1 John
Reasons why Jesus died on the cross
John gives two reasons why Jesus died on the cross:To take away our sins (vv. 4-6).To destroy the works of the devil (vv. 7,8).John does not deny that Christians sin, but he does deny that Christians can live in sin and enjoy it. He is talking about people who make a practi …
Is your fellowship grounded in God’s Word?
In contrast to this story we find John had a message he wanted all to hear. He would not be guilty of withholding vital information from the child of God (vv. 1-2). There are three key words found in this message of I John. They are life, light and love. There are those who tell …
Twisting the Scriptures
It is interesting to know that cults and false teachers rarely try to lead lost sinners into their group. Instead, they spend most of their time trying to convert professing Christians and church members to their counterfeit doctrines. We have been warned that this would happen: …
What effects your relationships?
The Apostle John wrote his first epistle to Christians who were in danger of being led astray by false teachers. Many of these leaders said it didn’t make a great deal of difference how a person lived because the body is basically sinful anyway. John points out in this pass …
Love is an action
Everyone believes that love is important, but love is usually thought of as a feeling. In reality, love is an action. God loved us enough to sacrifice His Son for us (v.7). His love involves an action, and our love should be like His. Much that is called “love” in moder …
God’s people are to love one another
Up to this point John has been talking about “the commandments” in general; but now he focuses on one single commandment and that is that God’s people love one another (vv. 7- 8). Although the Old Testament Law required love for one another (Leviticus 19:18), Christ gave …
Doctrine and love are both needed
Assurance (vv. 19-20) – No Christian should treat sin lightly, but neither should he be harder on himself than God is. An “accusing conscience” robs a believer of peace. We need to be careful or the devil will accuse us and rob us of our confidence ( Rev. 12:10). His vo …
Love is an action, not a feeling
Christian love has both a positive and negative aspect. “Cease to do evil; learn to do well” (Isaiah 1:16-17). Every Christian knows John 3:16 but how many of us pay attention to I John 3:16? Christ left an example for us as He willingly laid down His life for us (v. 16 …
Given over to the worship of Idols
John was probably writing to believers in the city of Ephesus, a city given over to the worship of Idols. In the city of Ephesus stood the Temple of Diana. The Ephesians were proud of the structure and the prominence it gave to their city. Few people today, bow to idols of …
Three categories of believers
In our text today, John points out three categories of believers. We see in these categories three stages of spiritual development in our quest for spiritual maturity. The three stages of Christian growth are children, fathers, and young men (vv. 12-14). I do not believe these ca …