Study
5 From the Books of John is: The Epistle of 1 John 4:7 – 5:3
We
now begin the third section of the Epistle.
- 4:7-10. What arguments are used in verses 7 and 8 to show that true Christians must love one another? In verses 9 and 10 the apostle speaks of the manifestation of God's love in Christ. How does he describe the gift? What does he say of its purpose? By what means was this purpose achieved, and for whom did God do this?
- 4:11-18. The apostle goes over the same ground as before, but at a higher level. How does he here describe the Christian's relationship to God? How does he show that no higher or closer relationship can be conceived? Out of the depth of that relationship, the believer bears his testimony through the Spirit. (verses 13-16; cf. Jn. 15: 26, 27)
- 4:19-5:3. In view of Mt. 22:36, 37 why does not the apostle say in verse 11, 'Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love God? Why does John say. 'We ought also to love one another'? What other test of our love for God is also mentioned?
Notes
- 4:17, 18. 'Because as he is....' cf. Jn 3: 35 with 16:27. Those who are loved of the Father need not look forward with dread. If we are still afraid, the remedy is to concentrate more upon the love of God shown in the cross and the resurrection.
- 5:1 Faith in Jesus as the Christ implies receiving Him as such and to receive Him is to be born of God (Jn. 1:12, 13).
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