I John Chapter 4
John calls the body of Christ – beloved, little children, and brothers. Clearly John loved his fellow believers that were present with him and those who would later read this letter. Sprinkled throughout his letters he speaks about love again and again. And while we think that we know what love is all about, we really do not fully understand the true love that God has for us, His people. God is the very definition of love.
I John 4:19We love because He first loved us.
Let's Reflect
1. The child of God has the indwelling Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit) living inside them and therefore should not be afraid of whom?
2. The unbeliever listens to the voices of this realm. Sinful humanity that is in rebellion to God is in community with this dark realm, and that may not even know it. As the spirit of darkness grows stronger in this world, it becomes more and more difficult for the unsaved to even do what? See verse 6.
3. In contrast to the darkness and bondage of sin that the unbeliever lives in, what does John say in verse 7 that the believers should do?
4. Our love is something that grows as we mature in our walk with the Lord. John says that when we “know” God it will show by our love for one another. To know (ginosko) is the word that means to know by experience. John is saying that when we experience God, we will love more. What does John say at the end of verse 12 that shows the progression of love in our spiritual growth?
5. The believer does not need to fear judgment because the love of God is perfected in him. Why do people have fears? See verse 18.
John 3:36Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life: whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
6. This confidence that we have through Christ is found in His love for us. It is perfected in our love for Him and for each other as we grow in spiritual maturity. What name does John give to those who hate their brother? Do you see the importance of understanding God’s love for you so that you can show love to others in a dark and sinful world?
