1 John: Brotherly Love

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Brotherly Love (1 John 2:7-14)

Scripture: 1 John 2:7-8, 1 John 3:14, 1 John 2:15-17, Ephesians 2, Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Peter 5:8, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, 1 John 5:1, John 6:40, John 13:34-35, John 14:15-17, John 15, Philippians 2:13, 1 Corinthians 13, 1 John 2:2, Exodus 34:6-7

Intro:

• John's letter: A message of truth and a call to love.
• Contradictions: love of the Father vs. love of the world.
• Two stories with a similar treasure, different responses: 
  • Rich young ruler (Matthew 19).
  • Treasure hidden in a field (Matthew 13).
• What is our heart's response to the call to love the Father?

Old and New Commandments:

• 1 John 2:7-8: Old commandment (love one another) given by Jesus (John 13:34).
• Old: Love and unity expected between brothers.
• New: Jesus is the role model for loving others.
• Jesus's love: exclusive message, inclusive love. 
  • Loved disciples, friends (John 11), even enemies (Romans 5:6-8).
  • Supreme demonstration: the cross.

Are You Living in the Light?

• 1 John 2:8: Brotherly love is true in Jesus and in you (plural).
• Brotherly love exists in the community of Christ.
• Contrasts: darkness (hate) vs. light (love).
• Are you living contrary to what we know love is?
• 1 Corinthians 13: Love is patient, kind, etc.
• Challenge: Are we living in the light of 1 Corinthians 13?

John's Pastoral Exhortation:

• John's tone: a loving father singing truth over a weary church.
• 1 John 2:12-14: 
  • Little children: sins are forgiven.
  • Young Christians: have overcome the evil one.
  • Fathers/Mothers: know Him who is from the beginning.
• These are truths for all Christians.
• Sins are forgiven through Jesus's work.
• Young Christians have overcome the world through faith (John 16:33).
• Mature Christians know God deeply (Exodus 34:6-7).

A Vision to Know God:

• Prioritize a vision to know God above all else.
• Revelation 4: The four living creatures. 
  • Eyes to see God.
  • Unending worship.
  • God is worthy of our complete devotion.
• If we could just see God more, we would love Him more.

Call to Action:

• Examine your heart and motives.
• Confess your sins to God and others (James 5:16).
• Receive prayer for healing and restoration.
• Submit to Jesus as Lord.
• Love God and others as Christ loved us.
• Pursue unity in the church (Ephesians 4:1-6).

Conclusion:

• Christian life is about loving God and loving others.
• Unity is found in Christ and expressed through our actions.
• Be a church that is known for its love and unity.