1 John 4:9
Verse
Context
Love Comes from God
8Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 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.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In this was manifested the love of God - The mission of Jesus Christ was the fullest proof that God could give, or that man could receive, of his infinite love to the world. That we might live through him - The whole world was sentenced to death because of sin; and every individual was dead in trespasses and sins; and Jesus came to die in the stead of the world, and to quicken every believer, that all might live to him who died for them and rose again. This is another strong allusion to Joh 3:16 : God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life; where the reader is requested to see the note on Joh 3:16.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
toward us--Greek, "in our case." sent--Greek, "hath sent." into the world--a proof against Socinians, that the Son existed before He was "sent into the world." Otherwise, too, He could not have been our life (Jo1 4:9), our "propitiation" (Jo1 4:10), or our "Saviour" (Jo1 4:14). It is the grand proof of God's love, His having sent "His only-begotten Son, that we might live through Him," who is the Life, and who has redeemed our forfeited life; and it is also the grand motive to our mutual love.
John Gill Bible Commentary
In this was manifested the love of God towards us,.... The love of God here spoken of, and instanced in, is not his general love to all his creatures, which is shown in the make of them, and in the support of them in their beings, and in his providential care of them, and kindness to them; but his special love towards his elect, and which was before it was manifested; it was secretly in his heart from everlasting, and did not begin to be at the mission of Christ into the world, but was then in a most glaring manner manifested: there were several acts of it before, as the choice of them in Christ, the appointment of him to be their Saviour, and the covenant of grace made with him on their account; these were more secret and hidden; but now the love and kindness of God appeared, broke forth, and shone out in its glory; this is a most flagrant and notorious instance of it, in which it is exceedingly conspicuous; this is a most clear proof, a plain and full demonstration of it: because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world; the sender is God the Father, who is distinguished from the Son that is sent; of which act of sending; see Gill on Rom 8:3 and See Gill on Gal 4:4; and for him, who is that God against whom we have sinned, and is that lawgiver that is able to save, and to destroy, and of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, to send his Son to be the Saviour of sinful men is an amazing instance of love; and which appears the more manifest, when it is observed that it is "his only begotten Son" that is sent; of which See Gill on Joh 1:14; and the place he was sent into is the world, where his people are, and where their sins are committed, he came to expiate; and where he was treated with great indignity and contempt, and suffered many things, and at last death itself: the end of his mission was, that we might live through him; who were dead in Adam, dead in sin, and dead in law, and could not quicken themselves; nor obtain eternal life for themselves, by their performances. Christ came, being sent, that they might have life, and that more abundantly than Adam had in innocence, or man lost by the fall; and accordingly they were quickened together with him; when he was quickened, after he had been put to death, they were virtually and representatively quickened and justified in him; and in consequence of his death and resurrection from the dead, they are regenerated and made spiritually alive, and live unto righteousness; and through his righteousness wrought out for them, and imputed to them, they are in a legal sense alive unto God, and alive and comfortable in their own souls, living by faith on Christ, and have a right and title to eternal life; and which they also have through him, and which is chiefly intended here; for the design is not only that they may live spiritually and comfortably here, but eternally hereafter.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:9-10 Jesus Christ, sent from God the Father, embodied and demonstrated God’s love in his life on earth and in his sacrificial death on the cross as an atoning sacrifice.
1 John 4:9
Love Comes from God
8Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 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
Exclusivity: How Can There Be Just One True Religion?
By Tim Keller7.2K39:15Exclusivity1JN 4:9In this sermon, the preacher addresses the objection of exclusivity in Christianity and other religions. He uses the illustration of blind men encountering an elephant to explain that no one has the complete understanding of spiritual truth. Each blind man in the story perceives a different aspect of the elephant, but none of them can see the whole picture. Similarly, religions have different perspectives on spiritual truth, and no one should claim to have the entire truth. The preacher emphasizes the importance of love and how it is a manifestation of God's nature. He concludes by stating that Christianity, like other religions, offers a partial understanding of spiritual truth, and we should approach it with humility and love for one another.
What Christmas Promises: Forgiveness
By Warren Wiersbe4.6K38:03ROM 6:42CO 5:171JN 2:241JN 3:31JN 3:51JN 3:71JN 4:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the manifestation of God's love towards humanity through the sending of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, into the world. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the concept of sin and how it has become a popular topic in today's society. He explains that while our old nature remains unchanged, God implants a new nature in us through His Son. The preacher highlights three ministries of Jesus Christ in helping us solve the sin problem: His death for our sins, His indwelling presence in believers, and His promise to return for us. He concludes with a prayer for forgiveness and salvation for those who trust in Jesus Christ.
Studies in 1 John 05 Practical Righteousness
By John W. Bramhall75145:43MAT 6:33JHN 14:151JN 2:291JN 3:51JN 3:81JN 4:9In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a little girl in Sunday school who truly believed in Jesus. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having genuine faith and highlights three motives for believers: the father's love, the blessed hope of becoming like Christ, and the death of Christ. The death of Christ is described as the deepest and most powerful reminder of God's love and forgiveness. The speaker also mentions that the manifestation of Christ was to take away our sins and destroy the works of the devil. The sermon encourages believers to live a changed life and not be led astray by the actions of others.
Budgeting Our Time
By Basilea Schlink69904:35Radio ShowPSA 27:8PSA 46:10MAT 6:33JHN 14:23JHN 15:41PE 5:71JN 4:9In this sermon, Basilia Schlink emphasizes the importance of giving Jesus our time in order to experience His reality in our lives. She shares a letter from a friend who was deeply impacted by the message to give Jesus much of our time. Schlink highlights how easily we can get caught up in our daily activities and conversations, neglecting to spend quality time with Jesus. She encourages listeners to prioritize prayer and conversation with Jesus, as this will enable us to abide in Him and bear much fruit. The sermon concludes with an invitation to learn more about how God lives and works today through the website or by contacting the organization.
Who Was Christ?
By Welcome Detweiler49809:41JHN 1:12JHN 3:16JHN 14:6ACT 4:12ROM 6:23GAL 4:41JN 4:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of God sending His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world as a helpless baby. The preacher highlights the love of God manifested through this act of sending His only begotten Son to redeem humanity. The coming of Christ is portrayed as the difference between spending eternity in hell or in heaven for Christians. The preacher urges listeners to receive Christ as their personal Savior in order to experience the full benefits of His coming and avoid a miserable existence without Him.
The Nature, Operations, and Causes of Divine Love, as It Respects the Person of Christ
By John Owen0Divine LoveThe Person of Christ1JN 4:9John Owen emphasizes the profound nature of divine love as it pertains to Christ, explaining that God created our capacity for love to be directed towards Him, rather than transient earthly things. He argues that true love arises from recognizing God's infinite goodness, which is fully manifested in Christ, making Him the ultimate object of our affection. Owen highlights that our love for God is rooted in His love for us, particularly through the sacrifice of Christ, and that this love should inspire a desire for union and conformity to God's nature. He also discusses the importance of understanding Christ's dual nature as both divine and human, which enhances our love for Him. Ultimately, Owen calls believers to engage deeply with the scriptural portrayal of Christ to cultivate a genuine love for Him.
Isaiah 9:6
By Chuck Smith0The Gift of ChristRedemptionGEN 1:26ISA 9:6MAT 11:28LUK 1:35JHN 1:1JHN 3:16JHN 14:6ROM 8:15EPH 1:51JN 4:9Chuck Smith emphasizes the dual nature of the Christmas story, highlighting both the human aspect of Christ's birth and the divine significance of God giving His Son. He explains that Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, was given to redeem humanity after sin marred God's original plan for fellowship and harmony. Through His life and teachings, Jesus reveals the truth of God and serves as the only way to restore our relationship with the Father. Smith underscores that God's love is the driving force behind the gift of His Son, intended to bring joy and healing to a broken world.
Greater Love Hath No Man Than This, That a Man Lay Down His Life
By John Calvin0JHN 15:13ROM 5:8EPH 5:21JN 4:9John Calvin preaches on the profound love of Christ, emphasizing that there is no greater love than laying down one's life for friends. He highlights how Christ's sacrifice serves as both a confirmation of our salvation and an example for us to love one another. Calvin points out that God's decision to offer His Son as a sacrifice demonstrates the depth of His care for our salvation, urging believers to be moved by the incomparable sweetness of Divine love.
The King James Only Controversy
By Anton Bosch0NEH 8:8JHN 1:14ACT 20:28ROM 5:2GAL 1:6EPH 4:11TI 1:4TIT 3:9HEB 11:172PE 1:211JN 4:9Anton Bosch delves into the King James Only controversy, highlighting the debate around the KJV and the misconceptions perpetuated by some King James Only proponents. He discusses the history of the KJV, the translators' agenda, mistakes in translation, and the manuscripts used. Bosch explains why he personally does not use the KJV for teaching, emphasizing the importance of clarity and understanding in conveying God's Word. He concludes by addressing the unnecessary nature of the KJO controversy and the need to focus on the core truths of the Christian faith.
The Doctrine of Christ
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein01JN 1:71JN 3:81JN 4:21JN 4:91JN 5:51JN 5:91JN 5:131JN 5:20Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the importance of holding fast to the doctrine of Christ, emphasizing that denying the deity of Jesus Christ is denying God Himself and leads to being without hope in the world. He urges believers to have a divine jealousy for the honor and glory of Christ, separating from those who deny His true nature. Gaebelein highlights the blessings and comforts that come from abiding in the doctrine of Christ, leading to deeper fellowship with the Father and the Son.
Eternity Now Part Two
By Richard E. Bieber0MAT 5:8MAT 13:41MAT 13:44MAT 13:47JHN 16:8JHN 17:11JN 4:71JN 4:9REV 19:1Richard E. Bieber preaches on the concept of eternal life, emphasizing that God's judgment is always positive, righting wrongs and separating evil from good. He delves into the final judgment, illustrating how our choices in life determine our eternal destiny. Bieber highlights that Eternity is not just a future event but is present in every moment, permeating and judging our lives. He explains that eternal life is to truly know God and live in His nature of self-giving love, mercy, and forgiveness, as demonstrated through Jesus' sacrifice.
The Good Samaritan
By Raymond Golsworthy0LUK 10:30LUK 19:10JHN 14:17ACT 2:44GAL 2:20EPH 2:1EPH 2:61TI 1:15TIT 3:51JN 1:71JN 4:9Raymond Golsworthy preaches on the parable of the Good Samaritan, emphasizing the essence of the gospel message revealed by Jesus in this story. The narrative highlights the plight of the sinner, the impotence of mere religion, and the power of the Lord Jesus Christ to save and heal. Through the Samaritan's compassion, Christ's sacrificial love, cleansing blood, and indwelling Spirit are symbolized, offering a profound illustration of salvation and transformation.
God Commends His Love Unto Us, in That While We Were Yet Sinners, Christ Died for Us
By Edward Taylor0JHN 3:16ROM 5:8EPH 2:41JN 4:9Edward Taylor delves into the profound love of God as depicted in Romans 5:8, emphasizing how God's love breaks through the barriers of sin and curses to reach humanity. He paints a vivid picture of God's love being unmatched and unattainable by human efforts, yet freely given through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Taylor marvels at the depth of God's love, likening it to a flock of doves taking flight and the richness of gold. He concludes by expressing a deep desire to continually meditate on and cherish God's love letter to humanity, ultimately joining the angels in praising God's love.
The Bread of Life
By H.J. Vine0EXO 16:14PSA 23:5JHN 6:351JN 4:9REV 2:17H.J. Vine preaches about Jesus being our sustenance and strength on our journey towards heaven, likening Him to the Bread of Life that provides us with fresh grace and love daily. He emphasizes how Jesus' sacrifice, like the manna in the wilderness, is a symbol of divine love that overflows in our hearts, leading us to a deeper understanding of God's love. As we partake of the living Bread, we are nourished and guided towards the heavenly feast where we will experience the fullness of God's love and sing praises to Him forever.
Thou Becamest rich.......
By Frank Houghton02CO 8:9PHP 2:6COL 1:271JN 4:9Frank Houghton preaches about the incredible sacrifice and humility of Jesus, who, despite being rich beyond measure, chose to become poor out of love for us, exchanging thrones for a manger and sapphire-paved courts for a stable floor. He emphasizes that Jesus, the embodiment of love, deserves our worship as our Savior and King, dwelling within us to transform us according to His will.
Thoughts on 1 Corinthians 15.
By William Kelly0ROM 5:8ROM 8:371CO 15:55EPH 2:41PE 1:31JN 4:9William Kelly preaches about the profound significance of Christ's death and resurrection, emphasizing that sin was not a mere accident but a deliberate act of God's enemy to oppose Him. Despite the evil in the world, God allowed it to showcase His depths of love, grace, and goodness in the midst of darkness. Through Christ's victory over sin and death, believers stand on the imperishable rock of ages, experiencing God's compassion and mercy amidst trials and tribulations, with the assurance of future glory and eternal blessings.
Christmas Is Jesus (The Virgin Birth)
By Colin Peckham0MAT 1:18LUK 1:34JHN 1:14GAL 4:41TI 3:16HEB 2:141JN 4:9REV 12:5Colin Peckham emphasizes the importance of the Virgin Birth in affirming the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ. He highlights how the rejection of the Virgin Birth leads to a rejection of essential Christian doctrines, such as the sinlessness of Christ and the authority of Scripture. Peckham points out that the Virgin Birth is not just a historical event but a foundational truth that reveals God's love and the possibility of salvation through the Incarnation and the Cross.
1 John 4:9
By John Gill0God's LoveSalvation through ChristJHN 3:16ROM 5:8EPH 2:11JN 4:9John Gill expounds on 1 John 4:9, emphasizing the manifestation of God's special love towards His elect through the sending of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. This love, which was hidden in God's heart from eternity, became evident at Christ's mission, showcasing God's grace and mercy towards sinful humanity. Gill highlights that this act of sending was not only a demonstration of love but also a means for believers to attain eternal life, as Christ came to give life to those who were spiritually dead. The sermon underscores the significance of Christ's sacrifice and the transformative power of His love in the lives of the faithful.
Pressing Soul
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 27:4PSA 42:1EPH 3:171JN 4:9Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the manifestation of God's love through sending His Son for us to live through Him, emphasizing the need for us to receive God's love to find true freedom and peace. The sermon also highlights the spirit of prayer as a longing for God's presence and a desire to be united with Christ in one spirit, stressing the importance of opening our hearts to God's eternal desire to dwell within us. Additionally, the sermon touches on holiness as the beauty of the Lord that we can obtain by longing for His presence and responding to His call.
Homily 7 1 John 4:4-12
By St. Augustine01JN 4:41JN 4:91JN 4:11St. Augustine preaches about the importance of love as a manifestation of God's presence within us, emphasizing that those who love are born of God and know Him, while those who do not love do not know God. He highlights that God's love was demonstrated through sending His Son as an Atoner for our sins, urging us to love one another as God has loved us. Augustine explains that charity, rooted in love, is the key to discerning between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error, and that all actions should be done in love to bear good fruit.
The Son and Life
By H.J. Vine0PSA 2:6PRO 8:30PRO 8:35JHN 1:3JHN 3:16JHN 14:6JHN 17:3COL 1:121JN 4:9H.J. Vine preaches about the unfailing promises of God, emphasizing that every word of His will be fulfilled, including the promise of eternal life made before time began. The Son of God came into time to bring about the fulfillment of this promise, showcasing the love of God towards humanity. Through the Son's sacrifice, reconciliation and eternal life are secured for those who believe, leading to a future of glory, love, and joy in the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In this was manifested the love of God - The mission of Jesus Christ was the fullest proof that God could give, or that man could receive, of his infinite love to the world. That we might live through him - The whole world was sentenced to death because of sin; and every individual was dead in trespasses and sins; and Jesus came to die in the stead of the world, and to quicken every believer, that all might live to him who died for them and rose again. This is another strong allusion to Joh 3:16 : God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life; where the reader is requested to see the note on Joh 3:16.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
toward us--Greek, "in our case." sent--Greek, "hath sent." into the world--a proof against Socinians, that the Son existed before He was "sent into the world." Otherwise, too, He could not have been our life (Jo1 4:9), our "propitiation" (Jo1 4:10), or our "Saviour" (Jo1 4:14). It is the grand proof of God's love, His having sent "His only-begotten Son, that we might live through Him," who is the Life, and who has redeemed our forfeited life; and it is also the grand motive to our mutual love.
John Gill Bible Commentary
In this was manifested the love of God towards us,.... The love of God here spoken of, and instanced in, is not his general love to all his creatures, which is shown in the make of them, and in the support of them in their beings, and in his providential care of them, and kindness to them; but his special love towards his elect, and which was before it was manifested; it was secretly in his heart from everlasting, and did not begin to be at the mission of Christ into the world, but was then in a most glaring manner manifested: there were several acts of it before, as the choice of them in Christ, the appointment of him to be their Saviour, and the covenant of grace made with him on their account; these were more secret and hidden; but now the love and kindness of God appeared, broke forth, and shone out in its glory; this is a most flagrant and notorious instance of it, in which it is exceedingly conspicuous; this is a most clear proof, a plain and full demonstration of it: because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world; the sender is God the Father, who is distinguished from the Son that is sent; of which act of sending; see Gill on Rom 8:3 and See Gill on Gal 4:4; and for him, who is that God against whom we have sinned, and is that lawgiver that is able to save, and to destroy, and of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, to send his Son to be the Saviour of sinful men is an amazing instance of love; and which appears the more manifest, when it is observed that it is "his only begotten Son" that is sent; of which See Gill on Joh 1:14; and the place he was sent into is the world, where his people are, and where their sins are committed, he came to expiate; and where he was treated with great indignity and contempt, and suffered many things, and at last death itself: the end of his mission was, that we might live through him; who were dead in Adam, dead in sin, and dead in law, and could not quicken themselves; nor obtain eternal life for themselves, by their performances. Christ came, being sent, that they might have life, and that more abundantly than Adam had in innocence, or man lost by the fall; and accordingly they were quickened together with him; when he was quickened, after he had been put to death, they were virtually and representatively quickened and justified in him; and in consequence of his death and resurrection from the dead, they are regenerated and made spiritually alive, and live unto righteousness; and through his righteousness wrought out for them, and imputed to them, they are in a legal sense alive unto God, and alive and comfortable in their own souls, living by faith on Christ, and have a right and title to eternal life; and which they also have through him, and which is chiefly intended here; for the design is not only that they may live spiritually and comfortably here, but eternally hereafter.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:9-10 Jesus Christ, sent from God the Father, embodied and demonstrated God’s love in his life on earth and in his sacrificial death on the cross as an atoning sacrifice.