August 16, 2009, 1 John 4:17-21
August 16... "Fear...the Problem of Lovelessness" 1 John 4:17-21 ICEBREAKER: Do you have any phobias? Explain.
Though certain fears are normally expected and necessary, many people live in unnecessary crippling fear. The Bible tells us that fear is the result of lovelessness in one's life. John teaches us about overcoming fear.
1 John 4 17By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. 18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. 19We love, because He first loved us. 20If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.
(John has been talking about abiding in God and loving each other. Here he tells us about the perfection, i.e. completing, of love in the believer. What happens when love has its chance to be present in a sacrificial way? This love is not something we do but something God does through us. If we love God, it shows in the way we live among our brothers.)
John mentions the word 'love" 11 times in this passage. How many short- sentence statements can you assemble regarding love in this passage?
V 18 - A slave and an adopted son have two different outlooks towards their guardian when it comes to judgment. What confidence does a Christian have in the face of judgment? (See Hebrews 12:7)
V20 - How does confidence manifest itself in love in everyday life? Consider Relationships, habits, and convictions
V20 - How does this verse relate practically to Matthew 25:34-40?
In what areas does love need to be perfected towards God in your life? How do you feel about death? Are there any damaged relationships where forgiveness is needed? Are there areas of disobedience or rebellion? Is there anything that you fear that you have not handed over to God? In what areas of your life do you need rest?