48

First Epistle of John

Chapter 4

LOVE: THE SOCIAL TEST

BACKGROUND:

A. Second of three tests of discipleship

1. Moral Test - Obedience

2. Social Test - Love

3. Doctrinal Test - Belief

B. Given to teach unity of doctrine

(which brings joy and fellowship to believers)

I. CAUTION CONCERNING LYING SPIRITS: FALSE PROPHETS

A. The existance of lying spirits (v. 1)

1. False prophets set themselves as teachers

2. If not "of God" then "of whom?"

3. "Many" are around

4. Existance of "false" proves existance of TRUE PROPHETS

B. The examination of lying spirits (vv. 2-6)

1. First Test: WHO they teach/preach about

a. Some glorify self with stories of battles won

b. True prophets glorify Christ

1) As Jesus taught (Mt. 5:16)

2) As Holy Ghost does (Jn. 14:26 & 16:13)

3) As the Apostles did (Acts 14:11-15)

2. Second Test: WHAT they teach

a. True prophets teach that Christ has come in the flesh

(vv. 2 & 3)

b. False prophets speak of the world (and its glory)

1) Beauty of riches

2) Desire for "things"

II. CAUTION CONCERNING LOVING SPIRITS: FALSE PROFESSION

A. The ground of love (vv. 7-10)

1. Love is of God (vv. 7,8)

2. Perfect Love was revealed in Christ (v. 9,10)

B. The glories of love (vv. 11-21)

1. God's example was given to be followed (v. 11)

a. The expression of love is proof of God in us (v. 12)

b. Love is a fruit of the Spirit (v. 13 & Gal. 5:22)

2. The testimony of Christ is the greatest expression of love

(vv. 14-16)

3. Love brings confidence (vv. 17-19)

4. Can one LOVE simply in obedience to a command?

(cf. vv. 20-21)

a. Love God first

b. THEN you will be able to love others "also"

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AUÌÀÉÜ�z,W-p3Á
g)p>biJß%t�þQÁ` >Ã�(!MžWC™ì\6�ù5�+ãI�$�ö#`�|u~$;�
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+3+è/6�#CÛžÅ?x�™;j;m:Í"�Å�<yGhp�`6bci b. THEN you will be able to love others "also"

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Index of Preacher's Help and Notes

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