OIF 2013 Fall & Winter Sermon Series “Love One Another” John 4:7-12

Wound s hurt. Have you ever been hurt? “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear….”(1 John 4:18) Keep distant from God Hold back from loving others

1 John 4: Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 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. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has beheld God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. (1 John 4:7-12)

1 John 4: an outline The Power to Love (4:7-8) Am I really able to love? What can I expect when I love? What if I was never loved before? The Proof for Love (4:11-12) The Portrait of Love (4:9-10)

“Love is from God” - God is the source of love “Born of God” - 1) Love is our spiritual gene set - new nature “Knows God” - 2) God’s love is our example (behavioral) 1) The Power to Love (4:7-8) 7 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” (1 John 4:7-8) Am I really able to love? Hate, jealousy and pride are so strong ‘Beloved’ - speaks of all believers ‘Love one another’ - the command implies ability ‘for’ - John’s explanation No love, no God; for God is love (8).

“Let us love one another....” (1 John 4:7-8) 1) The Power to Love (4:7-8) As God’s love overwhelms our apprehensions Our experience Our feelings Our thoughts Genuine love for others

2) The Portrait of Love (4:9-10) 9 “By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 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 4:9-10) What if I was never loved before? 1.Love takes the initiative: “God has sent His only begotten Son” “He loved us and sent His Son” 2.Love reaches the undeserving: “In the world” “Not that we loved God” “ for our sins” 3.Love is effectual - sacrificial: “be the propitiation for our sins” - Personal even me

2) The Portrait of Love (4:9-10) 9 “By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 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 4:9-10) Can I get that love (9)? “so that we might live through Him (Jesus)” His death >> Our life! His Love >> Our life!

2) The Portrait of Love (4:9-10) 9 “By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 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 4:9-10) Where can I see that love? “Love of God” “was manifested in us” » We are the viewing screen!

Get that love. Believe in and follow Jesus. Deepen your love by staring into the Gospel - Jesus died for you. Love everyone. Don’t make exceptions. Forgive all as a step of love. Seek God’s wisdom on how to express His love in your busy life. 2) The Portrait of Love (4:9-10) Some advice Be loved and love!

3) The Proof for Love (4:11-12) 11 “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has beheld God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4:11-12) What can I expect when I am so loved? To love one another (Obedience!) God abides in us (Relationship!) His love is perfected in us (Depth!) No one has beheld God at any time (God’s love will radiate through us) God’s Love

God has loved us so we…. Summary Mindset: Nothing is so important in my life as loving others Approach: Christ’s kindness, God’s proactivity and constant outlook for who I can love will occupy my mind. Action: I will obey God who loved me by practically loving others.

Loving one another “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear….”(1 John 4:18) Treasure God’s love Wounds hurt. Focus on caring for others By focusing on what you do not have, you never get to see what you do have in Jesus.

OIF 2013 Fall & Winter Sermon Series “Love One Another” John 4:7-12