Lake Murray BC Podcast

In the concluding remarks of his letter to the church, John wants to re-emphasize again the importance of recognizing and confessing exactly who Jesus is. The truth of the incarnation, that God became human, was born in a manger to a poor carpenter and his virgin wife, would grow up to live a sinless life, die on the cross as our substitute, and be raised to new life in victory, is the reason we celebrate Christmas.

Today’s passage operates as a summary of sorts—the ‘Spark Notes’ version of John's letter. 

Throughout the letter, John offers three tests, so that the church would examine their lives to determine whether their faith was genuine: the doctrinal test (right belief), the moral test (obedient living), and the social test (love for God and others). Today, as we study this section of John’s letter, we will see how the tests are interconnected and are a result of genuine faith and the work of the Holy Spirit.

In this passage, John reminds us of some core truths about love; namely that followers of Jesus show a distinct love that only comes from God.

As Christians, people of the truth, it is incredibly important that we are not spreading disinformation, especially in an age where objective truth is under attack. In our passage this morning, John wants to address the false teachings & teachers who have sought to deceive the church.

We were created to be loved and to love. It is essential to our existence, yet we live in a world that is increasingly confused about what exactly love is. In this passage, John gives insight into what love looks like in the life of the church.

Today, we will see John continue to encourage the church to live faithfully, not only considering Jesus’ second coming, but because of his first. In this text, John wants to deal with the issue of sin in the lives of the believers.

John reminds us in this passage that we are children of the one true God! As God's children, we must hold fast to Christ and remember who we are in him.

In his letter to the church, John presents three tests to believers to evaluate the genuineness of their faith. The church is deeply divided over doctrine. Specifically, the doctrine of the nature of Christ. John wants them to understand the importance of getting this right.

In this passage, John continues his letter by moving from encouragement to exhortation.  John gives clear commands to the church about what they are supposed to be doing—or not doing—because of who they are.

As we continue this morning in 1 John, John breaks off from his train of thought to provide a boost of confidence to his readers. What can we learn from this passage that can encourage us in our own faith and walk as believers? How can this passage help us be confident and assured of God’s love and promise?