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Brotherly Love (1 John 2:7-14)
Scripture: 1 John 2:7-8, 1 John 3:14, 1 John 2:15-17, Ephesians 2, Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Peter 5:8, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, 1 John 5:1, John 6:40, John 13:34-35, John 14:15-17, John 15, Philippians 2:13, 1 Corinthians 13, 1 John 2:2, Exodus 34:6-7
Intro:
- John's letter: A message of truth and a call to love.
- Contradictions: love of the Father vs. love of the world.
- Two stories with a similar treasure, different responses:
- Rich young ruler (Matthew 19).
- Treasure hidden in a field (Matthew 13).
- What is our heart's response to the call to love the Father?
Old and New Commandments:
- 1 John 2:7-8: Old commandment (love one another) given by Jesus (John 13:34).
- Old: Love and unity expected between brothers.
- New: Jesus is the role model for loving others.
- Jesus's love: exclusive message, inclusive love.
- Loved disciples, friends (John 11), even enemies (Romans 5:6-8).
- Supreme demonstration: the cross.
Are You Living in the Light?
- 1 John 2:8: Brotherly love is true in Jesus and in you (plural).
- Brotherly love exists in the community of Christ.
- Contrasts: darkness (hate) vs. light (love).
- Are you living contrary to what we know love is?
- 1 Corinthians 13: Love is patient, kind, etc.
- Challenge: Are we living in the light of 1 Corinthians 13?
John's Pastoral Exhortation:
- John's tone: a loving father singing truth over a weary church.
- 1 John 2:12-14:
- Little children: sins are forgiven.
- Young Christians: have overcome the evil one.
- Fathers/Mothers: know Him who is from the beginning.
- These are truths for all Christians.
- Sins are forgiven through Jesus's work.
- Young Christians have overcome the world through faith (John 16:33).
- Mature Christians know God deeply (Exodus 34:6-7).
A Vision to Know God:
- Prioritize a vision to know God above all else.
- Revelation 4: The four living creatures.
- Eyes to see God.
- Unending worship.
- God is worthy of our complete devotion.
- If we could just see God more, we would love Him more.
Call to Action:
- Examine your heart and motives.
- Confess your sins to God and others (James 5:16).
- Receive prayer for healing and restoration.
- Submit to Jesus as Lord.
- Love God and others as Christ loved us.
- Pursue unity in the church (Ephesians 4:1-6).
Conclusion:
- Christian life is about loving God and loving others.
- Unity is found in Christ and expressed through our actions.
- Be a church that is known for its love and unity.
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*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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