If someone hears what God has said in the Bible, we know he has the spirit of truth. ii. Just because the world is hearing the message doesnt prove that the message is Gods message. In such a desperate situation, Phil is taken by Pat to a bar, and on the wall of the bar washroom, he locates a shady-looking advertisement for a company named "Plan B," which claims to offer second chances. No man could do it. (Spurgeon). The day of judgment is as fixed in Gods eternal timetable as any other day in world history. (Boice). That indwelling Spirit is greater than he who is in the world Satan and all of his allies. Jun 2, 1985. b. Of course, this love is not perfected in the life of a Christian on this side of eternity. We can receive the healing power in our Fathers love. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. Series Recaps April 17, 2023 'Queenmaker' Episodes 5 & 6: Recap & Ending, Explained: Did Do-Hee Find Who Had A Hand In Her Father's Death? 1 John emphasizes that God's love is not some abstract concept. No one has seen God at any time. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. This is what we have heard. Yet most people today have never heard of John Gill. If we want to love one another more, we need to draw closer to God. He was touching upon matters of the most vital importance, and her depraved heart naturally shrunk from the lancet, From the truth which was becoming inconveniently personal she flew to that natural resort of the carnal mind, namely, to religions discourse upon points of outward observance. John can boldly say, He who does not love does not know God. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Yet in it all, that one may be like Cain, offering to God the fruit of his hands and not the fruit of the Spirit. Former NFL player Terrell Davis, center, poses with a bust of himself and form Denver Bronco teammates: from left, John Elway, Willie Brown, Shannon Sharpe, Gary Zimmerman, during an induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Saturday . This is what fellowship with God is all about. return to 'Top of Page' Verses 1-3 c. He who knows God hears us: Those who are of God enjoy fellowship with other believers; they speak the common language of fellowship with God and with each other, because one flows from the other (1 John 1:3). What about the many passages of Scripture, Old and New Testament (such as Ecclesiastes 12:13 and 1 Peter 2:17), which tell us we should fear God? b. iii. We may request cookies to be set on your device. Just so, God puts His love into our lives that it might flow out. He presented the world not as the global earth or the mass of humanity, which God Himself loves (John 3:16). The reason for discernment: Discernment is essential because Satan and his forces are at work in the world (4:1). When {1} therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (1) This balance is to be kept in doing our duty, that neither by fear are we terrified from going forward, and neither by rashness procure or bring dangers upon ourselves. Minor Prophets 1. The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, by-Verse Bible Commentary. There is a difference between the love of man, and divine love. In season 4, we saw her on the plane, and as she was flying, the biker assassin she murdered in Barry's apartment began to emerge in her nightmare, frightening her. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 'Rabbit Hole' Episode 5 Ending Explained: What Happened To John's Team? 1. John Piper Jun 2, 1985. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. Many, when first encountering the reality of the spiritual world, are too impressed and amazed to ask whether they are of God. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. Historical Books The Spirit of God is the Spirit of love. c. We love Him because He first loved us: This verse tells us where our love for Jesus comes from. God gave His Son to die, and to die for sinners. Can you say, I love Jesus? d. Love is of God: The love John speaks of comes from the ancient Greek word agape; it is the concept of a self-giving love that gives without demanding or expecting re-payment it is the God-kind of love. The Bible says that one day, all of humanity will gather before Gods Great White Throne and face judgment. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. A verification email has been sent to the address you provided. I cannot imagine a true man saying, I love Christ, but I do not want others to know that I love him, lest they should laugh at me. That is a reason to be laughed at, or rather, to be wept over. i. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. Blue Letter Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Historical Books And in John 15:7, He said, If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you. b. Error: Passwords should have at least 6 characters, Error: Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. In my text he explains and enlarges that statement. But, apart from this truth, we have no hope at all. 'Succession' Season 4, Episode 4: Recap & Ending, Explained: Will Kendall Be The Man His Dad Wanted? b. ii. This understanding gives great confidence and spiritual power. This love will lead to practical action. To believe in Christ and to love the brethren are not conditions by which we may dwell in God but rather are evidences of the fact that God has already taken possession of our lives to make this possible. (Boice). Gospel: John 1:14-16 The Word became flesh. We can imagine Jesus being bold before the throne of God, but us? Sermon. Some people think the greatest evidence of Gods presence or work is passionate feelings. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. Love is by no means the root. i. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. The Old Testament Love was the constant, greatest evidence of the presence and work of God in Jesus Christ. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. i. John makes it clear that error has a spiritual dynamic to it; it isnt just about being educated or smart. b. 1. Tests of False Prophets. Recognizing the value of consistent reflection upon the Word of God in order to refocus one's mind and heart upon Christ and His Gospel of peace, we provide several reading plans designed to cover the entire Bible in a year. One may be a spiritual dwarf because one lacks love. If God had merely sent Jesus to teach us about Himself, that would have been wonderful enough. Wisdom Literature c. And this commandment we have from Him: We have a commandment to love. For it is God's nature to be kind, and to give happiness. ii. Johannine Writings c. Test the spirits, whether they are of God: This is the responsibility of every Christian, but especially of congregational leadership. i. Jesus said in Matthew 5:23-24, Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Here, John suggests that there are forces of spiritual darkness that guide and influence the world. But He loved us before that, and even before the worlds were created, when our only existence was in the mind and heart of God, Jesus loved us. i. Certainly, this glory is in us now just in seed form; it has not yet fully developed into what it will be. But who among us would think of giving up his son to die for his enemy, for one who never did him a service, but treated him ungratefully, repulsed a thousand overtures of tenderness, and went on perversely hardening his neck? 4. 1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love. Since no one has seen God at any time, this provides evidence for the presence of God. John knew that we would never find in ourselves the faithfulness God requires. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. Email / username or password was incorrect! i. This pattern of receiving from God, then giving to others was familiar to John (John 13:14). This, with what follows, is said for the comfort of the saints, and to deliver them from the fears of being drawn aside by the delusions of the false prophets, and antichrists; since they belonged to God, were his elect, and therefore could not be finally and totally seduced; they were the children of God by adopting grace, and could not become The Holy Spirit gives us this assurance. Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God: Some think that this is the only test of false doctrine. It is a true gift from God. We never have to draw God to us; instead, He draws us to Himself. The principle of presenting a true Jesus is essential to the testing of spirits. "Queenmaker" definitely feels like a product of its time, bringing female characters to the center of a political . It isnt a matter of deciding between love or truth; we must have both. (1 John 4:17-18) The perfecting of love, both now and in eternity. Yet we must not try to make ourselves love our Lord, but look to Christs love first, for his love to us will beget in us love to him. It is something that every Christian should be unafraid to proclaim: I love Him; I love Jesus. Can you say that? 3. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. i. Prophets GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point The Gospels If someone says, I love God: It is often easier for someone to proclaim his love for God, because that regards a private relationship with an invisible God. b. No one has seen God at any time: John relates a basic principle about God the Father that no one, no one, has seen God at any time. Now, just forget your own love to him, and think of his great love to you; and then, immediately, your love will come to something more like that which you would desire it to be. (Spurgeon), iii. i. Paul knew that nothing could separate him from the love of God that was in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:35-39), and each Christian should have the same confidence. e. There is no fear in love: The completeness of love means we do not cower in fear before God, dreading His judgment, either now or in the day of judgment. John is saying when we really experience God it will show by our love for one another. The Samaritan woman. 80.) iii. Oh, if you do really believe that he has loved you so, sit down, and turn the subject over in your mind, and say to yourself, Jesus loves me; Jesus chose me; Jesus redeemed me; Jesus called me; Jesus has pardoned me; Jesus has taken me into union with himself. (Spurgeon). That sense of being grounded in God only comes when we set aside our sin in the pursuit of the one true God. I know that some of you are greatly distressed because you cannot love Christ as much as you would like to do, and you keep on fretting because it is so. Love is the proof we are taught to look for. c. He has given us of His Spirit: John brings up the work of the Holy Spirit in us at this point for two important connections. A man can create a statue that looks just like him, but it will never be human. Afraid of being laughed at? (1 John 4:20-21) The commandment to love. And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. There is no exception to this rule; if a man loves not God, neither is he born of God. The following comments draw much from Spurgeons work on this single verse. When Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, and showed such great love and servanthood to them, we might have expected Him to conclude by gesturing to His own feet and asking who among them was going to do to Him what He had just done for them. Do you believe it? Some people think the greatest evidence of Gods presence or work is power. We need to discover the true Jesus behind the myths of the Bible.. Luke-Acts Certainly, this glory is in us now just in seed form; it has not yet fully developed into what it will be. He loved you when you were at hells gate, and drank damnation at every draught. d. Boldness in the day of judgment: How can anyone have such boldness? But John can only be talking about the apostles and their authoritative revelation in the Bible when he says us. We know all the judgment we ever deserved past, present, and future was poured out on Jesus Christ on the cross. And we learn that Jesus' closest disciples are baptising the new followers. Believers must be discerning in spiritual matters. Are you embarrassed to say it? ii. Some think they will go there and judge God (When I see God, theres a few questions I have for Him!), but that is nonsense. He that is first in love, loves freely; the other therefore loves under obligation. (Poole), iii. One may know the Word, may never miss a service, may pray fervently, and may demonstrate gifts of the Spirit. i. i. 1. Bibliographical Information Once any academic throws out the historical evidence of the New Testament and other reliable ancient writings, they can only base their understanding of Jesus on their own personal opinion. This means that there will be agreement and confirmation from the body of Christ, though perhaps (or probably) not everyone will agree or confirm. Some respond with wickedness (God loves me, so I can do what I want). 2. Charles Spurgeon was a man who preached the whole counsel of Gods Word, and was careful to not excessively repeat himself in any one area. d. Boldness in the day of judgment: How can anyone have such boldness? Ah! Instead it is the community of sinful humanity that is united in rebellion against God. We are therefore commanded to love our brother in Christ. The Christian must know and believe the love God has for us. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. These are those that acknowledge Jesus Christ's real incarnation. We know all the judgment we ever deserved past, present, and future was poured out on Jesus Christ on the cross. 2. After any sort of effort to communicate with Evelyn fails, a drunk . The law of God is love; and all would have been perfectly happy, had all obeyed it. i. If he does not hear it, he has the spirit of error. iii. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:4 ESV Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. Historical Books Blue Letter Bible study tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding. Weak relationships are made strong when both people draw close to the Lord! For whatever reason, they wont receive His love and let it transform their lives. This specific word for knows (ginosko) is the word for a knowledge by experience. I stand here to preach illimitable love, unbounded grace, to the vilest of the vile, to those who have nothing in them that can deserve consideration from God, men who ought to be swept into the bottomless pit at once if justice meted out to them their deserts. (Spurgeon). It transforms our life to know the love of God in this way. If we do not love one another, how can we say that we have received the love of God and have been born of Him? ii. f. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God: It isnt enough to know the facts about who Jesus is; we must confess the truth. When we say God is love, we are not saying everything about God. 1 John 1:1-4 - That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touchedthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The only way to have boldness in the day of judgment is to receive, and walk in, the transforming love of God today. Anyone claiming to have seen God the Father is speaking at best from their own imagination, because as John plainly states, no one has seen God at any time. d. Is now already in the world: Though it will have its ultimate consummation in an end-times political and economic ruler, the essence of this antichrist spirit is present with us today. He purposed that all who believed on Christ would be endowed with strength from above. 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