Loving In The Light

1 John 2:7-11

– Last week John showed us the first of several ‘tests’ that helps us distinguish true faith from counterfeit faith:  the test of obedience to God’s commandments

– This morning John focuses the discussion on one commandment in particular – the commandment to love one another

I. Origin of the Commandment to Love

1) An Old Commandment

• Goes back to the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18)
• Rooted in the Trinity and in God’s essential nature (1 John 4:7-8)

2) A New Commandment

• Enabled by the ministry of Jesus
  • Jesus loved His disciples
  • Jesus loved non-believers
  • Jesus loved the ‘untouchables’
  • Jesus loved His enemies
• Exemplified in the ministry of Jesus
• Emphasized in the ministry of Jesus (Matthew 22:34-40; John 13:34, 15:12,17)
  • Through his example
  • Through the Holy Spirit

II. Effects of the Commandment to Love

1) Darkness is being pushed back

• Began at Jesus’ first coming (Isaiah 9:2, cf. Matthew 4:16)
• Continues through the Church (Matthew 5:14)
• Completed at Jesus’ return

2) Love removes ‘Stumbling blocks’

• In our own lives
• In the lives of others

3) Love reveals the true nature of faith

• Hatred is characteristic of those who walk in darkness  (Titus 3:3)
• Love is characteristic of those who walk in light (1 John 4:7-8)

III. Application of the Commandment to Love

1) If we say we love God while we harbour hatred toward another Christian brother or sister something is terribly wrong in our relationship with God

2) Before we worship God rightly we must have a right relationship with one another (Matthew 5:23-24)

3) Allow your love for other Christians to spill over into genuine love for non-Christians