Sunday Service
The Proof Of Love
1 John 4:7-14
THEME: John wrote this letter to Gentile Christians while he was pastoring a church in Ephesus. These first century Christians were faced with false teaching (probably against Christ's incarnation) that was threatening to destroy the fundamentals of their faith. John positively attackes this heresy by reasserting the basics of Christian faith and life. In 1 John 5:13 he makes it clear that he wants to give assurance of salvation to these Christians through a series of tests to measure themselves. True Christians will display the characteristics of genuine Christianity in sound doctrine, faith, obedience and love. Here in 1 John 4:7-12, we are provided three reasons why Christians should sacrificially love one another.
1. LOVE IS THE ESSENCE OF GOD (vv. 7-8)
A. The Love of God
B. The Nature of God's Love
1. It is a volitional love. (John 3:16)
2. It is a pardoning love. (Isaiah 55:7; Colossians 3:19)
3. It is a proactive love. (1 John 4:19)
4. It is a chastening love (Hebrews 12:6)
5. It is a visible love. (1 Cor 13; John 3:16; Rom 5:8)
6. It is a long-suffering love. (2 Peter 3:9)
7. It is an unceasing love. (Romans 8:9)
8. It is a self-sacrificing love. (John 3:16; Eph 5:25; 2 Cor 8:9)
2. LOVE WAS REVEALED BY CHRIST (vv. 9-11)
A. The Expression of God's Love (vv. 9-10)
B. The Example of God's Love (v. 11)
3. LOVE IS THE CHRISTIAN'S TESTIMONY (v. 12)