Sermons From First John - The Definition & Value Of Brotherly Love (3:16-24)

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                      "THE FIRST EPISTLE OF JOHN"

           The Definition & Value Of Brotherly Love (3:16-24)

INTRODUCTION

1. The apostle John has given us two reasons in 1Jn 3:10-15 for why
   it is necessary that we love the brethren:
   a. Along with practicing righteousness, it distinguishes the
      children of God
   b. It signifies a passing from death to life

2. But what does it really mean to love the brethren?  And what 
   benefits do we receive in return when we possess brotherly love?

3. These two questions are answered by John in 1Jn 3:16-24, which 
   serves as the text of this lesson entitled "The Definition And Value
   Of Brotherly Love"

[Beginning in verse 16, we find...]

I. THE DEFINITION OF BROTHERLY LOVE (16-18)

   A. JESUS EXEMPLIFIES WHAT IT MEANS TO LOVE THE BRETHREN (16)
      1. The word for love (Grk., agape), has often been described as 
         "active goodwill"
      2. In giving His life for our sins, Jesus certainly demonstrated
         goodwill in an active way
      3. By meditating upon His example, we are "taught of God to love
         one another" - cf. 1Th 4:9
      4. With Jesus' example, then, we come to understand what 
         brotherly love is all about:  sacrificially serving others!
         a. Therefore we should be willing to lay down our lives for 
            one another
         b. In some cases, it may indeed involve "dying" for our 
            brethren; but it can also be "living" for them through 
            serving

   B. AN EXAMPLE OF FAILING TO SHOW BROTHERLY LOVE (17)
      1. John uses the example of not helping a brother when it is 
         within your power to do so
      2. In view of Christ's love, how we can claim to have love if we
         are not willing to sacrifice for a brother in need?
      3. This illustrates that brotherly love is not only being willing
         to "die" for someone, but willing to "live" for them as well,
         through active service on their behalf

   C. THEREFORE, AN ADMONITION TO "TRUE LOVE" (18)
      1. An admonition prefaced by John's favorite term of endearment:
         "My little children"
      2. To love, not just in words, but truly, through deeds!

[We see, then, that "brotherly love" which 1) distinguishes the 
children of God, and 2) signifies one as having passed from death to 
life, must go beyond the spoken word or occasional hymn.

Patterned after the example of Jesus, "brotherly love" is manifested by
what one does, not just by what one says (cf. 1Co 13:4-8).

The blessedness of such love is not only for the recipient, but also 
for the giver, as we learn beginning in verse 19...]

II. THE VALUE OF BROTHERLY LOVE (19-24)

   A. IT GIVES ONE ASSURANCE BEFORE GOD (19-21)
      1. Love of the brethren is an indication that one is "of the 
         truth", just as it was an indication that one had passed from 
         death to life (1Jn 3:14)
      2. It is certainly not the only indicator (cf. 1Jn 3:10), but
         it does help to provide one with assurance of their salvation
      3. The importance of such assurance
         a. If our own hearts condemn us...
            1) Because we know we do not love the brethren as we ought
            2) Certainly God, who is greater and knows all things, will
               know of our shortcomings in this area ("If conscience 
               condemn us in known sin, or the neglect of known duty, 
               God does so too." - Matthew Henry)
         b. But if our hearts do NOT condemn us...
            1) Because we are loving the brethren as we know we should
            2) This will make us able to approach God with joyful 
               confidence!

   B. IT LEADS TO POSITIVE ANSWERS TO PRAYER (22-23)
      1. Our prayers are more likely to be answered according to our 
         requests
      2. Because we are keeping the commandments of God (of which 
         loving the brethren is one), and thereby pleasing Him
      3. "Commandment-keeping" is a condition upon which God hears 
         prayer, just as it is a condition upon which Christ promises 
         His abiding love - Jn 15:10
 
   C. IT ENSURES THAT ONE ABIDES IN CHRIST (24)
      1. Abiding in Christ is contingent upon keeping His commandments
         (and loving the brethren is certainly one of His commandments)
         - cf. Jn 14:23
      2. And how do we know that Christ truly abides in those who keeps
         His commandments?
         a. By the Spirit whom Christ has given
         b. He (the Spirit) is the one Who reminded the apostles of the
            key to abiding in Christ - cf. Jn 14:19-26

CONCLUSION

1. Aren't these three blessings what every true Christian desires...?
   a. Abiding in Christ, and He in us?
   b. God answering our prayers?
   c. Confidence concerning our standing before God?

2. For these blessings to be ours...
   a. We must allow Christ to teach us by His example what it really 
      means to have "brotherly love"
   b. And then manifest such sacrificial service in our lives!

       "My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue,
        but in deed and in truth."

Does the love of God abide in you?
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