July 12, 2009 , 1 John 3:11-18

July 12...  "But I Don't Like Him" 1 John 3:11-18

Icebreaker: Do you have a favorite love song?

The apostle John digs beneath the surface of love for each other and teaches us what it really means to love a brother or sister.

1 John 3:11-18

¹¹For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another; ¹²not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother And for what reason did he slay him? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother's were righteous. ¹³Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. ¹⁴We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. ¹⁵Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. ¹⁶We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. ¹⁷But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? ¹⁸Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.

There are tremendous needs in the Church today: the need to be touched and feel that one belongs, the need for help as more and more single parents struggle, the need to feel supported in ministry. Love for each other is practical and is the mark of being a child of God.

What are the aspects of love according to this passage?

What are the three characteristics of a lack of love according to this passage?

V11 - According to 1 Timothy 5, what are the origins of love?

V13 - Why does the world hate us? Consider our relationship, position, and standing - John 15:19

V18 - Read  James 2:14-17, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Hebrews 13:16.  Love is demonstrated by deeds. How have you demonstrated love by your actions in the last month?