John’s love for his audience was obvious in the tone he used in his admonition of scattered believers he considered his flock. Christians throughout the Roman Asia Minor region were under spiritual attack by the enemy, disguised as Gnostics, Judaizers or Greek philosophers out to deceive on behalf of Satan.
Having battled sin previously in this epistle, the apostle John now turns to the law of Christ for inspiration and strength…
“7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7)
Because the life, death and resurrection of Yeshua, the begotten Son of God almighty fulfilled prophecy, those who believe and put their faith in the Christ must abide in His law, which is love. To love others as Christ loves us. This is the new law, the law of love.
“8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” (1 John 4:8)
Other than advance the gospel, and make disciples in the holy name of Jesus, the Christ, believers are called to pour out God’s love, Agape, brotherly affection that’s not occasional, or selective. Rather, Christian love should be abundant and overflowing, as each one in Christ is known for, and remembered by their loving character, in the image of God, or Jesus.
“9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.” (1 John 4:9)
The love of God was shown by the sacrifice He made on the cross, shedding His blood for crimes He did not commit. This unselfish love should be at the root of our daily lives, leading each footstep along the narrow path that leads to eternal life with our Father in Heaven. By faith in the Christ, Yeshua, believers are promised a place in God’s kingdom, where each one among Christ’s church will rejoice for all eternity.
“10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10)
God shows His love for us through His Son, Yeshua, the Christ. By example, our divine Creator leads His children out of bondage, delivered from the Mosaic law. Renewed in the law of Christ, based on love rather than commandments, believers should be reminded of the ultimate sacrifice made on the cross by the King of kings, our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Christ.
“11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4:11)
Devotion and focus are both character traits required of mature Christians, as each one among us is tested along our spiritual walk.
John calls on believers to go out and preach the gospel, with Christ like love. Sounds simple enough, right? Whatever you do, do it for our Lord’s glory!
Remember, when blessed with opportunities for God’s love to be poured out, let it flow, for His glory!!! Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant John,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
