1 John 4:12
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
No man hath seen God at any time - The very words, with the change of ἑωρακε for τεθεαται, of this apostle in his gospel, Joh 1:18. We may feel him, though we cannot see him; and if we love one another he dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us - it has then its full accomplishment, having moulded us according to its own nature.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
God, whom no man hath seen at any time, hath appointed His children as the visible recipients of our outward kindness which flows from love to Himself, "whom not having seen, we love," compare Notes, Jo1 4:11, Jo1 4:19-20. Thus Jo1 4:12 explains why, instead (in Jo1 4:11) of saying, "If God so loved us, we ought also to love God," he said, "We ought also to love one another." If we love one another, God dwelleth in us--for God is love; and it must have been from Him dwelling in us that we drew the real love we bear to the brethren (Jo1 4:8, Jo1 4:16). John discusses this in Jo1 4:13-16. his love--rather, "the love of Him," that is, "to Him" (Jo1 2:5), evinced by our love to His representatives, our brethren. is perfected in us--John discusses this in Jo1 4:17-19. Compare Jo1 2:5, "is perfected," that is, attains its proper maturity.
John Gill Bible Commentary
No man hath seen God at any time,.... The same is said by the Evangelist John, Joh 1:18; but here it is observed with a different view, and upon another account; there it signifies that no man has seen and looked into the counsels and designs of God, and been able to make a discovery and declaration of his mind and will, his love and grace, and which is there ascribed to the Son of God; see Gill on Joh 1:18; but here the sense is, that whereas God is invisible in his nature, and incomprehensible in his being and perfections, so that there is no coming to him, and seeing of him, and conversing with him in a familiar way, and so not of loving him as he is in himself, and ought to be loved, as one friend sees, converses with, and loves another, and finds his love increased by sight and conversation; then we ought to love the saints and people of God, who are visible, may be seen, come at, and conversed with, see Jo1 4:20; for this clause stands among the arguments and reasons for brotherly love: if we love one another God dwelleth in us; not as he does in his Son, by union of nature; nor as in heaven, by the displays of his glory; nor as in the whole world, by his omnipresence and power; but by his Spirit, and the communications of his love, and by his gracious presence and communion, which he indulges the saints with; for such who love one another, as they appear to have the Spirit of God, of which that grace is a fruit, so they are by the Spirit built up a fit habitation for God, and by which Spirit he dwells in them; and such may expect the presence of God, for they who live in peace, the God of love and peace shall be with them: and his love is perfected in us; not that love of God, with which he loves his people; for that admits of no degrees, and is not more or less in itself, or in his heart; but is always invariably and unchangeably the same, and is full, complete, and perfect in his own breast, as it was from all eternity; and does not pass by degrees, or gradually rise from a love of benevolence to a love of complacency and delight, or increase as our love does to him and to one another, on which it has no dependence: nor is this love perfected in the saints in this life; that is to say, they have not perfect knowledge and enjoyment of it; nor have they all the effects of it bestowed upon them, and applied unto them; the perfection of it, in this sense, will be in heaven: but the love with which God is loved is here designed; and it is called his, because he is both the object and the author of it; and this is no effect as to degrees; yea, sometimes, instead of abounding and increasing, it goes back, it is left, and waxes cold; and it will not have its completion till the saints come to heaven, and then it will be in its full perfection and glory, when faith and hope shall be no more: but the sense is, that this grace of love is sincere and hearty, and without dissimulation; it is unfeigned love; and it is in deed and in truth, and not in word and in tongue only; and this appears to be so, by the love which is shown to the brethren, the children of God; so that love to God in the saints is perfected by love to the brethren, just in such sense as faith is made perfect by works, Jam 2:22, that is, is made to appear to be genuine, right, and true.
1 John 4:12
Love Comes from God
11Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.12No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us.13By this we know that we remain in Him, and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 John #27) Portrait of a Christian
By J. Glyn Owen2.9K37:51Christian LifeMAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 8:11JN 4:121JN 4:16In this sermon, the preacher focuses on 1 John chapter 4 verses 17 and 18. He emphasizes the idea that our love is made perfect when we have boldness in the day of judgment because we are like Christ in this world. He highlights that perfect love casts out fear and that fear brings torment. The preacher challenges the listeners to examine their love for God and His people, asking if they are growing in love and willing to sacrifice for the sake of others.
Freedom of Spirit - Part 7
By Norman Grubb75809:30EZK 36:27JHN 14:23ROM 8:91CO 6:192CO 4:7GAL 2:20EPH 3:17COL 1:271JN 4:12This sermon emphasizes the concept of God dwelling within us through love, highlighting the idea that our loving actions are a reflection of God's love. It delves into the understanding of humanity as a vessel to contain deity, with the importance of recognizing the spirit within us as the knower. The sermon discusses the transformation that occurs when we come to know Jesus as our Savior, leading to a new understanding of our identity and purpose. It concludes with the idea of walking in God's ways as a joyful and fulfilling experience, guided by the presence of God within us.
1 John 4:12
By John Gill0Love for One AnotherGod's Presence in Our LivesMAT 22:39JHN 1:18ROM 5:52CO 13:11GAL 5:22JAS 2:221JN 3:141JN 4:71JN 4:121JN 4:20John Gill emphasizes that while no one has seen God in His fullness, we are called to express our love for God through our love for one another. He explains that God's presence dwells in those who love each other, reflecting the Spirit's work in their lives. Gill further clarifies that God's love is perfect and unchanging, while our love for Him and others is a growing and sincere expression of faith. The sermon highlights that true love is demonstrated through actions, not just words, and that our love for fellow believers is a reflection of our love for God.
Sweet Love and Unity
By George Fox0Unity in ChristLovePSA 133:1JHN 15:12EPH 4:3COL 3:141JN 4:12George Fox emphasizes the importance of recognizing and feeling the presence of God's power and seed within the community of believers. He encourages friends to draw their hearts towards the Lord, fostering love and unity among one another. This divine connection leads to openness and easiness of heart, protecting them from anything that could stain or defile their spirits. Fox calls for a life governed by God's presence, which will enable the spread of truth and life throughout the world. He concludes with a prayer for preservation in God's life, power, and wisdom for the glory of God.
What James and John Said About Holiness
By Aaron Hills0JAS 1:4JAS 4:81JN 1:71JN 3:31JN 3:81JN 4:12Aaron Hills preaches on the importance of the Pentecostal experience as a second work of grace subsequent to regeneration, emphasizing the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. James and John also support this doctrine, with James mentioning the need for patience and purification of hearts, while John addresses heretical teachings and emphasizes the cleansing and perfecting work of God in believers. The apostles highlight the significance of being cleansed from all unrighteousness and the destruction of the works of the devil through sanctification.
(Knowing God's Way) 16. a Clean Heart and a Pure Life
By Zac Poonen0PRO 24:3MAT 5:16LUK 15:11JHN 9:5ROM 12:171JN 4:12Zac Poonen preaches about manifesting the life of God by being the light of the world as ordained by Jesus, emphasizing the need to reflect the divine nature through our actions and relationships. He highlights the importance of integrity of heart, showcasing King Abimelech's example of integrity and the significance of maintaining a pure heart before God. Poonen also discusses the concept of repeated testings, drawing from Abraham's faithfulness in various trials and the need for believers to endure in love till the end. Additionally, he addresses the importance of listening to the voice of the Spirit for personal guidance and the significance of submitting to and exercising spiritual authority in a godly manner.
Growing Up Into Christ Ephesians 4
By John Nelson Darby0Unity in the Body of ChristBlessings in ChristJHN 15:12ROM 5:52CO 5:17EPH 2:19EPH 4:13PHP 1:6COL 1:27HEB 10:241PE 2:91JN 4:12John Nelson Darby emphasizes the profound love and interest God has in blessing His people, illustrating that His thoughts are centered on bringing us into the fullness of Christ. He explains that through Christ's descent and ascent, we find strength and comfort, as He understands our trials and sorrows. Darby highlights that our natural portion as Christians is to enjoy God, and that the love of God is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. He encourages believers to grow up into Christ, fostering unity and love among one another, as this reflects God's nature. Ultimately, our fellowship and communion with each other are rooted in the divine love that God has for us, which transcends worldly troubles.
Resisting the Everyday Temptations
By Mary Wilder Tileston0JHN 15:12ROM 13:81CO 13:13EPH 3:17COL 3:141TH 4:91PE 4:81JN 4:71JN 4:12Mary Wilder Tileston, through the words of Francis Paget, emphasizes the importance of loving one another as a key aspect of our purpose on earth. By allowing God's love to fill our hearts and lives, we can overcome sin and selfishness, leading to a daily increase in His love within us. Through prayer, work, studying the Bible, and partaking in the Holy Eucharist, we can cultivate and strengthen this love, leading to growth in love, joy, and peace beyond our imagination. Ultimately, God's forgiveness and eternal love will bring us into the fullness of life in His perfect and unending love.
1 John 4:17
By John Gill0Boldness in JudgmentPerfect LoveJHN 15:12ROM 8:12CO 5:1EPH 5:1PHP 1:61PE 1:41JN 3:11JN 4:121JN 4:17John Gill emphasizes the transformative power of love in the life of a believer, explaining that perfect love casts out fear, particularly the fear of judgment. He highlights that true love for God is demonstrated through love for others, which assures believers of their standing before God on the day of judgment. Gill reassures that those who embody this love will face judgment with boldness, reflecting the character of Christ in their lives. He encourages believers to embrace their identity as children of God, which grants them confidence and hope for eternal life. Ultimately, Gill calls for a life that mirrors Christ's love and holiness in a world that often opposes such values.
Growing in Unity
By David Wilkerson0Spiritual GrowthUnity in the Body of ChristJHN 13:34ROM 15:5GAL 3:28EPH 4:3PHP 1:27COL 3:142TH 1:3HEB 10:241PE 4:81JN 4:12David Wilkerson emphasizes the remarkable growth of the Thessalonian Christians in faith and love, as highlighted by Paul's commendation in 2 Thessalonians 1:3. He illustrates how their spiritual maturity made them exemplary among other churches, showcasing a unity that transcended ethnic and social barriers. The preaching they received inspired them to deepen their relationship with Christ and reject false teachings, fostering a community that honored God's Word. Wilkerson encourages believers to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to identify areas of weakness, allowing God to nurture their spiritual growth. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to love and unity within the body of Christ.
The Love of God
By A.B. Simpson0God's LoveLove in ActionJHN 3:16ROM 8:381CO 13:4EPH 2:41JN 3:11JN 4:81JN 4:121JN 4:161JN 4:19A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound nature of God's love, asserting that love is the essence of God and the foundation of all His attributes. He explains that Christ is the ultimate manifestation of this love, which calls forth our love in return, creating a cycle of divine affection. Simpson illustrates that true understanding of God's love comes through faith and is expressed in our love for one another, urging believers to act as conduits of God's love to the world. He concludes that love leads to confidence in our relationship with God and compels us to serve others, highlighting the practical implications of divine love in our lives.
The "Exegete" of the Father
By A.W. Tozer0Revelation Of GodSpiritual IntuitionJOB 11:7PRO 2:5ISA 55:8MAT 11:27JHN 1:18JHN 14:17ROM 11:331CO 2:14EPH 1:171JN 4:12A.W. Tozer emphasizes that while human intellect cannot fully comprehend God, it is through the Spirit that we can experience and know Him. He explains that true knowledge of God transcends intellectual understanding and is revealed to the spirit of man. Tozer highlights the mystery of God's nature and the limitations of human wisdom in knowing Him. He asserts that God can reveal Himself to those whom He chooses, and this revelation is not merely intellectual but intuitive, allowing for a deeper connection with the divine.
Perfect Love
By Thomas Cook0JHN 15:13ROM 5:5GAL 5:131JN 3:11JN 4:71JN 4:121JN 4:161JN 4:18Thomas Cook delves into the two types of love mentioned in the New Testament: philos, representing natural human affection, and agape, symbolizing Divine affection imparted by the Holy Ghost. He emphasizes that Divine love is a gift from God, transforming us into His children and enabling us to love others. Cook explores the profound truth of God's love being bestowed upon us, leading to a love that mirrors Christ's sacrificial love. He highlights the importance of serving others as a demonstration of our love for Christ, emphasizing that love service is a joyful offering of a grateful heart.
Christians United in Love
By W.H. Griffith Thomas0PSA 133:3JHN 13:35EPH 4:3COL 2:21JN 4:12W.H. Griffith Thomas emphasizes the importance of unity among Christians, highlighting the strength that comes from being joined together in love. He warns against the dangers of disunion, as it can weaken the cause of Christ and provide an opening for the enemy to attack. Thomas stresses that love is the key to binding Christians together, even if they have differences in beliefs or practices, as God's love unites us to Him and to one another.
The Thoughtfulness of Divine Love 1 John 4:16.
By John Nelson Darby0Divine LoveAssurance in ChristJHN 1:18ROM 5:52CO 5:10EPH 1:6PHP 3:211JN 4:91JN 4:121JN 4:16John Nelson Darby emphasizes the profound thoughtfulness of God's love as depicted in 1 John 4:16, illustrating how God has considered humanity's plight from sin to judgment. He explains that God's love is manifested through the sending of His Son, who provides eternal life and serves as the propitiation for our sins, allowing believers to have boldness on the day of judgment. Darby highlights that true knowledge of God comes through love, which is perfected in believers as they dwell in Him and He in them. He reassures that there is no fear in love, as believers are made righteous through Christ, reflecting His image and standing confidently before God. Ultimately, Darby calls Christians to recognize and enjoy the fullness of God's love, which has been thoughtfully extended to them throughout their journey of faith.
Is Christian Perfection Attainable?
By Samuel Chadwick02CO 7:1PHP 3:121TH 5:23HEB 12:141JN 4:12Samuel Chadwick preaches on the attainability of Christian Perfection in this life, distinguishing it from the final perfection in glory that St. Paul spoke of. Christian Perfection is about adjustment and completeness in the heart, motive, and will, not physical or mental perfection. Despite objections, the love of God can be perfected in the soul as commanded by God. Wesley referred to it as Entire Sanctification, a scriptural and necessary term. The experience is based on Scripture promises and is an assured possession through the witness of the Spirit.
Epistles of John Chapter 5 the Love of God
By A.B. Simpson0Love for One AnotherGod's LoveMAT 22:39JHN 3:16ROM 8:28GAL 5:131JN 4:81JN 4:121JN 4:161JN 4:19A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound nature of God's love as revealed through the teachings of John, the beloved disciple. He explains that God is love, and this essence shapes all of His attributes, guiding believers to understand that every experience, even painful ones, is ultimately rooted in divine love. Simpson highlights that Christ is the ultimate manifestation of God's love, and through faith, believers can experience and reciprocate this love, which leads to confidence and a call to love one another. The sermon concludes with the reminder that true love cannot be selfish but must overflow into acts of kindness and service towards others, reflecting God's love for humanity.
Loving Another
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 133:1JHN 13:34ROM 12:10EPH 4:2COL 3:141PE 4:81JN 3:181JN 4:71JN 4:12Mary Wilder Tileston preaches on the new commandment given by Jesus to love one another as He has loved us, emphasizing the importance of unity and love among believers, including those on earth, in heaven, and with God. Isaac Williams reflects on the unity we share with our brethren, saints, angel hosts, and God in love. Jean Nicolas Grou highlights how self-love leads to various faults and challenges us to sincerely question if we truly love our neighbors as Christ loves us, promising that Christ can transform our hearts to love others as He does. Lucy C. Smith expresses that experiencing joy in each other's well-being is a glimpse of heaven.
Origin and History of Mormonism
By Marvin Cowan01JN 4:12Marvin Cowan preaches about the story of Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, detailing his account of the religious revival in 1820 and his first vision where he claimed to have seen God and Jesus Christ. The sermon delves into the inconsistencies and historical evidence against Joseph Smith's claims, including the conflicting accounts of his first vision, the angel Moroni, and his involvement in practices like treasure hunting. The sermon also explores the events leading to Joseph Smith's death in 1844 and the subsequent splintering of Mormon factions, challenging the validity of his prophetic claims and the unity of the LDS Church.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
No man hath seen God at any time - The very words, with the change of ἑωρακε for τεθεαται, of this apostle in his gospel, Joh 1:18. We may feel him, though we cannot see him; and if we love one another he dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us - it has then its full accomplishment, having moulded us according to its own nature.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
God, whom no man hath seen at any time, hath appointed His children as the visible recipients of our outward kindness which flows from love to Himself, "whom not having seen, we love," compare Notes, Jo1 4:11, Jo1 4:19-20. Thus Jo1 4:12 explains why, instead (in Jo1 4:11) of saying, "If God so loved us, we ought also to love God," he said, "We ought also to love one another." If we love one another, God dwelleth in us--for God is love; and it must have been from Him dwelling in us that we drew the real love we bear to the brethren (Jo1 4:8, Jo1 4:16). John discusses this in Jo1 4:13-16. his love--rather, "the love of Him," that is, "to Him" (Jo1 2:5), evinced by our love to His representatives, our brethren. is perfected in us--John discusses this in Jo1 4:17-19. Compare Jo1 2:5, "is perfected," that is, attains its proper maturity.
John Gill Bible Commentary
No man hath seen God at any time,.... The same is said by the Evangelist John, Joh 1:18; but here it is observed with a different view, and upon another account; there it signifies that no man has seen and looked into the counsels and designs of God, and been able to make a discovery and declaration of his mind and will, his love and grace, and which is there ascribed to the Son of God; see Gill on Joh 1:18; but here the sense is, that whereas God is invisible in his nature, and incomprehensible in his being and perfections, so that there is no coming to him, and seeing of him, and conversing with him in a familiar way, and so not of loving him as he is in himself, and ought to be loved, as one friend sees, converses with, and loves another, and finds his love increased by sight and conversation; then we ought to love the saints and people of God, who are visible, may be seen, come at, and conversed with, see Jo1 4:20; for this clause stands among the arguments and reasons for brotherly love: if we love one another God dwelleth in us; not as he does in his Son, by union of nature; nor as in heaven, by the displays of his glory; nor as in the whole world, by his omnipresence and power; but by his Spirit, and the communications of his love, and by his gracious presence and communion, which he indulges the saints with; for such who love one another, as they appear to have the Spirit of God, of which that grace is a fruit, so they are by the Spirit built up a fit habitation for God, and by which Spirit he dwells in them; and such may expect the presence of God, for they who live in peace, the God of love and peace shall be with them: and his love is perfected in us; not that love of God, with which he loves his people; for that admits of no degrees, and is not more or less in itself, or in his heart; but is always invariably and unchangeably the same, and is full, complete, and perfect in his own breast, as it was from all eternity; and does not pass by degrees, or gradually rise from a love of benevolence to a love of complacency and delight, or increase as our love does to him and to one another, on which it has no dependence: nor is this love perfected in the saints in this life; that is to say, they have not perfect knowledge and enjoyment of it; nor have they all the effects of it bestowed upon them, and applied unto them; the perfection of it, in this sense, will be in heaven: but the love with which God is loved is here designed; and it is called his, because he is both the object and the author of it; and this is no effect as to degrees; yea, sometimes, instead of abounding and increasing, it goes back, it is left, and waxes cold; and it will not have its completion till the saints come to heaven, and then it will be in its full perfection and glory, when faith and hope shall be no more: but the sense is, that this grace of love is sincere and hearty, and without dissimulation; it is unfeigned love; and it is in deed and in truth, and not in word and in tongue only; and this appears to be so, by the love which is shown to the brethren, the children of God; so that love to God in the saints is perfected by love to the brethren, just in such sense as faith is made perfect by works, Jam 2:22, that is, is made to appear to be genuine, right, and true.