1. When Jesus gave the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) He instructed the apostles to teach all things that He had commanded them. 2. During His ministry Jesus taught the apostles about "love in God's family." a. He taught them about "the love of God" (John 3:16). b. He taught them about "loving God" (Matthew 22:37). c. He taught them about "loving one another" (John 13:34-35). 3. The apostle John was faithful in recording the things he had learned from the Lord about "love in God's family." 4. In our lesson we are studying John's writings in his letter we call 1 John.
Discussion:
I. AS HE DEALT WITH "LOVE IN GOD'S FAMILY" JOHN WROTE ABOUT "THE LOVE OF GOD"
A. An overwhelming statement about God's love is found in 1 John 3:1. B. According to 1 John 3:16, we are able to perceive God's love. C. The way in which God demonstrated His love is revealed in 1 John 4:9-10 (Romans 5:6-10).
II. AS HE DEALT WITH "LOVE IN GOD'S FAMILY" JOHN WROTE ABOUT "LOVING GOD"
A. God's love leads us to love Him (1 John 4:16, 19). B. True love for God includes obeying His will (1 John 2:5; 5:3).
III. AS HE DEALT WITH "LOVE IN GOD'S FAMILY" JOHN WROTE ABOUT "LOVING ONE ANOTHER"
A. John emphasized the fact that God's children are to love one another. 1. 1 John 3:11, 23 2. 1 John 4:11-12, 21 3. 1 John 5:1-2 B. John showed that love is to be active (1 John 3:18-19). C. John contrasted "love" and "hatred." 1. 1 John 2:9-11 2. 1 John 3:10, 14-15 3. 1 John 4:20
Conclusion:
1. During His ministry Jesus had much to say about "love in God's family." 2. How grateful we need to be that John and the other inspired writers recorded the things that Jesus taught them. 3. We learn from 1 John 4:17 that a special blessing is in store for those who practice the instructions we have studied: "boldness in the Day of Judgment."
