NT Fire Starters – Day 335: 1 John 4:1-21
READ: 1 John 4:1-21
THINK: God is Love. That’s one way He describes himself in His Word (4:8). Even people who don’t really know God or His Word often claim to know that “God is love.” Some use His love to excuse their ungodly lifestyles. Others feel that if they show enough love to others they’ll gain God’s favor or automatically be in good standing with Him. But it’s not our own love that enables us to be spiritually saved. God’s love for us provides that opportunity. And while nothing can change or diminish God’s love, it’s ultimately effective for individuals only as they accept it and surrender their lives to Christ. God’s love provides security only for those who respond to it with obedience to His Word. And God’s love will bring reward only if our attitudes and actions are motivated by true love for Him.
RESPOND: What does it mean that we should “not believe every spirit”? (See 4:1 note.) What does it mean to “test the spirits”? (See 4:1 note.) Why and how must we do this? (See article on False Teachers, p. 1370.) In refuting false teachers, why does John emphasize that “Jesus Christ has come in the flesh”? (See 4:2 note.) What encouragement can you take from the fact that “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world”? (See 4:4 note.) According to verse 5, to whom does the world listen? How do we know what real love is (v. 10)? How did God demonstrate love for us (vv. 9-10)? How can we develop and demonstrate His love for others? (See 4:7 note.) How can you know that you’re in a right relationship with God and that He lives within you (v. 13)? What will provide confidence on judgment day? (See 4:17 note.) Why and in what way does perfect love drive out fear? (See 4:18 note.) Why is it possible for us to love God and others (v. 19)? Why can’t a person love God if he or she does not love others (v. 20-21)?
PRAY: Pray for discernment regarding ideas, behaviors and people that could undermine your devotion to God’s truth and purposes. Give thanks for the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life that helps you overcome the devil’s attacks and the world’s corrupting influences. Thank Jesus for His love that removes the fear of judgment.
ACT: Continue to look for practical, tangible ways to demonstrate God’s love to people. Also, if you are harboring feelings of bitterness, resentment or hate toward anyone, ask God to help you overcome these feelings with forgiveness and compassion. If appropriate, apologize and ask forgiveness from the other person or persons involved.