1 John 4:10
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Not that we loved God - And that he was thereby induced to give his Son to be a propitiation for our sins. No: we were enemies to God, and yet Christ died for our ungodly souls. (See Rom 5:6-11, and the notes there.) So it was God's love, not our merit, that induced him to devise means that his banished might not be expelled from him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Herein is love--love in the abstract: love, in its highest ideal, is herein. The love was all on God's side, none on ours. not that we loved God--though so altogether worthy of love. he loved us--though so altogether unworthy of love. The Greek aorist expresses, Not that we did any act of love at any time to God, but that He did the act of love to us in sending Christ.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Herein is love,.... The love of God, free love, love that cannot be matched: herein it is manifested, as before; this is a clear evidence of it, an undoubted proof, and puts it out of all question: not that we loved God: the love of God is antecedent to the love of his people; it was when theirs was not; when they were without love to him, yea, enemies in their minds, by wicked works, and even enmity itself, and therefore was not procured by theirs; but on the contrary, their love to him is caused by his love to them; hence his love, and a continuance in it, do not depend on theirs; nor does it vary according to theirs; wherefore there is good reason to believe it will continue, and never be removed; and this shows the sovereignty and freeness of the love of God, and that it is surprising and matchless: but that he loved us; that is, God; and so the Syriac version reads, "but that God himself loved us". The Vulgate Latin version adds, first, as in Jo1 4:19; the instance of this love follows: and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins: this is a subordinate end to the other, mentioned in Jo1 4:9; for, in order that sinful men may possess everlasting life and happiness, it is necessary that their sins be expiated, or atonement be made for them, which is meant by Christ's being a propitiation for them; that the justice of God should be satisfied; that peace and righteousness, or love and justice, should be reconciled together; and kiss each other; and that all obstructions be removed out of the way of the enjoyment of life, which are brought in by sin; and that the wrath of God, which sin deserved, be averted or appeased, according to our sense apprehension of it; for otherwise the love of God people is from everlasting, and is unchangeable, never alters, or never changes from love to wrath, or from wrath to love; nor is the love of God procured by the satisfaction and sacrifice of Christ, which are the effects of it; but hereby the way is laid open for the display of it, and the application of its effects, in a way consistent with the law and justice of God. This phrase is expressive of the great love of Christ to his people, and of his substitution in their room and stead; and so it is used among the Jews for a substitution in the room of others, , "to express the greatness of love" (u); See Gill on Rom 3:25 and See Gill on Rom 9:3. (u) Misn. Negaim, c. 2. sect. 1. Maimon. & Bartenora in ib. Misn. Sanhedrin, c. 2. sect. 1. & Jarchi & Bartenora in ib. vid. T. Bab. Yoma, fol. 23. 1. & Succa, fol. 20. 1.
1 John 4:10
Love Comes from God
9This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. 10And love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Cristo Murió Por Nosotros (Spanish) - Christ Died for Us
By Paul Washer2.6K1:09:49Death Of ChristPSA 5:5JHN 3:16ROM 5:8ROM 6:231CO 15:3EPH 2:81JN 4:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as the ultimate treasure in life. He uses the analogy of an artist who offers his four children to anyone who buys one of his paintings. The preacher urges the audience to consider if they truly desire a good life, family, and relationships, or if they simply want their own desires fulfilled. He highlights the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, stating that his suffering for a few hours can save millions of people from eternal damnation. The preacher concludes by praying for the audience to have hearts that love Christ and for anyone who doesn't know Jesus to find salvation.
(The Sermon on the Mount and Prayer - Session 1) - Part 11
By Gerhard Du Toit1.2K05:08PrayerMAT 5:3MAT 6:332CO 5:21GAL 2:201JN 4:10In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the end of the year and asks if we are finishing it well, filled with the Spirit of God. He emphasizes the importance of being poor in spirit and recognizing our need for God's intervention in our lives. The speaker also discusses the concept of blessedness, explaining that it is related to our standing in Christ and our salvation. He highlights the imputed righteousness of God and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as crucial aspects of our relationship with God.
The Love of God
By Mike Morrow89050:38EPH 3:191JN 4:71JN 4:101JN 4:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not just talking about God's love, but experiencing it as a reality in our lives. He encourages the congregation to take a moment to express their love for someone who has been a blessing to them. The preacher then discusses three aspects of God's love: its role in our regeneration, its ability to change our hearts, and its reflection of the character of Christ in us. He also highlights the futility of practicing Christianity without love, using biblical references to support his points.
A Gift That Lasts
By John Vissers65422:46GiftJER 31:3MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 5:81JN 4:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God's love and the gift of Jesus Christ. The sermon begins with a description of a scene where people are gathered before God's throne, questioning how God can judge them and understand their suffering. The speaker then reads from John's Gospel, specifically focusing on John 3:16, which emphasizes God's love for the world and the gift of His Son. The sermon concludes by highlighting the lasting nature of God's love and the importance of accepting Jesus as a gift that brings salvation and everlasting life.
Atonement: The Substance of Two Letters Written to a Friend.
By Barton W. Stone0ISA 45:22JHN 3:16ROM 3:25ROM 5:8EPH 2:13PHP 1:29HEB 2:141JN 3:51JN 4:10Barton W. Stone preaches about the true purposes of Christ's coming into the world, emphasizing that Christ's death and blood were displays of God's love, grace, and mercy to a lost world. He explains that through faith in the blood of Jesus, believers are reconciled, atoned, and propitiated unto God, drawn by the cords of love. Stone refutes the idea of Christ being a substitute in our place, clarifying that Christ's death was to display God's glory and love, leading sinners to repentance and reconciliation with God.
The Message of the Letters of John
By G. Campbell Morgan0Fellowship With GodLight and LoveJHN 1:1JHN 20:31EPH 5:141JN 1:51JN 2:61JN 2:201JN 3:181JN 4:71JN 4:101JN 5:13G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the profound message of the Letters of John, focusing on the life of fellowship with God as central to Christian existence. He explains that this fellowship is rooted in the resources of light and love, which are exemplified in the life of Christ and made manifest in believers. The letters serve as both a teaching and a test, urging individuals and the Church to evaluate their lives through the lenses of light and love, ensuring that their actions align with God's will. Morgan highlights the importance of seeking and obeying the light, as well as yielding to the impulse of love while maintaining its holiness. Ultimately, the letters call for a deep, authentic relationship with God that reflects in both personal and communal faith.
An Act of Love
By David Wilkerson0Assurance of SalvationUnconditional LovePSA 27:10ISA 49:15JHN 15:16ROM 5:8ROM 8:38EPH 1:5HEB 13:51PE 5:71JN 3:11JN 4:10David Wilkerson emphasizes that God's love is unconditional and not based on our worthiness or understanding of doctrine. He illustrates that God chose us and adopted us as His children even when we were lost in sin, highlighting the depth of His mercy and love. Wilkerson reassures us that we do not need to have everything figured out; the assurance of being loved by God is enough. He draws a parallel between earthly and heavenly fatherhood, affirming that just as earthly fathers do not abandon their children, our Heavenly Father will always be with us. This profound love allows us to rest in the knowledge that we are cherished and never alone.
1 John 4:10
By John Gill0God's LoveSacrifice of ChristJHN 3:16ROM 3:25ROM 9:3EPH 2:41JN 4:10John Gill emphasizes the unmatched and sovereign love of God as demonstrated in 1 John 4:10, highlighting that God's love precedes our love for Him. He explains that God's love is not contingent upon our actions or feelings, but rather it is a free and eternal gift. The sermon illustrates that God's love is manifested through the sending of His Son as a propitiation for our sins, ensuring that justice and mercy are reconciled. Gill reassures that God's love remains constant and unchanging, regardless of our shortcomings, and underscores the significance of Christ's sacrifice in making this love accessible to humanity.
The Appearance of Christ in Human Nature - Part 2
By John Gill0Spiritual EnlightenmentThe Nature of Christ2SA 23:4PSA 103:1PSA 118:27PSA 119:130ISA 30:26ISA 53:2ZEC 14:7JHN 20:20GAL 2:201JN 4:10John Gill emphasizes the significance of Christ's appearance in human nature, likening it to the light of the morning and the tender grass that springs forth after rain. He explains that Christ's revelation dispels the darkness of sin and ignorance, bringing joy and clarity to believers. Gill further illustrates how Christ's righteous rule is akin to the refreshing light of dawn, promising hope and spiritual growth for His followers. He concludes by encouraging believers to appreciate the light and grace they receive from Christ, who is both their Savior and Ruler. The sermon ultimately calls for gratitude and a commitment to live as children of the light.
1 John 2:2
By John Gill0AtonementFaith in ChristLUK 2:1JHN 3:16JHN 17:9ROM 3:25EPH 2:8HEB 9:261JN 2:11JN 4:101JN 5:19John Gill expounds on 1 John 2:2, emphasizing that Jesus is the propitiation for the sins of believers, Old Testament saints, and Gentiles, thus highlighting the universal scope of Christ's atonement. He clarifies that the term 'whole world' does not imply universal redemption for every individual but rather signifies a broader inclusion beyond the Jewish community. Gill argues that the comfort of Christ's advocacy and propitiation is specifically for those who believe, as the benefits of His sacrifice are received through faith. He addresses misconceptions about atonement in Jewish thought, contrasting it with the Christian understanding of Christ's role as the ultimate sacrifice. The sermon reassures believers of their justification and glorification through faith in Christ's sacrifice.
God: The Forgotten Father and Author of His Son’s Passion
By Art Katz0Understanding the Passion of ChristThe Role of God the FatherEXO 12:13LEV 17:11ISA 53:10PHP 2:6HEB 9:13HEB 9:241JN 4:10Art Katz emphasizes the often-overlooked role of God the Father in the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus, challenging the notion that Jesus acted independently. He argues that God is not only the causative agent in the sending of His Son but also the one who orchestrates the entire narrative of salvation. Katz highlights the significance of the Father-Son relationship, illustrating that Jesus' sacrifice was in obedience to the Father's will, and that the resurrection serves as God's affirmation of this sacrifice. He calls for a deeper understanding of the Triune God and the necessity of recognizing God's active involvement in the events of the Passion. Ultimately, Katz urges listeners to reflect on the profound love of the Father in sending His Son for humanity's redemption.
The Entire Pardon and Justification of the Believing Sinner
By Octavius Winslow0AtonementJustificationPSA 103:12ISA 44:22ISA 53:5JER 33:8ZEC 13:1ROM 5:62CO 5:21EPH 1:7HEB 9:141JN 4:10Octavius Winslow emphasizes the profound nature of Christ's Atonement, asserting that true understanding of this doctrine requires a spiritually renewed mind. He explains that the Atonement is not merely a theoretical concept but a heartfelt truth that reveals the depth of human sin and the necessity of Christ's sacrifice for complete justification. Winslow argues that the Atonement offers an entire pardon for all sins, highlighting the importance of recognizing one's own sinfulness to fully appreciate the grace of God. He encourages believers to embrace the fullness of their justification in Christ, which leads to peace, sanctification, and a deeper relationship with God. Ultimately, he calls for a humble and honest confession of sin, assuring that God's readiness to forgive is rooted in His infinite love and grace.
Chosen to Salvation
By John F. Walvoord0JHN 16:71CO 6:191CO 12:13GAL 1:8EPH 1:4EPH 4:302TH 2:132TH 2:161JN 4:10John F. Walvoord preaches on 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17, emphasizing the profound doctrine of God's choice in our salvation, based on His love and divine determination. The Thessalonians are reminded that God's love preceded their love for Him, and they were chosen not because of their merit, but because of God's love. The process of sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth is explained, highlighting the convicting work of the Holy Spirit and the righteousness and victory over Satan brought by Christ. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to stand firm in their faith, holding fast to the teachings they have received, and prays for their comfort, establishment, and perseverance in good works.
Lovers! of What and Whom
By H.J. Vine01JN 4:10H.J. Vine preaches about the profound love of God that has begotten a family of believers who love Him deeply. This love is demonstrated through God's great love for us even when we were in sin, desiring us to be His children. Believers are called to love God, love the brethren, and have a deep love for the truth, being marked by their sincerity in loving the Lord Jesus Christ. As believers grow in light and love, they reflect the virtues of God and are instructed to show hospitality and love to all, especially to good and lowly men.
The Eternal Love of God
By H.J. Vine0PSA 103:17ROM 5:8EPH 1:4EPH 3:181JN 4:10H.J. Vine preaches on the eternal and unending love of God, emphasizing that its beginning cannot be fixed as it existed before time began and its ending will never come. The perfect expression of God's infinite love was revealed when Jesus died on the cross for our sins, showcasing the greatness of God's love and His ultimate sacrifice for us.
Profuse Blessings of the Cross
By David Servant0PSA 7:11ISA 53:4ROM 5:1ROM 8:302CO 5:21EPH 1:7COL 1:191TH 1:10JAS 5:131PE 1:181JN 2:21JN 4:10David Servant preaches on the various terms used in the New Testament to describe the benefits of Christ's sacrificial death, including propitiation, justification, reconciliation, redemption, and salvation. He emphasizes that Jesus' death turned away God's wrath, providing deliverance from sin and sickness. The sermon delves into the biblical meanings of these terms, highlighting the importance of faith, repentance, and belief in receiving healing and forgiveness through Christ's atonement.
For God So Loved the World, That He Gave His Only Begotten Son
By John Calvin0JHN 3:16ROM 5:8EPH 2:8TIT 3:51JN 4:10John Calvin emphasizes the foundational truth of God's love for the world as the source of our salvation, highlighting the necessity of understanding this unmerited grace to find true peace. He clarifies that salvation is solely found in Christ, who was sent by God out of His love for humanity to offer eternal life through faith in Him. Calvin warns against the sinful tendency to attribute our salvation to our own merit, stressing the importance of recognizing God's mercy as the sole reason for our reconciliation with Him.
John 10:14-21. Christ Concludes His Discourse Concerning the Good Shepherd.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0JHN 3:16JHN 10:11JHN 10:14EPH 5:21JN 4:10Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the deep love and intimate relationship between Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and His sheep. Jesus knows His sheep personally and sacrificially laid down His life for them, demonstrating the extent of His love. He also reveals the Father's love for the flock through sending His Son as the Savior of the world. Despite facing rejection and accusations during His earthly ministry, Jesus' love remained steadfast and unwavering for all His sheep, including the Gentiles.
Honesty Road
By Ray Comfort0PRO 16:6LUK 10:25ROM 5:8GAL 3:241JN 4:10Ray Comfort emphasizes the importance of presenting the gospel truthfully, highlighting the reality of sin, suffering, and the righteous standard of God. He stresses the need to use the Law to reveal the depth of sin in order to fully appreciate the grace and love of God demonstrated through the cross. By showing sinners the severity of their sin and the incredible mercy found in Christ, they can truly understand the message of love and concern for their eternal well-being.
My Foul-Mouthed Dentist
By Ray Comfort0JHN 3:16ROM 3:23ROM 5:81CO 1:18GAL 6:14EPH 2:8COL 2:14HEB 9:221PE 2:241JN 4:10Ray Comfort emphasizes the importance of understanding the true message of the Gospel, highlighting the difference between motivational speakers who focus on self-improvement and preachers who present the full truth of God's love and sacrifice through Jesus Christ. He points out the necessity of acknowledging sin and the cross, rather than solely focusing on God's approval and acceptance, to truly grasp the depth of God's love and sacrifice for humanity.
The Seventh Word
By W.R. Inge0ISA 53:5LUK 23:46JHN 3:16ROM 5:8ROM 6:23GAL 2:20EPH 2:8PHP 2:81PE 2:241JN 4:10W.R. Inge preaches about the profound sorrow and agony Jesus experienced during His crucifixion, emphasizing the heart-wrenching separation of His soul from His body, highlighting the deep love and harmony between them. He urges listeners to meditate on Christ's suffering and the immense sacrifice made for humanity's sins, calling for a heartfelt response to His sacrifice. Inge reflects on the significance of Christ's loud cry on the cross, symbolizing victory over sin and death, and the commendation of His spirit into the Father's hands as a powerful act of trust and submission. He encourages believers to follow Christ's example of surrendering all to God, acknowledging that all good comes from Him and should be returned to Him in humility and gratitude.
That He Might Deliver Us From This Present Evil World.
By Martin Luther0JHN 1:12JHN 14:6GAL 1:4EPH 2:81JN 4:10Martin Luther preaches about the evil nature of this present world, controlled by the devil, where ignorance, contempt, hatred, and disobedience of God prevail. He emphasizes that without Christ, all talents and virtues are futile and even hinder the acceptance of the Gospel. Luther stresses the need for deliverance from the devil's kingdom, which can only be achieved through Christ, not by human efforts or wisdom. He highlights the contrast between the devil's kingdom of iniquity and despair and Christ's kingdom of grace, peace, and everlasting life, emphasizing that we are saved by God's mercy and love, not by our own works or will.
Unfailing Love
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 34:18PSA 139:16JER 31:3ROM 5:81JN 4:10Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the profound love of God, emphasizing that our love for God is a response to His initial love for us, as demonstrated by sending His Son to atone for our sins. The imagery of a blind child reaching out to feel its mother's face is used to illustrate our faith reaching out to God. George MacDonald's words express the idea of trusting in God's unchanging perfection even when our own love is lacking, knowing that His love will ultimately restore and transform us. Francois de La Mothe Fenelon encourages those who feel unworthy or unlovable to believe in God's relentless and unwavering love for them.
He Loves the Effort
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 103:8ROM 5:8EPH 2:41JN 4:10Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes God's rich mercy and great love for us, highlighting how even in our sinful state, He has brought us to life through Christ. She reflects on the doubts and self-criticism we may face, reassuring that God's love is not based on our perfection but on His unconditional love for us as we strive to be better. Tileston draws parallels to a mother's love for her child, expressing that God loves us in the midst of our struggles with imperfections and sins.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Not that we loved God - And that he was thereby induced to give his Son to be a propitiation for our sins. No: we were enemies to God, and yet Christ died for our ungodly souls. (See Rom 5:6-11, and the notes there.) So it was God's love, not our merit, that induced him to devise means that his banished might not be expelled from him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Herein is love--love in the abstract: love, in its highest ideal, is herein. The love was all on God's side, none on ours. not that we loved God--though so altogether worthy of love. he loved us--though so altogether unworthy of love. The Greek aorist expresses, Not that we did any act of love at any time to God, but that He did the act of love to us in sending Christ.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Herein is love,.... The love of God, free love, love that cannot be matched: herein it is manifested, as before; this is a clear evidence of it, an undoubted proof, and puts it out of all question: not that we loved God: the love of God is antecedent to the love of his people; it was when theirs was not; when they were without love to him, yea, enemies in their minds, by wicked works, and even enmity itself, and therefore was not procured by theirs; but on the contrary, their love to him is caused by his love to them; hence his love, and a continuance in it, do not depend on theirs; nor does it vary according to theirs; wherefore there is good reason to believe it will continue, and never be removed; and this shows the sovereignty and freeness of the love of God, and that it is surprising and matchless: but that he loved us; that is, God; and so the Syriac version reads, "but that God himself loved us". The Vulgate Latin version adds, first, as in Jo1 4:19; the instance of this love follows: and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins: this is a subordinate end to the other, mentioned in Jo1 4:9; for, in order that sinful men may possess everlasting life and happiness, it is necessary that their sins be expiated, or atonement be made for them, which is meant by Christ's being a propitiation for them; that the justice of God should be satisfied; that peace and righteousness, or love and justice, should be reconciled together; and kiss each other; and that all obstructions be removed out of the way of the enjoyment of life, which are brought in by sin; and that the wrath of God, which sin deserved, be averted or appeased, according to our sense apprehension of it; for otherwise the love of God people is from everlasting, and is unchangeable, never alters, or never changes from love to wrath, or from wrath to love; nor is the love of God procured by the satisfaction and sacrifice of Christ, which are the effects of it; but hereby the way is laid open for the display of it, and the application of its effects, in a way consistent with the law and justice of God. This phrase is expressive of the great love of Christ to his people, and of his substitution in their room and stead; and so it is used among the Jews for a substitution in the room of others, , "to express the greatness of love" (u); See Gill on Rom 3:25 and See Gill on Rom 9:3. (u) Misn. Negaim, c. 2. sect. 1. Maimon. & Bartenora in ib. Misn. Sanhedrin, c. 2. sect. 1. & Jarchi & Bartenora in ib. vid. T. Bab. Yoma, fol. 23. 1. & Succa, fol. 20. 1.