June 5, 2011HHBC--1 John Elective1 The Message is Love 1 John 3:11-12 (NASB) 11 For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another; 12 not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother's were righteous.

June 5, 2011HHBC--1 John Elective2 Extra! 11 For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, What is the message? Same phrasing as in 1 John 1:5—coincidence? Two things to which 1 John draws particular attention: God is light We should love one another Both precepts extend directly from the person of Christ.

June 5, 2011HHBC--1 John Elective3 From the start 11 For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, When was the beginning? The beginning of Christ's ministry—Jn 5:37-47 “From the beginning” in 1 John—1:1; 2:7; 2:24; 3:11 Christ's message was of a “new-in-kind” of love— Jn 13:34, 15:10-12 Love is the new norm under the new covenant, as opposed to fear—1 John 4:18

June 5, 2011HHBC--1 John Elective4 From the start 11 For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, When was the beginning? From the beginning beginning (a less direct connection)--John 1:1,4; 1 John 1:1; 2:13-14 The character of Christ has always been love— 1 John 2:9-10, 4:7-21 The character of the “evil one” has always been opposed to love—1 John 3:8 Our ability to love stems from our position.

June 5, 2011HHBC--1 John Elective5 Love is a many splendid thing 11 that we should love one another; What is love? Exists only in Christ—1 John Proceeds directly from God—Romans 5:5; 1 John 4:7-10 Requested for us by Jesus—John 17:26 Is this then a commandment? We who are abiding in Christ cannot do anything else.

June 5, 2011HHBC--1 John Elective6 A leopard and his spots 12 not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. What is the opposite of love? Of prime importance is not the act, but the source of the act. Cain acted as he did because he was “of the evil one,” the one who has “been sinning from the beginning.” Satan is a murder (John 8:44) so Cain murdered. To be “of the evil one” is to be a murder—vs. 3:15

June 5, 2011HHBC--1 John Elective7 A leopard and his spots 12 And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother's were righteous. Why did Cain do what he did? Story of Cain and Able--Genesis 4:1-16 What did Cain lack? Faith (Hebrews 11:4) What were Cain's deeds? Rebellion and greed (Jude 11; 2 Peter 2:15) What was Cain's main problem? He was of his father, the devil

June 5, 2011HHBC--1 John Elective8 A leopard and his spots 12 And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother's were righteous. How “evil” is the evil one? Wuest: “ The words 'wicked one' are the translation of ponēros, 'evil in active opposition to the good.' The word 'pernicious' is a good translation. A kakos (evil) man is willing to perish in his own corruption. But a ponēros (pernicious) person, seeks to drag every one else down with himself into the corruption and destruction that awaits him. That is Satan. ”

June 5, 2011HHBC--1 John Elective9 A leopard and his spots 12 And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother's were righteous. How “evil” is the evil one? Cain “slew” Abel—he murdered him violently. Slew—to slay, slaughter, butcher, by cutting the throat (i.e. To slay an animal for sacrifice) Cain was angry with God, and focused that anger on the one whom God had accepted. Was Cain a legalist ?

June 5, 2011HHBC--1 John Elective10 A leopard and his spots 12 And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother's were righteous. Is there a difference between deeds and practices? Most of 1 John 3 uses the word “practices”—poieo In verse 12 the word is “deeds”—ergon Same as in verse 8, “works of the devil” Cain's deeds are connected with those of the devil

June 5, 2011HHBC--1 John Elective11 A leopard and his spots 12 And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother's were righteous. Is there a difference between deeds and practices? John usually uses the word “deeds/works” when he is speaking of the evil—2 John 11 and 3 John 10 One exception is 1 John 3:18 He uses “practices” when he speaks of believers.

June 5, 2011HHBC--1 John Elective12 Sneak Preview 13 Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. Is the world any different than Cain? What does the world see in us believers? Is there a desire in non-believing man to be righteous? What is the primary issue the world has with God, and consequently, with His church?