S TUDY/DIS CUS S ION GUIDE 1 J OHN 3:14-4:21. THEME: God s Love INTRODUCTION KEYWORDS:

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1 S TUDY/DIS CUS S ION GUIDE 1 J OHN 3:14-4:21 INTRODUCTION We often make our relationship with God much more complicated than we need to, fixating on peripheral issues rather than focusing on the clearly defined central truths that can make our relationship with God so rich and fulfilling. In this lesson we will be focusing on what is, in many ways, the supreme aspect of our relationship with God His love. His selfless love is at the core of what makes God so glorious. It is also the most enduring and practical expression of what should become the observable result of our claim to know God and to be born of God. THEME: God s Love KEYWORDS: v. 14 we love the brethren The most powerful evidence that a person is truly born again is the presence of love in their lives. We find this teaching throughout the scriptures (John 13:35, 15:12,17; 1 Thess. 4:9; Heb. 13:1; 1 John 2:10, 3:23, 4:7, 8, 12, 21, 5:2). abides in death The one who does not love stays in that dark place of spiritual death. John states this truth in several places in a variety of ways (1 John 2:9, 11; 4:20). v. 15 whoever hates his brother is a murderer - This is a very strong statement. But remember that John has just used the example of Cain who murdered his brother. The path of hate leads to murder and death. Jesus said the same thing in Matthew 5: eternal life Jesus defined eternal life as much more than merely existing eternally. Eternal life is a quality of life as much as it is a quantity of life (John 17:3). v. 16 by this we know love Jesus is the ultimate example of what love is. Love is more than just a feeling. Love is an action word (John 15:12-14, Rom. 5:8, 1 John 4:9-10). we also ought to Jesus is given as an example for us to follow. It is not just a nice thing that He did for us. He set a pattern that we should follow in His footsteps (John 13:34, 15:12; Eph. 5:2, 25; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6; 4:11). What Love Looks Like v. 17 goods That by which life is sustained: resources, wealth, goods. shuts up his heart John is defining love in a very practical way here. Love freely gives to the loved one with no strings attached. John is saying here, The love of God is a love that gives. So how can God s love dwell in you if you refuse to give to those in need? v. 18 love in deed and in truth - Real love is seen in action and costs something of the lover. v. 19 truth - Respecting God and the implementation of His purposes through Christ, and respecting the duties of man. Page 1 of 7

2 assure our hearts before Him John gives us one cure for any doubt of our standing with God. If you can look at your life and see that you really love people in a tangible way, then you can assure your heart before God. Assuring your heart is not a new concept. David gave his own heart encouragement in Psalm 43:5. v. 20 God is greater than our heart John is telling us here that it is possible for our hearts to condemn us even if we are actually in good standing with God after all. Just as there is such a thing as false confidence (thinking that you are OK when you are not), so there is also a false condemnation (thinking you are condemned when in fact you are not). You cannot trust the feelings of your heart (Jer. 17:9). v. 21 beloved esteemed, dear, favorite, worthy of love. confidence Free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, boldness, assurance; freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech. Confidence is boldness to stand before Him without fear or shame. This is a picture of a healthy, believing heart in right relationship with God. Also see Hebrews 4:16. v. 22 whatever we ask we receive Jesus said a similar thing in John 15:7, If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. These verses promise that God hears and answers the prayers of the one who is walking right with God. And the one who is walking right with God prays, Not my will, but yours be done. He delights in answering those prayers that are according to His will (1 John 5:14). His Commandments Jesus reduced all the commandments of God down to two; love God and love your neighbor (Matt. 22:36-40, also see John 6:29, 2 John 6). v. 23 believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ The Greek word for believe here is pisteuo, meaning to trust in, rely upon and cling to. God s commandment is that we trust in, rely upon, and cling to His Son Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. When the religious Jews asked Jesus what work they must to for eternal life, Jesus replied, This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent (John 6:29). love one another God s commandment mentioned in this verse has two parts. First, believe on Jesus Christ. Second, love one another. This sums up the entirety of the commandments of God. commandment An order, command, charge, precept, requirement. Again John uses commandment to make sure we don t miss it. We are commanded to believe in the name of Jesus. But we are also commanded to love one another. His commandments are not optional. And we cannot choose to obey one command and not the other. v. 24 He who keeps His commandments abides in Him To obey God s commandments is to abide in Jesus. To disobey God s commandments is to not abide. Jesus stressed the importance of abiding in Him. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned (John 15:4-6). by the Spirit Whom Note that, Spirit is a whom not an it. He (Jesus) abides in us through the third person of the Godhead dwelling in us. He has given us The Holy Spirit is given to every believer in Christ (John 7:38, 39; Eph. 4:30; Rom. 4:11; 2 Cor. 1:22). The Holy Spirit is the determining factor of whether a person is born again or not (Rom. 8:9, 15; 1 John 3:24, 4:13). 1 John 4 v. 1 beloved - An affectionate term of endearment, meaning, esteemed, dear, favorite, worthy of love. Of all the Greek words for the various types of love this is the highest and noblest form of love. The Apostle addresses his readers in a way that truly represents Christ s attitude toward them (1 John 4:19). do not believe every spirit - Not every spiritual experience should be embraced as a message from God. There are many lying spirits (John 8:44; Acts 5:3; 2 Thess. 2:9, 10; 1 Tim. 4:1). Many false religions began when a man heard from a false spirit and believed its message. Today s text indicates that a false or lying spirit can even speak to and deceive Christians. believe To think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in. Page 2 of 7

3 spirit From pneo, which means a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit. test the spirits - We are charged here with the responsibility to put every spirit to the test. The word spirit here has a wide variety of applications and meanings. It can mean anything from God s Holy Spirit, to the spirit of man, to a demonic spirit. Therefore, we can take this word in context to mean a spiritual influence or message of any kind. We should scrutinize and examine that experience in the light of God s Word. Experiences can be subjective and deceptive. As John will point out, the scriptures never point to these kinds of feelings or experiences as authoritative tests for truth. many false prophets When Lucifer and his angels rebelled against God s authority they were cast out of heaven and became evil spirits (Is. 14:12). Since the fall of Satan and his demons, evil spirits have covered the earth with deceptive experiences and lies to draw men away from the truth. Because of this we have many false prophets in the world. A false prophet is one who claims to bring God s message of truth but is actually telling lies. A false prophet can either be knowingly and purposefully deceiving others, or may actually be deceived himself. v. 2 Jesus Christ has come in the flesh Here, John corrects a common false doctrine of his day. There was a heresy called Gnosticism at this time. The Gnostics believed that all matter is evil and only that which is spirit is good. Because of this belief they rejected the fact that Jesus came in an actual body of real flesh. They taught that Jesus was a phantom or divine Spirit. This erroneous thinking led to many departures from Biblical truth (2 John 1:7). It is essential that we understand the true nature of Jesus Christ. He was 100% man (1 Tim. 2:5). But He was also 100% God (Col. 2:9). Jesus was God incarnate or God in the flesh (John 1:1-14). Jesus Christ has indeed come in the flesh. For a deeper study on this topic, see Matthew 1:23; John 1:1, 14:9; Philippians 2:6-8; Colossians 1:19, 2:3, 9; and Hebrews 1:3. v. 3 is not of God Here John directly attacks the Gnostic teaching that Jesus did not have a body of flesh. This teaching is set in deceptively spiritual language, but is not of God. spirit of the antichrist - An antichrist is one who opposes or seeks to replace Christ in any way. One of the deceitful tactics of an antichrist spirit would be to distort the true character and nature of Jesus Christ. The spirit of antichrist in the world is continually working to distort the facts concerning the real Christ. There will also be the final Antichrist who comes in the last day. But there are already many lying spirits and antichrists today as well. v. 4 have overcome them - True children of God are not to fear the Antichrist or the spirit of the antichrist. We have been given authority in Christ (Luke 10:17-19). We have victory over the antichrist spirit and have overcome the lies of antichrist by truth of the Word of God and the blood of Jesus Christ (Rev. 12:11). is greater than he who is in the world The Holy Spirit is a He who is in those who have received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Our confidence and strength is in the fact that the person of God s Holy Spirit resides and abides in us to lead, guide and protect us from the evil one. And He is greater than any spiritual or earthly enemy. v. 5 they are of the world They are the false prophets led by the spirits of the antichrist. They are a part of the fallen world system John has already written about in 1 John 2: of the world Referring to the ungodly multitude; the whole mass of men alienated from God, and therefore hostile to the cause of Christ. the world hears them Each people group listens to the ones who they identify with and belong to. People listen to those who speak their language. God s people listen to God. Satan s people listen to Satan. Compare this thought with Jesus teaching in John 10: v. 6 We are of God Here John is referring to himself and the rest of the Apostles who taught the way of God in truth. He makes this statement in contrast to the false prophets who malign the truth and are of the world and not of God. not of God does not hear us John is making exclusive reference to himself and the original Apostles of Jesus Christ. Since the Apostles have written down for us the original doctrines of the Gospel, we can say in truth, Those who listen to and embrace the words of the New Testament are of God. Those who reject the teachings of the New Testament are not of God. Page 3 of 7

4 by this we know John is in effect giving us a formula to test and know truth. He is saying, We can know. And this is how spirit of truth and spirit of error John has been warning us of the false spirit of the antichrist. In contrast to the spirit of the antichrist is the spirit of truth (John 14:17, 15:26, 16:13; 1 John 4:6) or the Spirit of Christ (Rom. 8:9, 1 Peter 1:11). Those who trust in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the Apostles found in the New Testament are of the spirit of truth. Those who reject or distort the writings of the New Testament are of the spirit of error. v. 7 beloved - An affectionate term of endearment, meaning, esteemed, dear, favorite, worthy of love. Of all the Greek words for the various types of love this is the highest and noblest form of love. The Apostle addresses his readers in a way that truly represents Christ s attitude toward them (1 John 4:19). Five times in this short letter the apostle John calls his readers beloved (1 John 3:2, 21; 4:1, 7, 11). let us love one another - The original Greek text for this sentence is quite revealing: those who are loved, let us love. In other words, since we are beloved of God, let us love each other with that same love that we are receiving from God (Luke 7:47). love brotherly love, affection, good will, charity, benevolence love is of God - A few of the modern versions translate this phrase love comes from God. This helps us to understand a clearer meaning of this group of words. If love comes FROM God, and love is OF God, then without God you can have no real love. born of God and knows God John continues his reasoning. Since without God you cannot love, then love is the evidence that one has come into true relationship with God and is born of God (John 3:3-16; 1 John 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4, 18) and knows God (John 17:3; 2 Cor. 4:6; Gal. 4:9). v. 8 does not know God - Love is the determining factor of a person s relationship with God. A person who truly loves truly knows God. God is Love - Love is the overriding quality of all of God s characteristics. God has many glorious attributes that work together with His love. When we say God is love, we are not saying everything about God. But love is the fundamental feature of His character, and colors every aspect of His nature. Everything God does, in one way or another, expresses love. v. 9 love of God was manifested Manifested means to make visible or known what has been hidden or unknown by words, or deeds, or in any other way. The greatest and most obvious manifestation and revelation of God s love toward us was in His sending Jesus to die for our sins (John 15:13, Rom. 5:8). His only begotten Son - Jesus is the only one who came from and is of the same nature as God. The word begotten emphasizes that Jesus is of the same nature and substance as God the Father. that we might live through Him The purpose for God sending His only begotten Son into the world was that we might live, but that life is only through Him (Jesus). v. 10 this is love It is so vital for the Christian to realize that the definition of love is seen, not in our love toward God, but in His love toward us. God is the originator and initiator of love and we are the responders (4:19). propitiation - Means satisfactory payment. The idea of propitiation is the idea of a payment or sacrifice that appeases and satisfies the wrath of God. Jesus paid for our sins through his sacrificial death on the cross. His death was the satisfactory payment for our sins. Since God has accepted Christ s sacrifice as a satisfactory payment for sins, we can be forgiven and are now in right standing with God. Sins - Failure, offense, to miss the mark. According to scripture, the penalty of sin is death (Rom. 6:23) and must be atoned for by blood (Heb. 9:22). love one another Again we see the principle of God being the originator and initiator of love, and we ourselves being responders to His love. God loves us. We respond in loving God back. And we also respond by loving those whom God loves. v. 12 no one has seen God It is not possible for sinful man to look upon Holy God and live (Ex. 33:20, John 1:18, 1 Tim. 6:16). Any allusion to seeing God s face in the Old Testament is a figure of speech or a reference to seeing the afterglow or back of God (Ex. 33:21-23). But some day we will see God face to face when we are transformed into the image of Christ and receive our glorified body (1 Cor. 13:12, 1 John 3:2). abides in us Love is the greatest evidence of the abiding presence of God in our lives. Page 4 of 7

5 perfected in us When God s love is perfected in us then we too will love others with His love. The NLT paraphrases this, His love has been brought to full expression through us. v. 13 by this we know - We can know whether or not we are abiding in God. The evidence of God s presence is the presence of love and as the later part of this verse indicates, the presence of God s Holy Spirit. in Him, and He in us - To abide means to dwell and remain. John is describing here those whose dwelling place is in the Lord Himself (John 15:4, 7). given us of His Spirit When you have a relationship with someone, it is not just because you heard about or have read about that person. Likewise, our relationship with God goes much deeper than studying a book or learning a catechism. There is a spiritual connection through the working of the Holy Spirit of God in the life of a Christian (John 7:38, 39). The presence of His Spirit in our lives makes clear and distinct changes evidenced by love and the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-26). v. 14 seen and testify John writes as one giving personal eyewitness testimony of Jesus Christ along with the rest of the original eyewitnesses (the apostles). Compare this statement with John s opening lines of this letter in 1 John 1:1-3. Father has sent the Son - This verse reveals a Father-Son relationship of love working together in unity with one mind and one purpose, offering salvation to the world (John 10:30). Savior Means deliverer, preserver. Notice here that the Son is not a savior or Savior of the Jews, but Savior of the world. v. 15 whoever This condition is open to everyone. confesses Means to say the same thing as another, i.e. to agree with, to concede. To confess here means to agree with God and acknowledge something to be true. the Son of God Jesus is the only one of his kind (John 1:14, 18; 3:16, 18). He is not merely a son of God (John 1:12; Rom 8:14, 19; Phil. 2:15; 1 John 3:1, 2), but He is The Son of God. God abides in Him, and He in God After clarifying the deity of Jesus Christ (v. 9-10, 15), John reveals the connection between confessing the God nature of Jesus and abiding in God. Our confessions of faith bring us to salvation. And our confessions of faith reveal that we are saved. v. 17 perfected - The word used for love here is the Greek word agape. Agape is a spiritual love rather than a fleshy lust. It is God s kind of love, the kind of love that gives freely and unselfishly for the benefit of the one being loved without demanding anything in return. John goes on in this letter to reveal to us how we can tell when God s agape love is perfected or fulfilled in us. boldness - One of the evidences of God s perfect love being made complete in us is boldness in the face of judgment. When we know God s love for us and are walking in God s love we can actually have great confidence before God. Verse 18 gives more insight to this. Day of Judgment A future day when God will judge all mankind according to their deeds (Rom. 14:10; 2 Cor. 5:10; 2 Peter 3:5-7, 10-14). as He is, so are We in this World Also translated, Our standing in the world is identical with Christ s (Message). The reason we have confidence and even boldness as we look to the Day of Judgment is because we have been identified with Christ in his death and resurrection. This means that our sins have already been judged and we have already been justified. And we have been made righteous with the righteousness of God because of our trusting in Christ (2 Cor. 5:21). v. 18 no fear - The Greek word for fear here is phobos. It s where we get our word phobia. It can also mean dread or terror. This most certainly is referring to the Christian s attitude toward facing God in judgment. Because of His love we have, no fear. casts out fear Since fear of Judgment Day would be fear of being tormented, and since we know that because of God s love toward us we have been forgiven of our sins and given the very righteousness of God in Christ, we will not fear God s judgment. has not To be made perfect in love here refers to being made complete in love. This is the condition in which God s love has worked its way into your life and fulfilled its purpose. There are Christians who live in fear of God s judgment. But these are unaware or immature Christians who have not yet been made perfect in love. Page 5 of 7

6 v. 19 He first loved ws This is a response of love to love. Any good thing we are or do is a reaction to what God is and has first done for us (1 John 4:10). Many people imagine that God loves them because of some good thing they have done for Him. But the fact is, God loved us when we were His unlovable enemies (Rom. 5:10, Col. 5:21). v. 20 liar - This is an undeniable fact. You cannot hate your brother and love your God at the same time. He who claims to love God yet hates his brother is a liar. For the love of God urges us and leads us to love others. v. 21 we have from Him - Love is not a suggestion. Love is a command from God. This also means that love is not an out of control feeling. Love is something you can choose to do or refuse to do. Love involves not just the heart, but also the will. I Love The Proof of a Legitimate Relationship with God FOOD FOR THOUGHT: 1 John 4:7-8 In one of the simplest but deepest statements about God ever given to humanity, John the Apostle defines God in three words: God is love. Based upon this fact, it is expected that anyone who claims to be spiritually birthed, born of God, will share in this primary trait of God. Our lives are, spiritually speaking, genetically composed of this love. Furthermore, we are told that if we know God personally and intimately, it be easily observable by the shared love for others that God has imparted through us. 1 John 4:16 The love that God has shown us in our new relationship with Him in Christ will give us an abiding and secure relationship with Him. This abiding love we experience from God who is love is the personal proof of knowing God. 1 John 4:18 This love that we equally share in from God is a life that has become free of the plaguing fear of God s judgment and rejection because of our sin. This perfecting and maturing influence of love is a proof that we do, in fact, really know His love. 1 John 4:19 It is on the basis of our own personal experience of being loved by God that we find the love God recreated within us to be awakened and developed. Our love for God and the things He loves is rooted in first experiencing His love for us. Our love for God and others begins in first accepting His limitless love for ourselves. This love from God frees us from our slavery to self-absorption and pride. QUESTION/DISCUSSION: 1. Can you describe the direct link that we see in natural birth between and animal and its offspring, or a plant s seed and the plant? Based upon this observation, what should be the expected similarities between God and those who are born again through Him? (1 John 4:7-8) 2. When we personally know and believe the love that God has for us, we are to expect the following four results in our life. Please give a description of how each of these four results of God s love can affect your own life. (1 John 4:16-19) a. We will abide in God (4:16) b. We will be free from the nagging fear of God s displeasure and rejection (4:17) c. We will be confident on the day of judgment (4:18) d. We will respond to being loved by God in return to His love toward us (4:19) Page 6 of 7

7 3. In what way does experiencing God s love for us kill the affects of sin and self-idolatry? Read John 17: II Love for God is Most Readily Seen in How we Love People FOOD FOR THOUGHT: 1 John 3:16 & 4:9-11 God s own love is revealed in selfless and costly ways. His love acted by doing for us what cost Him more than any of us fully realize. While we were yet His enemies, He willingly gave up His life in His suffering for us on the cross. He took our shame, our guilt, our just judgment for sin, and absorbed it all within Himself. His love became action, not just a verbal expression of His feelings. We will know that His new life within us is taking root when we naturally find ourselves willingly laying down our lives for others, even those who hate us. 1 John 3:17-18 God s love that has become a defining force within our lives and is nurtured through knowing Him will maintain an open heart to those in need. It will be impossible to shut up our hearts to those whose needs we have the resources to meet. This will of course at times mean financial, practical ways to help the poor and those oppressed in society. But it will also include meeting people s spiritual needs through the things that God has taught us, the deliverance He has given us. We can guide others in need to a path of healing and transformation. We can bring the good things of God to their needs. QUESTION/DISCUSSION: 1. God s love, we are told, was made clear to us in the selfless act of the cross. That same love is now birthed within us. What examples can you give in the following areas of life where laying down our own life could have a loving expression? (1 John 3:16 & 4:9-11) a. To our spouse, our children, our parents b. To those we work with c. To those who do not know Christ d. To those we attend church together with e. To non-believers locally and internationally 2. God has given us all resources from Him that we can give to those in need. What has God given you that you could use to help those in need in the following examples? (1 John 3:17-18) a. Those who are confused about who God is b. Those who struggle in their relationships at home or in society c. Those addicted to destructive life-controlling behavior d. Those who see no need for God e. Those who feel alone and misunderstood 3. Why do you think so many people who claim to love and know God seem to have shut up their hearts to those who offend them, sinners, people from different beliefs, or the poor? CONCLUS ION This is one of the most important areas of truth in the scriptures. Our relationship to love will be the basis of how our lives will be judged (1 Cor. 13:1-13). Therefore, let these three simple words become the deepest root in the soil of your life: God is love. Page 7 of 7