About
Text: 1 John 4:7-12
A final look at the meaning of the incarnation, with eyes on 1 John 4:7-12
Prepare
Questions to Consider:
- In verse 7a, John commands us to love one another. How have typically understood that command? Does love for the church take precedent over that for unbelievers? Examine Galatians 6:10 carefully or, with respect to Christ, Ephesians 5:25. If we're to love one another, is any in our church to be excluded? What actions make up this single summary command? Consider Colossians 3:12-14, as well as 1 Corinthians 13:1 and following.
- Beginning in verse 7b, John begins to give reasons why we should feel obligated (see 4:11) to obey that command, which is really the great summary of the Christian heart and life. How would you summarize the reason in 7b-8? There are a couple of wrong ways to understand the truth that God is love. What, do you think, is the biblical way? If love comes from God, and we've been born of God, what should mark our lives? What if it doesn't?
- In verses 9-11, John gives another reason why we should feel obligated to love one another. What is it? How do these verses give clarity to the more abstract expression 'God is love'? How have we seen that truth at it's summit? If we forget it, where can we look to discover it afresh—and that applied to us! And if it's been applied to us, what will be obliged to do, 4:11?
- In verse 12, John says that no one has ever seen God. He says the same thing in John 1:18. He then goes on to say that, though that is true, One Who has seen God has made Him known. That's Jesus. How does that connect with John's words in this verse? What does our love for one another display? So is there an important sense in which the local congregation's love for one another is missional also? A sense in which it showcases God, yes, to believers, but also to unbelievers?
- This Advent season, consider whether you are walking in obedience to this biblical command, this practical reflection of the Gospel, this fleshed out display of God and His love—consider whether you are walking in love . . . and particularly towards all of your co-members who make up The Mount. If not, repent, and make it right. Either way, let's pray to be a family marked, above all, by conversion-validating, Gospel-reflecting, God and grace-displaying love.