in response to the gospel, to grow in our love for God and others.

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