Big Idea: Jesus puts on full display his power and glory by producing righteous deeds in and through his people. John catalogues some of the manifestations of the Spirit in the remainder of his letter. The first being love for the family of God.
The one who is of the devil causes harm, the one who is of the Spirit extends hospitality.
Two polarizing demonstrations of the children of God and the children of the devil;
- Those who ___________________ ______ the devil.
1John3:15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
Genesis 4:1–7 (ESV) — 1 Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.” 2 And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. 3 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6 The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”
Matthew 15:16–20 (ESV) — 16 And he said, “Are you also still without understanding? 17 Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? 18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. 20 These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”
What we learn about humanity in this text is that our inner desires are what produce our outer actions. (James 1:14)
Ecclesiastes 7:9 (ESV) — 9 Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.
- Those who __________________ ____ Christ
1John 3:16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
2 Corinthians 5:14–15 (ESV) — 14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
Here we see the two polarizing examples; Cain killed his brother, Christ died for the brothers.
16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
The motivation of love cannot be divorced from the actions that it produces.
Questions to Consider
- In what ways has the world demonstrated to you it’s hatred for God’s people? Did this come as a surprise to you? What should we expect from the world?
- In what ways is the Spirit of Christ demonstrating his love in and through you? Is there someone in need that the Spirit is compelling you to help in some way?
