True Love
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1 John 3:11-24
Love is….
• Take a minute to complete this sentence:
• Love is __________.
Evidence of Salvation
• John is doing 2 things in this passage:
1)Showing the difference between the world’s love and
the true love of Christ
2)Giving us a practical test to “know” that we are saved.
“To Know”
This phrase is used 3 times in the passage
Vs. 14 “We know that we have passed from death to
life…”
Vs. 16 “This is how we have come to know love…”
Vs. 24 “…the way we know that He remains in us is
from the Spirit He has given us”
We can’t lose sight that John was refuting pre-gnostic
heresy.
Truth and Action
Love is not a feeling or an intention
Love is a choice that binds us to a distinctive course of
action
Love begins with feelings of concern and compassion
for those in need and always results in tangible,
substantial sacrifice
Our good works are the expression of the real love of
Christ that dwells inside of us
Love is a Command
“…this is His command"
The emphasis on the Holy Spirit should not be spiritual
or mystical, but rather practical
As Christians we keep 3 essential commands:
• (1) believe in Christ
• (2) love the brothers and sisters
• (3) live morally upright lives.
Conclusion
If we are to take Jesus and the whole of Scripture
seriously, it will be impossible to simply “sit on a pew”
The New Testament expressly mentions our duties to
help care for widows and orphans, the poor and
handicapped, and the sick and imprisoned
Application
• Talk is cheap. How can you display a true spirit of
love this week?
• What will you resolve that your attitude will be this
week when God gives you an opportunity to share His
love with others?
• What practical difference should loving in deed make
in your witness to others this week?