1. OLD / NEW COMMANDMENT
1 JOHN 2:7-11

2. 1 John 2:7-11
7 Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. 8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. 9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

3. INTRODUCTION
Linus (Peanuts comic) – “I love mankind. It’s people that I can’t stand.”
John 13:  A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

4. INTRODUCTION Loving one another is the mark of a true Christian
Define love – biblically, not culturally
Love seeks what is best for another

5. 1 – Jesus’ command is both old and new
OLD – Leviticus 19:18 You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
OLD – Matthew 22:  Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."

6. 1 – Jesus’ command is both old and new
NEW – 1 John 2:8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.
NEW in emphasis
NEW in quality
NEW in extent

7. 2 – Establish and maintain relationships
Begins with how you think about others
How can I serve others?
Love extends to our speech
Then it expands to our behavior
How do you treat others?

8. 3 – Relationship with Christ controls
1 John 2:8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.
You can only love others when you love Christ.
You must know that you are in Christ.

9. 4 – This is a life long process
1 John 2:8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.
It does not happen over night. It take time.

10. 4 – This is a life long process
2 Peter 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment

11. 4 – This is a life long process
1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 9 But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 10 and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more