15th June 2024

15th June 2024


Pray (ACts)


Read (1 John 4v7-12)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


Throughout this letter we have witnessed John stressing the need for Christians to love one another. This isn't an optional extra for a church but a Gospel imperative. What do I mean by such a phrase? An imperative is a command which must be followed and so, In light of the Gospel, we must love one another.


The Gospel demands an initial response from us and that is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved. But the Gospel goes further - if the love of God can be seen clearly in the person and work of Jesus (v9), if God loved us before we loved Him (v10) and if Jesus is the propitiation which is a sacrifice that turns away the wrath of God (v10b), then we absolutely must without fail love one another in response (v11).


No one has ever seen God but when His people love one another it is clear to the world that the Lord abides in us (v12). In an individualistic age the Christian church is joyously committed to loving relationships that show the love of God and how it is being perfected in us (v12).


Once more this does not mean that God's love is lacking and we must improve or perfect it. When John speaks of God's love being perfected, he means that it is accomplishing its purpose. The Lord has set His love upon sinners, in time He calls them to salvation by His Word & Spirit, they willingly call upon Jesus and the work of sanctification begins in them. The Christian who loves his/her brothers and sisters is someone in whom the fruit of the Holy Spirit is evident. In this manner, God's love is accomplishing its purpose, it is being perfected.


If love is lacking it is because God is not known (v8). Even so, where love is found there we find men and women who have been born of God and know God (v7b). In light of all of this - "beloved, let us love one another" (v7a).


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q66 What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment? The reason annexed to the fifth commandment is, a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God’s glory, and their own good) to all such as keep this commandment.
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