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. Some people imagine that Jesus loved us because He knew we would love Him and come to faith in Him. We come to love those better whom we love by knowing them better If you want to love Christ more, think more of him, think more of what you have received from him. (Spurgeon), e. He first loved us: This means that it is true that He loves us now. return to 'Top of Page' Verses 1-3 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. i. This is what fellowship with God is all about. ii. c. He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world: This means the Christian has no place for fear. a. 1 John 4:4, "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 5:13, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life." i. 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. One may be a spiritual dwarf because one lacks love. If this were a mere individual talking, the claim would be presumptuous. The reason for discernment: Discernment is essential because Satan and his forces are at work in the world (4:1). How The best tests omit, and give the direct statement cannot love. And the world hears them: Those who are of the world are also evident because the world hears them. Having boldness as we anticipate the judgment seat of Christ is the subject of the body of this epistle (1 John 2:28to 1 John 4:19). Because of this, the excuse I just cant love that person (or other such excuses) is invalid. by-Verse Bible Commentary. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. ii. It is the seed whence our love springs. (Clarke), ii. If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. This understanding gives great confidence and spiritual power. b. ii. To feel Gods love is very precious, but to believe it when you do not feel it, is the noblest. (Spurgeon). Scripture: 1 John 4:20-5:5. You cant truly grow in your experience of God without also growing love for one another. We are of God. A man can create a statue that looks just like him, but it will never be human. The provision of the gospel, for the forgiveness . Pentateuch You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. Scripture: 1 John 4:17-19. 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. Some very educated, very smart people can still be influenced mightily by the spirit of error. It is up to us to respond to His command with our will and whole being. Pauline Epistles That God has sent His only begotten Son into the world: John is careful to call Jesus the only begotten Son. 2. The mature Christian will be marked by love. John can boldly say, He who does not love does not know God. But it is not. i. Jesus said in John 15:4, Abide in Me, and I in you. c. That we may have boldness in the day of judgment: This shows the greatness of Gods work in us. ii. Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness. Do you believe it? (1 John 4:12) Seeing God through the evidence of love. This is not the only test, but it was the significant issue challenging the church in Johns immediate time. g. In this is love: Real love, agape love, is not defined by our love for God, but by His love for us. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. First, it is the Spirit of God in us that is the abiding presence of Jesus the presence of His Spirit is how He abides in us. 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. If God had sent Jesus simply to be our example, that would have been good too and would have had some value But the wonderful thing is that God did not stop with these but rather sent His Son, not merely to teach or to be our example, but to die the death of a felon, that He might save us from sin. (Boice). Never let it be thought that any sinner is beyond the reach of divine mercy so long as he is in the land of the living. Some of us, for whatever reason, have come to think of God the Father as aloof and mean, perhaps the so-called angry God of the Old Testament. Everything God does, in one way or another, expresses His love. Sometimes Jesus seemed weak and lacking in power, but He was always full of love. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. But God did all this for rebels, for sinners, for those who had turned their backs on Him. d. Boldness in the day of judgment: How can anyone have such boldness? We are therefore commanded to love our brother in Christ. f. For God is love: This is a glorious truth. c. His love has been perfected in us: Perfected uses the Greek word teleioo, which doesnt mean perfect as much as mature and complete. If we love one another, then the love of God is mature and complete in us. Pentateuch Oh, but the party is so unworthy. So are you; but God loved you and sent his Son. Go write according to that copy. (Spurgeon). The New Testament ii. Please see Blue Letter Bible's Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. NIV You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. 3. 5. Weir is still on his phone, dialing the numbers, while Ben and Hailey are with Homm, tending to his wound. We love him from a sense of obligation and gratitude. 1 John 4. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. 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. Ex-Broncos teammate Terrell Davis welcomes John Elway escaping the spotlight: 'Enjoy it, big man'. i. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. He loved us when we were still sinners: Every man that ever was saved had to come to God not as a lover of God, but as a sinner, and then believe in Gods love to him as a sinner. (Spurgeon), ii. Historical Books ii. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. Love has been perfected: For perfected, John doesnt just use the Greek word teleioo (which has the idea of maturity and completeness); he writes teleioo teleioo speaking of love that is perfectly perfected or completely complete.. 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. range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed Some respond with doubt (Can God really love even me?). Do not believe every spirit: John warned against believing every spirit; that is, we are never to assume every spiritual experience or every demonstration of spiritual power is from God. ii. b. We want the Lord to clear us and fill us so that His love can flow through us. 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. God made love real and present by sending Jesus to live among us and to die for us. 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 . (1 John 4:5-6) The contrast between those in the world and those who are of God. This love will lead to practical action. Wisdom Literature Though love springs forth from our abiding relationship with God and comes from our being born of Him, there is also an essential aspect of our will involved. He that is first in love, loves freely; the other therefore loves under obligation. (Poole), iii. a. Love is an essential aspect of His character, and colors every aspect of His nature. Love was the constant, greatest evidence of the presence and work of God in Jesus Christ. 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). Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. However, we use the term beget to describe something that is exactly the same as us in essential nature and being. 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). Blue Letter Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. He is so rich in love and compassion, that it can be used to describe His very being. It might have shown enough love that the Father sent the Son, and not some lower-grade angel; but He sent the Son, not on a fact-finding mission or merely a mission of compassion He sent the Son to die for our sins. iii. (1 John 4:4) The protection of the child of God. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary CHAPTER 4 1Jo 4:1-21. This is one of the apostles citing the collective testimony of all the apostles and making that testimony the measure of truth and sound doctrine. (Boice). We love him from the influence of his own love; from his love shed abroad in our hearts our love to him proceeds. We must test spiritual experiences and spiritual phenomenon to see if they are in fact from God. God is love, and because we are made in God's image, we are to love God and love our brothers and sisters. For whatever reason, they wont receive His love and let it transform their lives. 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. Blue Letter Bible study tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: The child of God need not fear the spirit of Antichrist, even though they should be warned of it, because they have the indwelling Spirit of God (1 John 3:24). 4 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. God the Father is not completely knowable by us; we cant completely figure out God, or know all His secrets. First of all, by asking for water, he engages in a conversation based on the context and circumstances of the moment. Many, when first encountering the reality of the spiritual world, are too impressed and amazed to ask whether they are of God. And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. If we are born of Him and are abiding in Him then the resources for love are there. But on the cross, Jesus took the punishment our sin deserved His sacrifice turned away the judgment we would have received. He has given the fullest proof of his love to the whole human race by the incarnation of his Son, who tasted death for every man. They knew the Father sent the Son as Savior of the world. It is exciting when the world will listen to the gospel, but we must take care that they are not hearing us because we speak as of the world. 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. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. If God had merely sent Jesus to teach us about Himself, that would have been wonderful enough. Believers must be discerning in spiritual matters. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. The way to be saved for man, woman, or child is to trust Jesus for the pardon of sin, and then, trusting Jesus, love comes as a fruit. i. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. v. The Bible also tells us that God is spirit (John 4:24), God is light (1 John 1:5), and that God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29). For those walking in this truth, victory is assured they have overcome them. Being born of God and abiding with Him give us the ability to love; but it is a choice of our will to draw upon that resource and give it out to others. We can imagine Jesus being bold before the throne of God, but us? 2. Without God, there is no love because love . Pentateuch But it is there, and its presence is demonstrated by our love for one another and our agreement with Gods truth and that all serves to give us boldness. These academics present their baseless opinions as if they were scholarly facts. Some people think the greatest evidence of Gods presence or work is power. One of the ways Jesus abides in us lives in us is through His word. Although Fuches was ready to frame Barry for all the crimes that he had committed in the past because that would have allowed him to walk out under FBI protection, he walked back on that . John has been speaking of boldness, and that naturally suggests its opposite--fear. If someone says, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar: By this crucial measure, Jesus said the world could measure our status as disciples by the measure of our love for one another. Love is the proof we are taught to look for. i. Charles Spurgeon was a man who preached the whole counsel of Gods word, andwas careful to not excessively repeat himself in any one area. This day is coming! We can receive the healing power in our Fathers love. Afraid of being laughed at? i. Look through all the pages of history, and put to the noblest men and women, who seem to still live, this question, Who loves Christ? and, at once, up from dark dungeons and cruel racks there rises the confessors cry, We love him; and from the fiery stake, where they clapped their hands as they were being burned to death, the same answer comes, We love him. If you could walk through the miles of catacombs at Rome, and if the holy dead, whose dust lies there, could suddenly wake up, they would all shout, We love him. The best and the bravest of men, the noblest and purest of women, have all been in this glorious company; so, surely, you are not ashamed to come forward and say, Put my name down among them. (Spurgeon), v. Be out-and-out for him; unfurl your colours, never hide them, but nail them to the mast, and say to all who ridicule the saints, If you have any ill words for the followers of Christ, pour them out upon me but know this ye shall hear it whether you like it or not, I love Christ. (Spurgeon). 4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. This day is coming! Poetical Books 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye . Great problems come when we try to say love is God. Oh sir, this is indeed a cowardly fear! (Spurgeon), iv. We may request cookies to be set on your device. Johannine Writings If there was to be reconciliation between God and man, man ought to have sent to God; the offender ought to be the first to apply for forgiveness; the weaker should apply to the greater for help; the poor man should ask of him who distributes alms; but Herein is love that God sent. He was first to send an embassy of peace. (Spurgeon). John knew that we would never find in ourselves the faithfulness God requires. No one has seen God at any time. And it is by faith that we overcome. Major Prophets ii. Commentary on John 4:1-3. The Old Testament b. Luke-Acts i. Historical Books All prophecy is to be judged by Scriptural standards. Explained: Does John Weir Contact His Team? This is a fact for every true follower of Jesus. But way back in Johns day, in this time closest to the actual life and ministry of Jesus on this earth, people didnt have a hard time believing Jesus was God. He that does not love the image of God in his people, has no saving knowledge of God. It is because men are created in the image of God, an image that has been defaced but not destroyed by the Fall, that they still have the capacity to love Human love, however noble and however highly motivated, falls short if it refuses to include the Father and Son as the supreme objects of its affection. (Marshall). One might say, I want to love God more; I want to grow in my love for Him. 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. His love for us initiates our relationship of love with Him, our love only responds to His love for us. We use the term create to describe something that may come from someone, but isnt of the same essential nature or being. c. And this commandment we have from Him: We have a commandment to love. It brings life to all who trust in Jesus and His work on their behalf, because He is the propitiation for our sins. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. iii. This language of fellowship transcends language, culture, class, race, or any other barrier. i. Thank you for registering. But John rightly insists that our claim of loving God is false if we do not also love our brother, and that this love must be seen. Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. Verses 1-42 in Chapter 4 of John seems to point out a simple outline of evangelism through the example of Jesus. His Commandments Are Not Burdensome. Historical Books 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. God abiding in us, as well as we abiding in Him, is essential to our having boldness as we anticipate the judgment seat of Christ (1 John 2:28; 1 John 4:17-18). Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. They also are giving false doctrine because they are not presenting a true Jesus. How is Jesus now? Now remember, we never make ourselves love Christ more by flogging ourselves for not loving him more. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. It is only the common sense response to knowing and receiving the love of God. a. John Piper Jun 2, 1985. Therefore we are given a command to love, that he who loves God must love his brother also. When we say God is love, we are not saying everything about God. 3. i. i. Propitiation has the idea of a sacrifice that turns away the wrath of God. i. And we know that His love has been perfected in us if we love one another. These verses are the equivalent of saying that a person cannot practice agape-love unless he can first practice philia-love. (Boice). That indwelling Spirit is greater than he who is in the world Satan and all of his allies. h. If God so loved us: Having received this love from God, we are directed to love one another. Yet most people today have never heard of John Gill. Though it may not be perfected, it must be present and it should be growing. And just as certainly, God the Son, Jesus Christ, has been seen John himself testified to this in 1 John 1:1-3. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God We know that the man who teaches that Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah, and that he is come in the flesh, is of God-is inspired by the Divine Spirit; for no man can call Jesus Lord but by the Holy Ghost. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. Barry and Fuches were shown to be in the same jail. Show me a fire without heat, then show me regeneration that does not produce love to God. (Spurgeon). We abide in Him, and He in us: Our abiding in Jesus is not a one-sided affair, with us struggling to abide in Him, and Jesus trying to escape us. Concerning Antichrist. Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. Yet, if we abide in Him, and He in us (1 John 4:13), then our identity is bound up in Jesus: as He is, so are we in the world. Earlier in the letter, John brought up the idea of the world and its threat to the Christian life (1 John 2:15-17). 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. It is a true gift from God. Him from the influence of His peace and righteousness world ( 4:1.... 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