FHBC Sermon Notes

1 John 3:11-18
We must remember to look at the big picture of the epistle. The challenge of last week, which was a call to examine ourselves to know whether we are truly children of God, is followed here by the meaning of what it means to live as a child of God.

Intro / Review
2:29 Everyone who practices righteousness have been born of God. So why is it that we are so surprised (v.13) that the world around us acts in a way that is unrighteous. Our response is so often to protect and condemn of ourselves. Should we not be rejoicing to them of God's mercy, His joy?... V.10 they are born of the devil. ... But yet, they too can be children of God, in Christ.

The Test of Brotherly Love
1. The necessity of love. (3:11,14-15).

Key Point: Love for our brothers and sisters in Christ is a non-negotiable part of being a Christian.

It is a command. It is evidence (fruit). V.14 How are we transformed in Christ if we do not love our brothers and sisters. We have freedom now to love one another, based not on what others have done for us, or what we have done for them, but because of what God has done for us. This is a freedom, a right as a child of God, much greater than even then freedoms granted us by this country.

It is not natural that man loves anyone other than himself. Yet, with our souls transformed and replaced by the nature of Christ, we have that ability to love.

2. The practical application of love. (3:12-13,15-18)

Key Point: Love for our brothers and sisters in Christ requires our active, deliberate laying down of one's life for the other.

V.12 The First Example - The example of evil.
Cain was doing what he had been thought, he murdered. In covetousness he acted in violence. Furthermore, John adds that Cain acted on more than covetousness, but because he hated that which was righteous. Matthew 5:23-24 We cannot harbor hatred for our brother and live in

V.16 The Final Example - the example of Christ!
Christ not only gave his life on the cross, but throughout his life. John learned this lesson first hand after at first wanting to have status. Mark 10:45
ultimately it would be a cross that would be the greatest display of love.

V. 16 So here is he challenge. What does Christian love look like? It is a self-sacrificing love, a life that gives up itself for others.

Specific Applications : Ephesians 5:22, 25; Husbands and wives, also, parents to children, Children to parents. What about our brothers and sisters in Christ? So we know not to have conflict, but John is going far beyond that. We must go beyond a mere Sunday morning hello and hand shake. Are we laying down lives, us just passing by in our lives?

Little children, let us not love in word or talk, but in deed and in truth. - 3:18