Focal Passage: I John 3:13-18; 4:14-18
If God’s sovereign purposes give us security over fear (Romans 8:28- 39), then God’s sovereign work in us enables us to replace fear with love. If we are secure in the love of an all-caring, eternal, providential God, then we do not have to be afraid. Replacing fear with love sets us free to serve others because we know we’re secure in Jesus Christ.
Love and trouble (I John 3:13). Outside of Jesus Christ we are in trouble with God. The Bible says we’re enemies of God (Romans 5:10). Conversely, when we are placed in Jesus Christ we are in trouble with the world. This is why John notes that if we love God, truly love and obey Him in Jesus Christ, we will be hated by the world.
Loving God does not diminish our troubles, sometimes it may increase our troubles because it places us as enemies of a worldly system that does not love God or those who love God. We are to choose love over hate, faith over fear, and security in Jesus even if we face worldly trouble.
Love and hate (I John 3:14-15). But just because the world hated Jesus and may hate us, we do not have to respond in kind.
Kevin Shrum
We demonstrate that we have overcome sin and death by replacing fear with faith, hate with love and truth. If we return in kind with what the world dishes out to those who love God we are no better than the world.
Hate produces a kind of murder that damages and harms others. Hate or anger never produces the righteousness of God (James 1:19).
Love and sacrifice (I John 3:16- 17). Fearful people are unable to help others because they are in the business of self-preservation. But those who love God can equally love others, even if it costs them something. Just as loving sinners cost Jesus His life, loving others may bring with it sacrifices that are costly, but God-glorifying.
This is why if we see someone in need, especially another brother or sister in Christ, and we do not wisely assist them in ways that are beneficial for them then we are not loving. God’s love does not abide in those who cut themselves off from serving and sacrificing for others.
Love and action (v. 18). If we are loved in Jesus Christ and if we are called to love others in the same way, then if we only say we love others but do not love others by our actions we do not love. We are not to love in bragging words or vain talking; we are to love in deed and in truth. We are not to say that we love others, yet do not back up our word with our deeds. Instead, we love through action.
As verse 18 notes, we love in two specific actions. First, we love by taking actions for the benefit and spiritual well-being of others. Second, we love by telling others the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We are to love in word and deed, in truth and love, in service and sacrifice. To love in these ways replaces fear with the kind of fearless and bold love that is able to sacrifice for others, knowing we’re secure in Jesus Christ. B&R
