SURREY CHAPEL – Fellowship Group Notes for the 26th/27th June 2013
1 John – Jesus our life
Chapter 4 - Walking in love

The word ‘love’ occurs 48 times in this epistle. This passage teaches us that ‘God is love’ and how He demonstrates that love. It then goes on to teach and challenge us how to live out that love in obedience to Him. In this chapter we are given 5 reasons why Christian’s love. (you may wish to pick them out- v7-8, v9, v12, v13-16 and v17-20). There is a slight digression from the theme of love (started in the previous chapter). John turns our attention to the importance of belief in God’s truth (v1-6).  He emphasises the need to obey sound teaching. For your reading, start at Chapter 3v23.

TOKEN OF GOD’S LOVE      v 1 - 11
THE TRUTH TEST    v 1 – 6
Much is talked about ‘spirituality’ – here in these verses is the true test of it.
v1-3 	Whatever it is today- teaching, prophecy, a new spirituality or anything else - -the key to test the issue is JESUS. The following are the questions we need to consider and ask - -
Is Jesus the Son of God? Is He fully human? Is He the only Saviour? Is His work on the cross sufficient for our salvation? Did He die as our substitute? Is He unique? Will He judge?
The issues may be different to John’s day –but it is always about Who Jesus is and what He has done. What do you think are the issues for us today?
What assurances do you get from this passage? (especially v4)
THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE   v 7 – 11
v7	This verse is the key to the passage – ‘let us love one another’. He has previously introduced this in Chapter 2v10-11 and 3v14. What two things does he tell us about our relationship with God?
v8 and v16	‘God is love’  -  what does this mean? Note v7 –‘love comes from God’.
v9	Demonstration of God’s love. See John 3v16, Romans 5v8.
v10  	Definition of love - - ‘not that we loved God’ - -why mention this?
v11	Here is the challenge!! From vvs7-10 – how would you now describe our love?
‘ought’ - -I understand this word has background meaning of ‘owe it to’. (God and believers)	
TEST OF GOD’S LOVE    v 12 - 21
KOWING GOD THROUGH LOVE    v 12 – 16
v12	Love is at the heart of our Christian witness. (see also John 13v34-35)
John MacArthur comments – v7-12 – love originated in God, was manifested in His Son, and demonstrated in His people.
v13-16	‘we know’ v13 and v16 - -  What 3 tests does John give in these verses for determining whether ‘we live in Him and He in us’?
v14	See also John3v17 - - the central reason Jesus came.
v15	See also v2 and compare with Chapter 1v1-4 and 2v23.
	What happens to the person who confesses that Jesus is the Son of God?
LOVE EXPRESSED IN LIFE     v 17 – 21
v17	How are we to be in  this world?
v18	What insights does this verse give us into why we sometimes fear God and others?
v19-21 Why is it impossible to love God and yet hate one of the members of His family?

In what ways can this passage –v12-21- strengthen our confidence before God?
Closing reading - - Ephesians 3v17-21
											D.J.
PRAYER POINTS:
Use as the basis for praying for Surrey Chapel – John 13v34-35
Women’s Away Day – 29th June – at Burgh next Aylsham.
Surrey Sketchers - - 2 Groups - - Tuesdays and Fridays