Today’s passage: 1 John 4:13-21
Helpful thoughts:
- Earlier in chapter 4, we were given a test for false teachers. In this passage, we are taught what to look for that gives us confidence and assurance in our salvation:
- We have the Spirit (Verse 13 – Romans 8:16)
- We testify: Our public profession of faith in Christ (Verses 14-15)
- We love God and others (Verse 16)
- We see God’s love being perfected in us: Spiritual growth/Progressive sanctification (Verse 17)
- The fear of man cannot produce love. Loving God and loving people removes our fear.
- Loving God and loving your neighbor are two separate commands, but they are impossible to obey without the other (Verses 20-21).
Questions to consider:
- How and why does baptism give an individual and the church confidence in his/her salvation? What is the importance of baptism? In what way does this ordinance serve as the entry point for fellowship in the church?
- We don’t tend to fear people as much when they are suffering and need our compassion and aid. We do tend to fear man when we are intimidated or in the midst of a conflict/disagreement. How would genuine love for that other person change our approach to the needed conversation?
- Why is it impossible to love God and hate our neighbors? What has God given us and how is he changing us, through His love, that results in love pouring out of us?