Let Us Practice the Old and New Commandment (1 John 2:7-8)
Introduction:
1. This morning we studied a commandment that is old and new. a. Under the old covenant God required His people to honor their mothers (Exodus 20:12). b. Under the new covenant God requires His people to honor their mothers (Ephesians 6:2-3). 2. This evening we are studying the old and new commandment that John actually wrote about. Discussion: I. LET US FIRST IDENTIFY THIS OLD AND NEW COMMANDMENT
A. John identified it in 1 John 3:11; 2 John 5 -- God's people are to love one another. B. God's people were instructed to love each other under the old covenant (Leviticus 19:18). C. Under the new covenant of Christ God requires His people to love each other (John 13:34-35). 1. The Lord's command is "new" in that He requires His followers to love each other "as He has loved us." 2. This is explained in John 15:12-13; Ephesians 5:2. D. Our response to the Lord's command tells others something about us [the Lord's true followers are to be identified as such on the basis of our love for one another]. II. ADDITIONAL DETAILS CONCERNING THE OLD AND NEW COMMANDMENT ARE SUPPLIED IN 1 JOHN
A. (1 John 2:10) To abide in the light we must love one another. B. (1 John 3:11-14) One who loves his brother has "passed from death unto life." C. (1 John 3:16-19) True Christian love is sacrificial and active. D. (1 John 3:23) Loving one another is as important as believing on Christ. E. (1 John 4:7-8) Knowing God involves loving our brethren. F. (1 John 4:11-12) God dwells in those who love their brethren. G. (1 John 4:20-21) True love for God includes loving His children. H. (1 John 5:2) Loving our brethren is associated with loving God and obeying His will. Conclusion:
1. God's people have always been responsible for loving one another. 2. We understand what the Lord requires of us. 3. Let us remember that our response to the Lord's commandment tells others something about us.
