The First Epistle of John

Brotherly Love

1 John 4:7-21

Review

• We have seen that love is evidence of– Abiding in the light – 1 John 2:10– Being children of God – 1 John 3:10, 14

• John has also already discussed– The definition of love – 1 John 3:16– The value of love – 1 John 3:18-19

• Now we take a deeper look at the topic of love

Brotherly love is evidence of sonship(4: 7-8)

• We should love one another, for love is of God– “ Love” (Gk agape) emanates from God (7a)– Because “God is love” (8b)• Every action of His is motivated by love (active

goodwill) toward us

• He does not overlook sin–Because that would not be in our best interest

Brotherly love is evidence of sonship(4: 7-8)

• Those who love demonstrate their sonship– Show that they are “born of God” and “know

God” (7b)– If one does not love as God does, then they do

not yet truly know God

• To prevent misunderstanding, John expands the definition of love the gave in 1 John 3:16

Love is defined by God’s love(4:9-11)

• Love manifested by God’s gift– He sent His only begotten Son (9)– He sent his son for three reasons• Not that we loved Him, but He loved us (10)• That we might live through Him (9)• That He might be the propitiation (an

appeasing sacrifice) for our sins (10)

• This is the kind of love we should have (11)–Where we love, not because we are loved first–Where we seek what is in the other’s best

interest

Love is evidence of fellowship with God(4:12-16)

• Abiding with God– No one has seen God (12a)– If we love one another, God will abide

with us and His love will be perfected in us (12b)

–We know that we abide in God• Because He has given us of His spirit

(13)–Not “Spirit” as in Holy Spirit (many

believe this)–His spirit; i.e., His attitude of love

Love is evidence of fellowship with God(4:12-16)

• Abiding with God

• Not the only evidence of fellowship with God– Since the apostles testified that the Son was

sent to be our Savior (14)–We must confess Jesus as the Son of God (15)– Unless we believe in Jesus and His sacrifice,

then we cannot truly know God’s love, nor can we abide in Him (16)

Brotherly love provides assurance(4:17-19)

• When love is perfected, we can have boldness– In the day of judgment (17a)– Because we were like him in this world (17b)

• As love is perfected, fear is dispelled (18)– If we fear the Judgment Day, then we are not yet

perfected in love– If we love as God loves, then we know that there

is no punishment awaiting us at judgment• God helps us to perfect our love by having first

loved us (19)

Love is essential to loving God(4:20-21)

• You cannot love God unless you love your brother (20)– If you hate your brother, you do not love

God

• If you love God, then you must love your brother also (21)

Conclusion

• If brotherly love is– Evidence of sonship– Defined by God’s love for us– Evidence of fellowship with God– A means of assurance in the day of judgment– Essential to loving God

• Then do we dare we neglect this most essential commandment?