1 JOHN SERMONS – Mircheal Jones

The message of John is that since the believer is a partaker of this life, it is an absolute necessity that he shows the ethical and spiritual qualities that are part of the essential nature of God, in his own life. It these are entirely absent, John says, that person is devoid of the life of God, and is unsaved. The ethical and spiritual qualities of this life were exhibited to the human race i the earthly life of the Lord Jesus. His life thus becomes the pattern of what our lives should be in holiness, self-sacrifice, humility, and love.

Sin is contrary to God’s:

Doctrine- His rules

Delights- His Will (I delight to do thy will, O God)

Desires- His heart

Gospel- Was IN the Beginning. Written to show that a man was God

Epistle- Was FROM the Beginning. Written to show that God was a man

The Gospel was written to prove his Deity, assuming his humanity. The Epistle was written to prove His humanity assuming his deity.

Gnostics- To KNOW Superior Knowledge with the belief that All matter is evil

Docetic Gnostics- Dokes “To seem”: A “seeming” body exists but is not real

Cerinthian Gnostics- named for it‘s founder Cerinthus. Believed there was a difference between Jesus and Christ- Jesus was the man but Christ descended into Him at the Baptism and left at the Cross.

9 times John presents tests for knowing the truth. Each time the word he uses is the word for Gnostics- a slap at their doctrine each time.

IJohn 00 WHAT IS SAID / WHAT IS SO

This is John’s Litmus Test to determine the reality of a person’s conversion. COMPARE WHAT THEY SAY TO WHAT THEY DO “If ye say”/”He that saith”

I. NEGATIVE SIGNS:

1. FALSE FELLOWSHIP 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. Would the Lord travel the same paths that you travel??

2. FALSE HOLINESS 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. We don’t pretend the sin nature doesn’t bother us. Life is a battle, faith is the victory.

3. FALSE RIGHTEOUSNESS 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. God said ALL have sinned. We must be willing to admit our failures (Repentance).

4. FALSE OBEDIENCE 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. He is either Lord OF all or He’s not Lord AT all.

5. FALSE BEHAVIOR 2:6 He that saith he abideth inn him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. Submitted to the Father’s Will.

6. FALSE LOVE 2:9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, now can he love God whom he hath not seen? Hard feelings make hard hearts

II. LOOK FOR THE FIVE POSITIVE DISTINGUISHING TRAITS OF THE BORN AGAIN:

1. DOES RIGHT 2:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. The example of Zacchaeus- And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, Luke 19:8-9

2. DOES NOT CONTINUALLY COMMIT SIN 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 5:8 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and wicked one toucheth him not. We don’t allow sin to develop patterns in our life (as Samson did).

3. LOVES GOD AND OTHERS 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. Jesus said, “If you love me keep my commandments”. We want to please him. We don’t love all the actions of others but we love Them!

4. BELIEVERS JESUS IS THE CHRIST OF GOD- Lord 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. Believe is To commit to; to cling to; to trust in.

5. OVERCOMES THE WORLD 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Uses Faith to live a Victorious Life.

You MUST be Born again to enter the Kingdom of God. Are You??

IJohn 00 HOW TO TELL IF A PERSON IS SAVED2

Jesus said “You must be born again”. Then the Apostle John wrote about the distinguishing traits of those who are born again. Let’s see if they apply to you:

THE 5 DISTINGUISHING TRAITS OF THE BORN AGAIN

A) DOES HIS WALK MAGNIFY CHRIST 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. Would the Lord travel the same paths that you travel??

B) IS HE HONEST ABOUT HIS STRUGGLE 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. We don’t pretend the sin nature doesn’t bother us. Life is a battle, faith is the victory. 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. God said ALL have sinned. We must be willing to admit our failures (Repentance).

C) DOES HIS LIFE STYLE AGREE WITH HIS PROFESSION 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. He is either Lord OF all or He’s not Lord AT all. 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. Submitted to the Father’s Will.

D) DOES HE SEEK THE BENEFIT AND FELLOWSHIP OF OTHER CHRISTIANS 2:9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, now can he love God whom he hath not seen? Hard feelings make hard hearts

2. DOESN’T CONTINUALLY COMMIT SIN 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 5:8 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and wicked one toucheth him not. We don’t allow sin to develop patterns in our life (as Samson did).

4. BELIEVES JESUS IS THE CHRIST OF GOD- Lord 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. To commit to; to cling to; to trust in.

5. OVERCOMES THE WORLD 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Uses Faith to live a Victorious Life.

You MUST be Born again to enter the Kingdom of God. Are You??

IJohn 00 JEWELS FROM 1 JOHN:

**If we feel like God could not possible love us because of some action or attitude- (1 John 3:20) For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

When Our Heart Condemns us:

1) God knows the worst we are and still loves us. God’s love is greater than anything hidden in our heart. He is willing, and able, to forgive even the people who crucified Him.

2) God know the “heart of our heart”. We like David might make some mistakes but God knows that our heart is toward Him.

**If we want all our prayers to be answered all the time- (1 John 3:21-22) Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. {22} And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

1) Become at Peace with God- “If our heart condemn us not”

2) Habitually keep God’s commandments. You are not in a state of rebellion that would misuse or abuse God’s answer.

3) Habitually do those things that please God. You not only don’t do wrong as a way of life but you do do right as a way of life.

Remember that the LORD… hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.(Psa 35:27). He WANTS His children to be blessed with all that is good for them- (Jer 29:11) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

**How can we have the fellowship with God that our soul craves? (1 John 3:23-24) And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

1) Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and accept Him as your own personal Savior.

2) Love one another as God has loved us.

3) Be controlled and guided by the Spirit of God. Don’t grieve or quench His work in your life.

1John 01:1-4 GOD MANIFESTED

The Apostle John gave four reasons why the Son of God, Jesus Christ, became a man and was manifested in the flesh. This is the reason for the season.

I. TO REVEAL HOW GOD WOULD LIVE LIFE– I Jn 1:1-4 that which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the father, and with his son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

II. TO PAY THE DEBT OF SIN– I Jn 3:5 and ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

III. TO DESTROY THE WORKS OF SATAN– I Jn 3:8 he that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the son of god was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

IV. TO REVEAL GOD’S LOVE– I Jn 4:9 in this was manifested the love of god toward us, because that god sent his only begotten son into the world, that we might live through him.

As the world celebrates the Birth of the Babe of Bethlehem let us not get so wrapped up in the PARTY until we miss the PEACE, the PARDON, and the PERSON of Jesus. Accept God’s Gift and have a MERRY CHRISTMAS.

IJohn 01:5 5 Life changing Truths about your walk with God

1) There is a God and you are not Him- And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment (Mark 12:30) Service God and your faith can bring miracles. Try to BE God and your actions will bring a mess!

2) The container is not the treasure- But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us (2 Corinthians 4:7) Do not allow your weakness to keep a mighty God from doing great miracles

3) Better to fail trying than to succeed at doing nothing- So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth (Revelation 3:16) Do what you can, where you are with what you have- after all, a little boy’s Lunch feed 5000

4) Our King is not a harsh dictator- Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; (1 Timothy 6:17) Do not become so occupied in carrying your cross until you miss the blessings of abundant life.

5) It is not wrong to rest- Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered. (2 Chronicles 14:7) Waiting on the Lord renews your strength. Take time to smell the roses and enjoy what God has done for you. I never did like a kid who was so busy unwrapping his presents on Christmas morning until he would not even look at what he had just unwrapped!

IJohn 01:6- 2:2 REVIVAL DEMONSTRATION

We are entering a Revival that we hope will be a turning point in the life of many people- and in our Church.

What is Revival? The dictionary gives it several meanings: 1) To return to activity again. 2) To restore to life or consciousness. 3) To reanimate or renew the spirit, the mind, or the heart. REVIVAL, therefore, deals with RESTORATION instead of Evangelism (Although Evangelism will follow as a natural result of Christians being restored to their Love for God and men).

Revival, however, must be more than a DEFINITION; it must produce a DEMONSTRATION! When REVIVAL comes to the CHURCH the Holy Spirit (As the “Breath of God”)

1) Eliminates all foreign matter that blocks its work and restores to normal function the body of Christ (The Church) [It does this by showing Christians how they have Grieved or Quenched the Spirit].

2) Awakens the sleeping Christian by whatsoever means necessary in order to get him back into the work of the Lord. [Renewing First love, setting our hearts to prayer, etc] [See Rom 13:11-14].

3) Returns JOY to the Church, the Christian, and the Community- Ps 85:6 wilt thou not revive us again; that thy people may rejoice in thee?

Revival, therefore, produces Christians that are Holy, Dedicated, and Happy; and we need a lot more of those!!

When do we Need Revival?

1. When members who were once faithful begin to miss Church Services on a regular basis.

2. When Church members want to fellowship with those outside of the Church more that with God’s family.

3. When the Church has no Burden for lost souls, and there are no new births into God’s family.

4. When Tribulations and Trials attack people’s faith and discourage their hearts.

Why do we Need Revival??

We have leaders, Sunday school teachers, and members of our church that attend mainly on Sunday Morning. We must decide (1) if this is a problem; (2) Is it a Personal Problem or a Spiritual Problem; and (3) what, if anything, can and should be done about it.

Most of our Teens and Young Adults attend only on Sunday Morning and have no dedication to the Church and it’s work. They are excellent in doing what they do when it’s convenient but are seldom willing to sacrifice to get the job done.

Almost all of the Families in the Church have a sick family member, shaky job situation, or sticky family problem that depletes time and energy. How can we maintain a high Spiritual level of enthusiasm while living in a world that constantly batters and beats us.

Most of the “prospects” for enlarging our Church have become so familiar with the Gospel until their hearts are calloused and it’s very very difficult to win them to the Lord. Many of them are family members that were in Church at one time and have ceased to come for one reason or another. Most of them have claimed to be “saved” at one time or another and have little confidence in their ability to live the Christian life or in God’s ability to help them.

What do we want the REVIVAL TO ACCOMPLISH? 1) Christians to Confess and forsake Sin. 2) Workers for God and the Church to become dedicated and determined to fulfil God’s plan for their life. 3) Lost Men and women, boy and girls to be brought to Christ and born again.

Today’s Scripture brings out one of the main problems we must deal with if we are to experience genuine Revival; the Hypocritical life. Men must be brought face to face with the reality of “What is Said versus What is So”. We must learn to see ourselves as the Master sees us instead of as the Mirror shows us. And then we must do something about what we see- James 1:23-25.

IN OUR PERSONAL LIFE – I John 1:6-2:2

I. RELATIONSHIP- vs 6-7

A) What is Said- “If we say” that we have fellowship with him,

B) What is So- and walk in darkness

C) What Results- We lie, and do not the truth: We say we’re Christians but our daily walk says that isn’t so.

II. CHARACTER- vs 8-9

A) What is Said- “If we say” that we have no sin,

B) What is So- the truth is not in us.

C) What Results- We deceive ourselves. We say we’re good moral people instead of lost hell bound sinners. (The pig farmer could not understand why he had only pig farmers for friends until he took a bath!).

III. ACTIONS- vs 10- 2:2

A) What is Said- “If we say” that we have not sinned,

B) What is So- His word is not in us.

C) What Results- We make him a liar. Our Sins are only “slips”; regardless of what the Bible says.

Note the progression- We lie, then we deceive ourselves, then we make God a liar. We lie about our relationship, we begin to feel there was never a need for a relationship, and finally we question God for questioning us! We don’t have any JOY, we don’t want to do any JOB for God, and yet we smile and say, “Isn’t Heaven going to be grand”!!

IN OUR CHURCH LIFE -Rev 3:17-18

A) What is Said- because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; Self Sufficient: we use the world’s standards to judge with.

B) What is So- and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked; Deceived: about how God sees us. We think God sees our “flash” when He really sees our Flesh.

C) What we Need to Do- I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see

1. Regarding Riches- get gold tried in the fire; not “fool’s gold”.

2. Regarding Clothes- Get white raiment to cover nakedness instead of the “filthy rags” of your own righteousness.

3. Regarding Sight- Anoint thine eyes with eyesalve so you can see what needs correcting- without glasses all I can see is a blur; a lot of people look at their life that same way AND THEY NEED GLASSES. The Church must have a correct Vision if it is to accomplish God’s will.

How do you distinguish a Backslider?

1. Sits at the Devil’s Fire- Peter, lost Testimony

2. Lays in the Devil’s Lap- Samson, lost Power

3. Loses sight of Reality- Laodicean Church, lost Christ! When you face God it will not be “What is Said” but “What is So”. If you can’t sing “Just As I Am” and mean it today then our altar is open.

IJohn 01:7-8 FOUR WAYS TO AVOID SIN

I want to be sinless and I also want to sin less. The Bible describes the need of both- But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin [but] If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:7-8). The Bible lists four ways to help me deal with my sin problem.

Remember to whom you belong – Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still (Psalms 4:4). God commands us to be holy because He is holy. Dislike sin because it hinders your walk with God.
Watch your mouth- I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me (Psalms 39:1). A thought before a word can be a sin saver.
Practice living Godly principles – Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame (1 Corinthians 15:34). Examine your daily activities. What can you do to produce a more holy life?
Regulate fleshly impulses– Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: (Ephesians 4:26). Do not allow a momentary impulse to produce permanent problems.

CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN– Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. (Haggai 1:5-6)

Jesus died for your sins but every time you sin something dies- your reputation or your relationship with God or the mental or physical health of your body. Sin Destroys Lives, Divides Families, Distresses God, and Dooms a person to Hell.

Sin causes the UNSAVED to have no relationship with God, No ability to produce meaningful change in their life, and No hope of Heaven.

When a CHRISTIAN sins he loses Fellowship, Fruit, Rewards, Testimony, Blessings.

Here are 10 Consequences of Sin: (Cannot find where I got this from in order to give credit)

One Sin leads to more sins- deeper and deeper you are drawn into its captivity
Sin invites God’s discipline
Time spend in sin is forever wasted
Sin grieves God
Sin impacts those around the sinner
Sin keeps me from serving God as I should
Sin blocks my Prayer Power- If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: (Psalms 66:18)
Sin makes me a captive and a fool
Sin hardens my heart against others and against God
Sin will find you out- But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out (Numbers 32:23). If you knew some things that people around you think or do you would be shocked and they would be ashamed!

IJohn 01:9 FAITHFUL TO FORGIVE

(1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Three things are pointed out in this verse about dealing with our sins:

“If we confess our sins” 1) We need to Confess our sins- The word confess here means to “Say the same thing”. It means that we have to begin to look at our sin in the same way that God looks at our sins. We have to come to the realization that Sin is contrary to God’s Rules, His Will, and His Heart. We don’t just say we got caught, we confess that we have broken God’s law and wounded God’s heart. A good word for this is Repentance.

“He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” 2) We need to believe that God is able and willing to deal with our sins. We must have faith in His faithfulness and trust in His justice.

“To cleanse us from all unrighteousness” 3) We need to accept the fact that God not only forgives our sins but He cast them away from us and makes us “New creatures in Christ” (2 Cor 5:17). We were dead in trespasses and sins (Eph 2:1) but when we come to God by faith in Christ the Holy Spirit comes into our life and gives us a new life. Old things are passed away, behold all things are new!

The key to Forgiveness lies in our Faith in God. We must believe that we have (1) Sinned against God. (2) That God is able to forgive and cleanse us. (3) That God is willing to forgive us and set us on the right course. All of this hinges on the fact that God is “Faithful” to forgive. That makes the Faithfulness of God very important.

Faithful here means “True to His own nature and promises; Keeping His word to Himself and to man.” But how do we build faith in His faithfulness?? By looking at His past and His promises.

1) God is Faithful to fulfill His promises:

A) Basis of Miraculous Belief- (Heb 11:11) Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

B) Basis of Remaining True to God – (Heb 10:23) Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

2) God to Faithful to fulfill the Purpose for which He called man:

A) To save you and make you part of His Body- (1 Cor 1:9) God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

B) To make you a useable vessel- (1 Th 5:23-24) And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. {24} Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

3) God is Faithful to provide the Power needed in Your life:

A) To overcome Temptation- (1 Cor 10:13) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

B) To Endure Suffering- (1 Pet 4:19) Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Regardless of what you do with God He remains faithful to His Plan- (2 Tim 2:13) If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

Continuing in sin and rebellion does not defeat God, it destroys YOU! God offers mercy that provides pardon, peace, and pleasure to all who come TO Him. But to all who continue to defy Him they will find the Rock of Refuge turns into a stone of destruction.

1John 1:9-10 REPENTANCE CHANGE

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us (1 John 1:9-10).

Many Christians go through repeated cycles of sin; Sin, guilt feelings, confession, temporary relief, good for a while, and then “here we go again”. For them 1John 1:9 (If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness) has become a kind of “psychological spot remover” that makes them feel good but does nothing about the sin problems in their life they continually “bump their shins” on.

For them “Confessing their sins” simply means acknowledging they “goofed up” so they can get relief from guilty feelings and future punishment. They should instead think of “confessing” as going before a judge and acknowledging they broke a jail worthy law. Their lawyer (Jesus) pleads their case and then pays their penalty (with His Own Blood!) and says to them, “Neither do I condemn you. Go AND SIN NO MORE” [That is Real Repentance: A realization of how bad the bad you did was and a desire to change that is so genuine until you actually change].

IJohn 01:10 LOOK OUT FOR LIARS

Looked in the dictionary for some great definition- Liar- One that tells lies.

lie n. 1. A false statement deliberately presented as being true; a falsehood.

2. Something meant to deceive or give a wrong impression.

It is amazing that of the 13 times the word “liar” is used in the Bible- 7 of them are used by the Apostle John!

(Num 23:19) God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

(Rom 1:25) Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

(2 Th 2:11) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

(Titus 1:2) In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

(John 8:44) Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

(John 8:55) Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.

(1 John 1:10) If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

(1 John 2:4) He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

(1 John 2:22) Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

(1 John 4:20) If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

(1 John 5:10) He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

(Job 24:25) And if it be not so now, who will make me a liar, and make my speech nothing worth?

(Prov 17:4) A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.

(Prov 19:22) The desire of a man is his kindness: and a poor man is better than a liar.

(Prov 30:6) Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

(Jer 15:18) Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail?

(Rom 3:4) God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

IJohn 02:1 COUNSEL FOR CHILDREN

The favorite “pet name” of John was “Little Children”. This is a term he got from listening to Jesus talk to His disciples. It literally translates to “little born one”; therefore, it is a term used to describe those who are tender and need care.

The term is found 9 times in First John. Each of these times give a principles that John wants to impart to those in the Church who are still young in the Faith and are in danger of being misled by false doctrine. And this “counsel for children” is still needed and relevant today.

1) Don’t allow sin to control you or condemn you- (1 John 2:1) My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: The Christian (especially in his young Christian life) is not sinless but he does sin less. The false doctrine John was fighting told these young Christians to stop fighting sin because they couldn’t win all the battles. John warned them by stressing Purity and Pardon- Stay away from sin; and look to the Savior if you slip.

2) Repentance must lead to a Relationship- (1 John 2:12-13) I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. {13} I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. Young Christians soon realize that they need help if they are to be victorious in the Christian life. This help comes from a growing relationship with the Father- The more we are WITH Him the more we want to be LIKE Him.

3) Beware of False doctrine- (1 John 2:18) Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. Stay away from strangers! New and strange doctrines need to be put to the test before they are “swallowed”

4) Be consistent in your life so you won’t be ashamed when He comes- (1 John 2:28) And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. Plan like you have a hundred years but live like He’s coming today!

5) Character is shown in conduct- (1 John 3:7) Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. Quacks like a duck, acts like a duck, must be a duck.

6) Love is to be practiced; not just pronounced-1 John 3:18) My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. Just like Character must be shown, so concern must be shown.

7) Victory comes from God’s power-(1 John 4:4) Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. Sometimes the “bad man” seems so big until children feel they have no hope and live in fear and failure. They need to realize that the Holy Spirit within is able to overcome anything Satan throws at them.

8) Guard your heart- (1 John 5:21) Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. Be careful that nothing replaces God in your life- Sin, service, satisfaction, senses.

IJohn 02:6 STAYING IN FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD

In the first Chapter of First John, John has been telling about how we can have Fellowship with God; and about how we can restore that fellowship if we sin. In the Second Chapter he wants to emphasis how important it is that we remain in Fellowship so he uses a key word “abide” 7 different times in this one chapter.

The word “Abide” is used often by John, and by our Lord. It means to live in a place as if it were permanent – A man STAYS at a motel but he ABIDES at his home. As John describes how a person abides within this chapter he shows us what we need in order to maintain a close fellowship with God.

1) You abide in Fellowship by conforming your character to that of Christ.(1 John 2:6) He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. Remember “Your worth to God in Public is what you are in Private”. Keep your heart for out of it are the issues of life (Prov 4:23)

2) You stay in Fellowship by maintaining a proper relationship with others- (1 John 2:10) He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

Note how John states later that an improper relationship with others causes us to abide in death- (1 John 3:14) We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

3) You stay in Fellowship by seeking to continually do the Will of God- (1 John 2:17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. We don’t seek to bend God to our wants and desires; we yield ourselves to His perfect plan.

4) You stay in Fellowship by clinging to the foundations of your Faith- (1 John 2:24) Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. Don’t let new and exciting doctrines draw you away from the proven principles of God’s Word. Fads and gimmicks come and go but the word of God abides forever.

5) You stay in Fellowship by learning to listen to the education and guidance of the Spirit-( 1 John 2:27) But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. You cannot abide in God’s plan unless the Holy Spirit abides in you. Don’t quench or grieve the Spirit. Learn to listen to His guidance; it is never wrong.

6) When you abide in continuing Fellowship the result is Victory in your spiritual life- (1 John 2:14) I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. (See I John 5:4) For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

7) And Abiding in continued Fellowship with Him gives us Confidence at His Coming- (I John 2:28) And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. The reason for this Confidence is that we don’t make sin a habit of life. Our failures are mistakes, not acts of rebellion- (1 John 3:6) Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.

Is your relationship with God something you visit on Sunday or is it something that abides in your life all week long??

IJohn 02:15 WHO DO YOU LOVE?

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world IJohn 02:15-16

A Change has taken place in Recent years:

1) in Church Names- Faith, Temple, Southside to Love and Fellowship, Community, etc.

2) in Congregational expectations- Worship and Serve God to What can you do to meet my needs, relieve my stress, and raise my family?

The emphasis has changed from love of God to love of Self and Society. Which brings us to this all important question- Who do YOU love?

The command in our text- Love not the world. This does NOT mean we should not love the

1) Beauty of the World (Rejoice in God’s creation) /2) People of the world – John 3:16

It does mean we should not give the affection of our heart to this world’s Government or Goods.

REASON- If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him, (You cannot give affection to two opposites).

REASON- A) The Content of the World:

1> Lust of the Flesh (Desires of Self)

2> Lust of the Eyes (Coveting)

3> Pride of Life (Pride)

REASON- B) The Duration of the World- The world passeth away and the lust thereof.

WHY DO WE LOVE THE WORLD?

1) The Stockholm Syndrome: You begin to embrace your enemy because of your utter dependence on them {as manifested by a group of people held hostage in Stockholm}

2) The Self Satisfaction: Our sinful nature craves sin

3) The Strange Scare: Fear of the unfamiliar- At the end of the Civil War many slaves remained on plantations because they familiar slavery was easier than struggling freedom.

Many Christians claim they want to go to Heaven but few want to die!!

WHY LOVE GOD?

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins 1Jo 4:10.

1) God loved us first

2) God loved us enough to die in our place

3) God brings us into His family by Faith- Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not 1Jo 3:1

SO WHO DO YOU LOVE? 3 Guidelines for Love: 1) Companionship / 2) Communication / 3) Commitment

The horror of Hell is not the Fire nor the darkness. It is the knowledge that you are eternally separated from the Love of God. No Help, No Hope, No reason to live and unable to die. Repentance means we renounce what we no longer believe to be true, choose the truth, and then demonstrate that truth by living Godly lives.

IJohn 02:18 BEYOND THE PHOTO

Many people know Christ as a “Photo” of a long haired man in a robe. They believe he existed and they “accept” that he was God in the flesh but if they sat down for a meal with Jesus today most would not have an idea how to relate to Him or converse with Him.

The Five Greatest Dangers facing the Church today are:

1) Apathy: I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth (Revelation 3:15-16).

2) Affluence: Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: (Revelation 3:17).

3) Anger at “Religion’s” limitations, lack of uniformity, and loss of power will result in increased persecution and increasingly ignoring its influence and trustworthiness.

4) Amoral Standards about “Sin”. Who needs a savior if everyone is basically “Good”? No clear definition of “Sin”- Ministers marry homosexuals, defend powerful people’s adultery, and preach only about how to be a joyful happy person. [Name 5 things that will send YOUR son or daughter to hell].

5) Anti-Christ- Everyone wants an “Authority Figure” but it is unclear who is “God”: [The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted (Psalms 12:8)].Antichrist is evident today in:

A) Economic and Political Upheaval: And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. (Revelation 13:15-18).

B) Many views of Christ: Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time (1 John 2:18). Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son (1 John 2:22).

C) Viewing Christ as a Principle instead of a Person: For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist (2 John 1:7).

Many people do not know the 5 Stages of Christian Growth:

1) We BELIEVE Christ died for our sins: And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house (Acts 16:31).

2) We ABIDE in Christ in order to be conformed to His Image: Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned (John 15:4-6).

3) We OBEY Christ so we can demonstrate Him to others: Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (Romans 6:16).

4) We LOVE Christ as the basis of our Obedience: Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him (John 14:23).

5) We KNOW Christ so we will love Him as a Person instead of a Principle: HOW CAN WE GET TO KNOW HIM? I can know Him Photographically thru the Scriptures:

A) The Gospels give an outline- Matthew shows Him as King, Mark shows Him as Servant, Luke shows Him as Man, John shows Him as God. Beware of only learning about Him as King when the greatest of all shall be servant of all. Beware of thinking of Him as an abstract God and forgetting he wept at a friend’s tomb and prayed about everything.

B) The writers also give Him a unique Character- tough on “religious” sin (money changers, Pharisees- serpents, how shall ye escape damnation of hell?); willing to associate with sinners in order to win them (The Well don’t need a physician but the sick); concerned about the outcast (lepers and Samaritan woman) and the young (Suffer little children to come unto me); hard on “would be” disciples (take up cross and follow me, let dead bury dead). He was not little Jesus, Meek and Mild, always; nor was He a “goody two shoes”. He was without sin but seldom without controversy.

I Can Know Him Professionally thru Salvation (Bought me off slave market of sin). Most People consider Salvation a Commitment and/or a contract. They will accept God’s forgiveness for sin and in return they will serve God (to some degree) on earth in order to miss Hell and gain Heaven. Because they’re “Christians” they stop certain things (Drinking, cussing, etc) and begin certain things (Church attendance, Bible reading {hit or miss}, and Prayer {especially in time of trouble or need}).

I can Know Him Personally thru Suffering- Phil 3:10 Paul prayed to know Christ PERSONALLY, POWERFULLY, and PAINFULLY. We learn as Christians that if there are No new Troubles there are no new Testimonies. This causes us to allow Suffering and Circumstances to develop us instead of destroy us.

A) Beware of second Hand Relationships- Knowing about Christ but not building a Relationship. Learning about Him as a “historical Figure” instead of developing a relationship with the king of our lives and the Groom we will soon “marry”. Don’t allow Church to turn into a “Form”. Keep in mind that when 2 or 3 are gathered together in His name He’s in the midst to reveal himself. Look for Him!

B) Spend time with Him in Devotions. These intimate quiet times are vital in building a proper relationship. It’s interesting to note that the Bible says Adam KNEW his wife and fruit was produced. The Bible pre-supposes this same type of relationship between Christ and the Church when it commands Husbands to love their wives even as Christ loved the Church (Ep 5:25).

The more we know Him the more we Love Him, The more we love Him the more we obey Him, the more we obey Him, the more we abide in Him, the more we abide in Him, the more we bear fruit, and the more we bear Fruit the more we live.

IJohn 02:18 ANTICHRIST

Some things you need to know about the Antichrist:

MANIFESTED– (1 John 2:18) Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. (Mat 12:39) But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

ANTI- CHRIST (1 John 2:22) Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

ANTI- BIBLE (1 John 4:3) And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

SEEKS TO DECEIVE– (2 John 1:7) For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

(Mat 24:24) For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

The Deception is : EXTRA- Biblical (add to the Bible) / UN- Biblical (Ignoring what the Bible says) /

DILUTED- Biblical (Explain away the Biblical Meaning)

IJohn 02:28-3:8 WHEN HE SHALL APPEAR

“And Now”- In light of our awareness of false teachers and false doctrine let us see why it is so important that we believe the right doctrine and behave the right way.

We want to make the right Choices because one day, WHEN HE SHALL APPEAR we want to be able to face Him with Confidence and excitement because of our continual Fellowship and Purity of life.

1) CONFIDENT AT HIS COMING– (1 John 2:28) And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

We are to ABIDE in Him so that at His Appearing (Rapture. His Coming would be Return)-

A) We Want to have CONFIDENCE- “cheerful courage” “Assurance”. Like Enoch, the appearance of the Lord is simply a continuation of our Walk. We don’t fear when we are in constant Fellowship.

B) We Do NOT Want to be ASHAMED- “To shrink from someone in guilt” This is not confidence based on Pride. It is assurance based on Faith in His Love and Forgiveness- (1 John 3:20-21) For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. {21} Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

2) CLEAN AT HIS COMING– (1 John 3:2-3) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. {3} And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

A) We want to be like Him; for we shall see Him as he is. Spiritual Purity is simply liking the things God likes and disliking the things that displease God.

B) The Hope (Expectation) of His Coming will produce Clean living instead of Careless living.

Is this “doing nothing, seeing nothing, being nothing” in a convent somewhere? No! That would give truth to the very group that John was exposing who said that everything physical was evil. God’s command is not to “avoid” the world; it is to “Love not” the world ( I John 2:15).

Did Jesus go to “parties”? Did Jesus mingle with Sinners?

Does this mean that we never have feelings or experience temptation? (1 John 1:8) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Was Jesus ever Angry? Did Jesus get Weary? Remember He was in all pointed tempted like as we are; yet without sin (Heb 4:15).

John lists 3 criteria we need to follow in order to live righteous lives:

1> Define Sin- (1 John 3:4-5) Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. {5} And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whatsoever is not of Faith is sin (Rom 14:2). The thought of foolishness is sin (Prov 24:9). To him that knows to do good and does it not it is sin (James 4:17). All Unrighteousness is sin (1 Jn 5:17). Sin is Defilement (1 Jn 1:7-9) Defiance (1 Jn 3:8), and Lawlessness (1 Jn 3:4).

2> Decline Sin- (1 John 3:6) Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. “Sinneth Not” here means to abide in sin as a habit of life. Our Failures do not bring joy they bring frustration, fear, chastisement; and lead to repentance.

3> Desire Righteousness- (1 John 3:7-8) Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. {8} He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. If you don’t want to live righteous on earth do you really think that moving to Heaven will suddenly cause you to want what is right?!

IJohn 02:29 ARE YOU WELL?

Theme Verse: Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? (Psalms 85:6)

When questioned about His health here is what GOD MIGHT SAY, “Spiritually I am doing great but my body is giving me some problems. My Hands are not working very well, My eyes are looking at things that hurt my soul, my mouth is busy talking about people instead of sharing about Jesus, My feet are always too tired to go where I need them to go, and my heart is sad instead of rejoicing.”

The Joy of Christianity is not just about the Heaven that is to come but about the Heaven that has already come into our Heart when God, the Holy Spirit, moves into our life and we become the temple of God. Jesus did not come just to get man out of Hell; He came to get Hell out of man by causing man to become a new creature at the new birth.

Let’s do a “Health Checkup” today and see if you are well. The Apostle John in his first Epistle gives us 5 characteristics of a Healthy Christian.

1. LIVES RIGHT 2:29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. The example of Zacchaeus- And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, Luke 19:8-9

How do you know if they are Doing Right? COMPARE WHAT THEY SAY TO WHAT THEY DO “If ye say”/”He that saith”

A) DOES HIS WALK MAGNIFY CHRIST 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. Would the Lord travel the same paths that you travel??

B) IS HE HONEST ABOUT HIS STRUGGLE 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. We don’t pretend the sin nature doesn’t bother us. Life is a battle, faith is the victory. 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. God said ALL have sinned. We must be willing to admit our failures (Repentance).

C) DOES HIS LIFE STYLE AGREE WITH HIS PROFESSION 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. He is either Lord OF all or He’s not Lord AT all. 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. Submitted to the Father’s Will.

D) DOES HE SEEK THE BENEFIT AND FELLOWSHIP OF OTHER CHRISTIANS 2:9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, now can he love God whom he hath not seen? Hard feelings make hard hearts

2. AVOIDS HARMFUL HABITS: 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 5:8 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and wicked one toucheth him not. We don’t allow sin to develop patterns in our life (as Samson did).

4. ALLOWS GOD TO CONTROL AND GUIDE THEIR LIFE SO THEY ARE EXAMPLES OF CHRIST- Lord 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. To commit to; to cling to; to trust in.

5. BECOMES AN EXAMPLE OF THE POWER OF FAITH IN GOD AT WORK IN A PERSON’S LIFE 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Uses Faith to live a Victorious Life.

Are you well?

1) You cannot be well if you are dead in trespasses and sins.

2) You are not well if unconfessed and unrepented sin is corrupting your life.

IJohn 03:1 LOVE AND GOD

NOTE HOW MUCH GOD LOVED US: (1 John 3:1) Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Suppose a bum came in and sat down beside you:

1) Dirty, smelly, no bath. (All our righteousness as filthy rags)

2) Kept saying bad things about your wife (Used to say bad things about the Church and God’s people)

3) Stole God’s money from the plate (used to steal from God by failing to tithe).

4) Expected you to take him home after the service and care for him. (Used to take God’s blessing for granted and expect Him to care for me even though I served Satan).

Salvation is 1) Broken Heart about Sin and God.

2) Belief in Christ as Savior

3) Behavior change

NOTE HOW WE SHOULD LOVE GOD– (1 John 3:18) My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

1) Not in Tongue: Do we just talk about Ten Commandments in public or do we have them in our home? Do we talk about morals with HBO on our TV. Do we quarrel about prayer in school and never pray with our family?

2) In Deed and Truth-

Love is proof of:

FELLOWSHIP with God: Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes (1 John 2:7-11).

SONSHIP with God: In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death (1 John 3:10-14).

That we KNOW God: Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (1 John 4:7-8).

IJohn 03:1 WHAT MANNER OF LOVE

(Devotion for Valentine Banquet at Grace Church 2-12-97) (1 John 3:1) Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

THE SCOPE- Behold (Trying to empty the ocean with a teacup)

THE GIFT- What Manner of Love the Father has bestowed on us

THE RESULTS- That we should be called the sons of God.

OUR POSITION- (1 John 3:2) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

OUR CONFIDENCE- (1 John 3:21) Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

OUR FAITH- (1 John 4:1) Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

OUR ACTIONS- (1 John 4:7) Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

OUR ATTITUDE- (1 John 4:11) Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

IJohn 03-5 GOD’S LOVE

Sunday School Lesson for Sunday, June 20, 2010

What is Love? See the Example of John 3:16 Love.

God’s Love:

Makes us part of the family of God- 3:1
Moves us to sacrifice – 3:16
Shows God in our Actions – 4:7-11
Assures our Relationship – 4:16
Governs our Conduct – 5:2

1John 03:8 PURPOSE OF OUR PRESENT

The Title of the Sermon causes most people to expect me to tell them the “Christmas Story” as you normally hear it.

He was born that we might be born again (Jn 1:14, 3:2,7)
He became poor that we might become rich (2Cor 8:9, Jam 2:5)
He became a servant that we might become sons (Phil 2:7; Gal 4:6 7)
He left His home in Heaven so we might have a home in heaven (Matt 8:20; Jn 14:2)
He was stripped that we might be clothed (Matt 27:28; Gal 3:27)
He was forsaken that we might not be forsaken (Matt 27:28; 28:20)
He was sad that we might become glad (Is 53:3; Phil 4:4)
He was bound that we might go free (Matt 27:2; Jn 8:32 36)
He was made sin that we might be made righteous (I Cor 5:21)
He died that we might live (Jn 5:24 25)
He came down that we might be caught up (I Thess 4:16 17)/ He descended that we might ascend (John 6:38, 14:3)
He was hungry that we might be fed (Matt 4:2; Jn 6:50) /He was thirsty that we might be satisfied (Jn 19:26)

When seeking spiritual advice remember a blind man is a bad judge of color. It is true that God so loved the world and gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. But there is another Purpose in the Present. : He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).

Jesus breaks the Penalty of Sin by satisfying the law’s demand- Wages of Sin is death and He died as a pure sacrifice for the sins of mankind. Free at last, free at last!

Jesus breaks the Power of Sin because He sent back the Holy Spirit to live in our heart. Our Human nature can still cause us to stumble but the Holy Spirit is within us to grow and guide us. [Satan is the father of sin, brought sin into the world, and maintains sin in the world by living in the hearts of his own children thus leading them into transgression; and persuading others that they cannot be saved from their sins in this life, that he may secure a continual residence in their heart]. I can be better because I am better!- more than conquers through Him who loved us.

Jesus breaks the Presence of Sin by preparing Satan an eternal place in outer darkness while preparing a mansion in Heaven for those who believe in and follow Him- Glory!

God gave the world the greatest of gifts. Do not let it go unused and not received.

1John 03:14 LOVES LIFE

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death (1 John 3:14).

Love Testifies– By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:35).

Love Educates– Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (1 John 4:7‑8).

Love Works– But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth (1 John 3:17‑18).

Love Calms– There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love (1 John 4:18).

IJohn 03:18 DEEDS AND TRUTH

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth (1 John 3:18)

10 Deeds you can do that will show love to others.

1) Replace words (I Love You) with actions (wash dishes / cut grass)

2) Give words of encouragement instead of criticism

3) Take a meal to someone in need.

4) Give Gift cards for gas and meals for no special reason.

5) Email or text the person a “thinking of you” message

6) Clean the house of the sick.

7) Enter into a covenant to pray for someone’s spouse, children, or financial needs.

8) Defend someone whom others are criticizing.

9) Invite new church families to sit on your pew or move to their pew

10) Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things (1 Corinthians 13:1-7)

Almost all family problems arise from one or more of 5 areas

1) Intimacy issues (sex)

2) Money

3) Children- The way you raise them or the way they react

4) In-Laws interference or indifference

5) Other Interest- Work, Wandering, Worshipping TV

Here are 40 inexpensive deeds you can do that will help build the love of your family

1)Take A Bike Ride 2) Go to a Playground 3) Invite a family over for popcorn 4) Visit a museum, the local airport, a newspaper or TV Station 5) Walk at the Mall 6) Attend a Church softball game 7) Plant flowers are a garden 8) Take a trip on a city bus 9) Play card and board games at home 10) Fly a kite 11) Take a nature walk 12) Take a day trip to somewhere special 13) Visit the Library 14) Go fishing 15) Visit the zoo 16) Make Homemade Ice Cream 16) Do a Bible people puppet show for the grandparents 17) Wash the car together 18) Carry homemade brownies to a shut in 19) Play catch or Frisbee 20) Camp out in the back yard 21) Go roller skating 22) Look thru the family album 23) Have a indoor picnic 24) Visit the State Capitol 25) Feed some birds 26) Visit a Planetarium 27) Have devotions around the kitchen table 28) Create a Bible Quiz for your Sunday School Class 29) Clean out the garage or the flower bed 30) Walk to a neighbor’s house for a visit 31) Have a fast food progressive supper 32) Have a singalong 33) Write to a missionary 34) Cheap choice children’s night [Child decides what to do but it must be cheap] 35) Children teach parents how to text 36) Assign a city to older children and let them give a report to the family about that city 37) Get picture and information and pray for federal and state government leaders 38) Let the kids help you pay the bills one month (it will be eye opening for them!) 39) Start a saving account with your children 40) Have a hug family members day.

IJohn 03:21 CONFIDENCE’S CORE

Andrew wanted me to tell him he was too close to the Ditch- Needed the confidence of my concern. (1 John 3:21) Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

Confidence 1.Trust or faith in a person or thing. A feeling of assurance, especially of self-assurance. The state or quality of being certain:

Believe your beliefs, and doubt your doubts. Never doubt your beliefs, and never believe your doubts. The basis of our faith is not the strength of our faith but the faithfulness of the God in whom our faith is placed.

It is His will that I should cast

My care on Him each day

He also bids me not to cast

My confidence away.

But Oh, how foolishly I act

When taken unaware!

I cast away my confidence

And carry all my care.

All too often you and I are aware of failure within us that others may not see. Depression may come, and with depression everything looks black. We feel guilty and helpless. John, with his deep sensitivity to our human experience, understands and answers. When it is your heart that causes you uncertainty about your relationship with God, then look for another evidence of relationship. What evidence? Love. Not as a feeling or emotion, but love expressed “with actions and in truth” (v. 18). When we choose love’s way in spite of our feelings, we have evidence that we know Him.

God’s desire is for each of us to find rest. But if we find ourselves troubled by a nagging uncertainty because of either our actions or our hearts, God wants us to continue to trust. As we live in Him, His Spirit will purify and transform us.

(Heb 10:35) Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.

(Isa 30:15) For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

(Prov 14:26) In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

Confidence in your

CHOICES- Eve made Wrong Choice, Joseph made right choice

CONFLICTS- David could face Giant with God’s Help.

COMPANION- The Holy Spirit was sent to be our helper and guide.

The confident belief that one is truly saved, that he is already a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, destined to eternal life in glory, is not to be confused with the doctrine of security. “Quietness and assurance forever” are the effect of righteousness, Isa. 32:17. The NT speaks of full assurance of hope and of faith, Heb. 6:11; 10:22. The gospel came to the believers in Thessalonica in much assurance, 1 Thess. 1:5. Assurance comes to Christians when they understand the revelation God has given, Col. 2:2; 2 Pet. 3:18.

SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER Biblical teaching that God protects believers for the completion of their salvation. Contemporary Christianity needs to deal forthrightly with the universal human problem of insecurity. The natural gulf between the invisible, infinite God and finite, fallible humanity makes the quest for assurance and security a very significant theological issue. Slogans such as “once saved, always saved,” and “eternal security” often easily gain a reverential status normally reserved only for biblical texts and become symbols of “evangelical orthodoxy.” Indeed, it comes as a shock to some when they discover that their symbols are not actually biblical terms.

The Bible does teach that salvation does not depend merely upon human effort. God is the author of salvation (2 Cor. 5:18-19; John 3:16). God justifies or treats as acceptable sinners who receive Christ in faith (Rom. 3:21-26). The great message of the Reformation says, No one can earn assurance or security with God. Assurance of salvation is God’s gift! Security does not come by absolutions, church attendance, good works, reciting Scripture, or performances of penance. God who has begun the work of salvation in Christians also provides the necessary assurance to bring His work to its completion in the day of Christ (Phil. 1:6). God in Christ protects and keeps Christians (John 10:27-29; 2 Thess. 3:3) just as Jesus took seriously the task of preserving the disciples while He was on earth (John 17:12-15). We do not possess the strength to secure ourselves.

The Biblical view of security, however, is probably best epitomized in the Christian doctrine of perseverance (Eph. 6:18; Heb. 12:1; Jas. 1:25). See Perseverance). Christians must realize that their security does not lie in a fairy-tale approach to life where once a person becomes a Christian everything is a happy bed of roses forever and ever. Such a view fails to take seriously the traumas of human life.

The biblical view of assurance or security is rooted in the conviction that when Jesus departed from the disciples, the Lord did not orphan them or leave them without support. He promised Christians that he would come to them and would provide them with a companion Spirit (the Comforter or Paraclete) who would not only be at their side but would be within them, as much a part of them as their very breath (John 14:16-18). The Spirit would be their sense of peace and security, their witness concerning Jesus, their attorney with the world, and their guide or teacher into all truth (John 14:25-30; 15:26-27; 16:8-15). See Advocate; Comforter; Helper.

Along with great promises of assurance, the Bible contains strong warnings that call Christians to consistent living, even as they have yielded to temptations and sin and capitulated to the hostile forces of evil (for example, 1 Cor. 10:1-12; Heb. 2:1-3; 3:12-19; 6:1-8; 10:26-31; Jas. 5:19-20). These and many other warnings in the Bible are not merely phantom warnings unrelated to Christian life. They are meant to be taken with great seriousness. They are no more a game with God than was the death of Christ.

These warnings appear in the New Testament within clear statements reminding believers that temptation is accompanied by God’s presence. Christians are expected to resist temptations and flee ungodly activity (for example, 1 Cor. 10:13-14). Evil patterns of life are inconsistent with Christian transformation. The writers of the New Testament were convinced that Christians would heed these warnings and resist the devil (Jas. 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8-9). It is virtually unthinkable for a Christian to do otherwise. The Christian is anchored to the person of God. Evil has to be dealt with. The Christian can find in God an enduring security for the soul. Such is the meaning of Hebrews 6:17-20. God’s consistency is the basis for a Christian’s security in the midst of the world’s traumas.

The security of the believer is not merely focused upon this life on earth. It has a dynamic focus on the life-to-come. The New Testament writers are convinced that a Christian will take very seriously the warnings in this life because this life is related to the life with Christ in heaven. The Christian, therefore, is expected to persevere to the end (1 Pet. 1:5; 1 John 5:18; Rev. 3:10).

The confidence or secure sense of the believer with respect to the life hereafter is rooted in the united witness of the New Testament writers that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the hinge point of the Christian faith. In raising His Son Jesus, God provided Christians with the sign of the destinies and the basis for their security. Without the resurrection, the Christian proclamation would be empty (1 Cor. 15:14). Moreover, in the coming of the Holy Spirit, God provided the guarantee of our marvelous relationship with God (2 Cor. 1:22). In our identity with Adam, humanity experienced lostness and death; but as we identify with the ultimate power of Christ in the resurrection, we, too, shall experience the effective meaning of the security of the believer in the triumph of God (1 Cor. 15:20-28).

Gerald L. Borchert

IJohn 04:1 OTHER SPIRITS

I Jn 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world

The Spirit of Jealousy‑ Num 5:14 And the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or of the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled. Causes suspicion

A Faithful Spirit‑ Prov 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. When should you tell and when should you be silent???

A Haughty Spirit‑ Prov 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Careful of Your Attitude

A Humble Spirit‑ Prov 16:19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. Attitude

A Broken Spirit‑ Prov 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Depression, dispair

A Spirit of Infirmity‑ Luke 13:11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. sickness caused by Satan. see vs 16

Jn 6:63 It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Ep 2:2 The spirit that worketh in the children of disobedience.

I Cor 12:10 Discerning of Spirits is a gift

II Cor 11:3‑4 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father, Feeling like one of God’s children

II Cor 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

IJohn 04:7-12 SUPER LOVE

On “Super Sunday”; after just celebrating the 50^th Wedding Anniversary of Pastor Danny and Mrs. Angie, we need to talk about not just “Love” but “Super Love”.

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation [An Offering to appease the wrath and conciliate the favor of an offended person] for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us (1 John 4:7-12).

Some things we need to Know About Love:

Love controls our Affections. Love changes our Attitudes. Love Corrects our Actions

Love sees with the heart. It is not just looking IN each other’s eyes but FROM each other’s eyes

Love is the freedom to leave–with the desire to stay.

Love is a Journey to enjoy; not a destination to aim for.

Love demands constant work- Sometimes it is a child crying at 3am when we’re very tired, but worth the effort when it hugs our neck!

Love is Two that are One — separate but only complete together.

Love performs but it’s not a performance I Cor 13:1-3

Love serves without being selfish I Cor 13:4-7

Love never Fails–but people do I Cor 13:8

Love reveals God (I Jn 4:7) and brings us to God I Jn 4:9-10

Loving God produces:

1. No Fear- There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love (1 John 4:18).

2. No Worry- And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

3. No Disobedience- If ye love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15).

4. No Hate– If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? (1 John 4:20).

5. No Loneliness-And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him (1 John 4:16).

6. No Anxiety- Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17).

7. No Growth Failures- But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him (1 John 2:5).

II. WHAT DOES GODS LOVE DO FOR US?

A) Love Cleans up our life- He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him (John 14:21).

B) Love Comforts us- There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love (1 John 4:18).

C) Love Controls our Circumstances- And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28).

D) Love Chastens us- For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth (Hebrews 12:6). He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes (Proverbs 13:24).

E) Love Converts us- But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

I. WHO DOES GOD LOVE?

A) A Lost World- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (Ephesians 1:4).

B) A Cheerful Giver- Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

LOVE IS A CHOICE. Choosing NOT to Love God is a BAD Decision:

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE LOVE OF GOD IN OUR LIFE? I Cor 13:1 If I can speak In the tongues of men and even of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such as is inspired by Gods love for and in us); I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. [Amplified Bible]

Major Country Song now is “I am a Lost Cause”- Do not waste your time on me.

IJohn 04:8 THE MOST MISUNDERSTOOD VERSES

Many people know just enough about the Bible to be dangerous!! They have put God in a Box and think that God must act and think just the way they understand things. They forget that

1. God does not think like humans think: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8‑9)

2. Human wisdom cannot figure out Godly thinking: But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Here are several verses that are often misquoted:

BY PREACHERS: But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)

But they fail to read the NEXT VERSE (vs 10): But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

By the MEDIA: Judge not, that ye be not judged (Matthew 7:1).

But they fail to see the NEXT VERSE which states that judgment should be based on the willingness to undergo the same scrutiny: For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again (Matthew 7:2).

Misunderstood verses:

1) He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (1 John 4:8). God’s love chastens as well as calls! It is not a mushy permission to live like you please and expect God to approve all you do!

2) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13). I cannot fly over a building or live under water! But I can do anything God tells me to do because He will give me the strength to accomplish any task He gives.

IJohn 04:14-21 THE LOVE OF GOD

I. WHO DOES GOD LOVE?

A) A Lost World- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

B) A Cheerful Giver- Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

II. WHAT DOES GODS LOVE DO FOR US?

A) Converts us- But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

B) Comforts us- There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)

C) Constrains us- For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: (2 Corinthians 5:14)

D) Chastens us- For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth (Hebrews 12:6).

He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. (Proverbs 13:24)

III. WHAT DOES GODS LOVE DO IN US?

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (Ephesians 1:4)

B) Love Controls our Circumstances- And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

C) Love Commits us to Service- And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. (Mark 12:30)

IV. HOW DO WE RECEIVE THE LOVE OF GOD?

A) Through the example of Christ- We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19)

B) Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit- And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:5)

C) Through constant fellowship with God- And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. (1 John 4:16)

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE LOVE OF GOD IN OUR LIFE? I Cor 13:1 If I can speak In the tongues of men and even of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such as is inspired by Gods love for and in us); I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. [Amplified Bible]

IJohn 04:17-19 LOVING GOD

Loving God produces:

1. No Fear- I John 4:17-19 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us.

2. No Worry- Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

3. No disobedience- John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments

4. No Hate- I John 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

Perfect Love casts out all fear: There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love (1 John 4:18).

Keeping God’s Word Perfects God’s Love in us: But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him (1 John 2:5).

Dwelling in Love lets us Dwell in God: And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:16-17).

IJohn 05:4-5 THE PRACTICE OF VICTORY

There is nothing more damaging to the cause of Christ than a defeated Christian! John says that a person who is born again is one who continually “Gets the victory”- Overcometh. That means that defeat is the exception, and not the rule, for a Christian.

I. THE VICTIMS OF VICTORY

A) Victory over the WORLD (System- Kosmos). 3 times this word is used in our verses. What is the World? – (1 John 2:16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh [Pleasure}, and the lust of the eyes [Pressure], and the pride of life [Persecution], is not of the Father, but is of the world. Everything in this world is designed to trip up or beat down the child of God. A Christian is not fooled by the fact that the majority are going one way nor by the religious “trappings” of this sinful world.

B) Victory over the WICKED ONE- (1 John 2:13) I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. Our adversary the Devil, as a roaring lion seeks whom he may devour; and he especially looks for the weak and the young. That is why it is imperative that we continue to grow in God.

II. THE MEANS OF VICTORY

A) FAITH- (1 John 5:4) For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (Heb 11:6) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Our shield to quench the fiery darts of the devil is Faith.

B) But it must be FAITH IN CHRIST- (1 John 5:5) Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 Cor 15:57) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (John 16:33) These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation [pressure]: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. The battle is not yours but the Lords and we conquer not by might, nor by power but by my Spirit, saith the Lord. (1 John 4:4) Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

C) It must be ACTIVE FAITH IN CHRIST- Faith without works is dead being alone- Loving your brother means more than saying it. (Rev 12:11) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Rom 12:21) Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

D) Faith comes from GROWTH IN THE WORD OF GOD- (1 John 2:14) I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. The Word is our LIGHT to keep us from Ambush and our SWORD to fight with.

HERE IS NO VICTORY WITHOUT A BATTLE. If you are defeated and discouraged: Maybe your Faith is weak through lack of Bible study, maybe your Faith is in your Faith or your Circumstances instead of Christ. Maybe your Faith needs to be put to work.

IJohn 05:13 ASSURANCE OF SALVATION

There are many things that a person needs to be sure of- That his light bill is paid (or he’ll find himself in the dark), that his house doesn’t leak (or he’ll find himself all wet), that he remembers his anniversary (or he’ll be sleeping on the couch); but the most important thing a person can ever be absolutely sure of is that he is a saved child of God (Because Hell doesn’t allow second chances).

THE BASIS OF ASSURANCE–

A) Faith in the Word of God- These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God (1 John 5:13). We believe the Word of God about our Sinfulness (all have sinned and the wages of sin is death). We believe God’s Word about our Salvation- “There is none other name under Heaven given among men whereby you must be saved” but the name of Jesus Christ. We believe Jesus died in our place on the cross and offers salvation to anyone who will trust in this provision for the payment of our sin debt. We believe that what God said in the past HAS happened and what He said about the Future WILL happen.

B) Submission to the Will of God- Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (2 Cor 13:5). This doesn’t mean we’re perfect or sinless. It doesn’t mean we always “feel” saved. It means that we know enough about ourselves to know whether or not we are consciously trusting in Christ for Salvation and consistently living for Him.

Think of it this way- First must comes the FACTS of the Word of God. These are facts regardless of what you do or don’t do about them. Facts are like the engine of a train; they have the power to travel down the track even if no other cars are attached.

Next comes FAITH. Faith must be in the Facts. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Faith doesn’t just come into existence. It must have something to “hook” to. It would be like the passenger car hooked to the Engine of Facts.

Finally comes FEELINGS. Feelings are like the caboose on a train; nice but not necessary. Feelings come into being after your Faith in the Facts. (Sadly, many people want to put the caboose ahead of the engine and find the train won’t go!).

First comes FACTS, then comes FAITH, then comes FEELING.

Many people want to know how you can KNOW you have the right Facts and Faith. The Bible answers by gives us FOUR EVIDENCES OF SALVATION that we can compare to our own life and experience:

EVIDENCE #1: The Holy Spirit Bears Witness of the Believer’s Salvation- The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (Rom 8:16).

A> The Holy Spirit reveals Christ to us so that Christianity becomes a relationship instead of a religion- But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: (John 15:26).

B> The Holy Spirit Guides us in the new life by bringing Comfort to our Heart in trouble and help to our heart in prayer (Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered Rom 8:26).

EVIDENCE #2: A Changed Heart and life give evidence of Salvation- Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Cor 5:17). We develop

A> New Attitudes (Fruits of the Spirit)

B> New Actions (Glorify God). We use words like Converted, Saved, and Born Again; all mean that we have changed from one direction in our life and now have a different Authority over our life and a different Plan for our life.

EVIDENCE #3: Love for fellow Christians gives evidence of Salvation- By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:35).

He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes (1 John 2:9-11).

In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother (1 John 3:10).

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death (1 John 3:14).

Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him (1 John 3:15).

A> We Want to be with other Christians- Church, Fellowship,

B> We Want to Protect other Christians Reputation (From slander) and their Conscience (Give them no reason to stumbling- Rom 14:21

EVIDENCE #4: Chastisement for sin gives evidence of Salvation- If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons (Heb 12:7-8). The sin that comes into our life as we develop as a Christian will bring rebuke to our heart, lose of fellowship with the Spirit and fellow Christians, and punishment from God. While we agonize in the pain, we rejoice in the fact that it shows God loves and cares for us.

He that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6). God is able to save you and He WANTS to save you; You must trust in, rely on, and cling to, His Word. Are you SURE today that your anchor holds and grips the solid rock.