1 John 4

-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 7 StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump Size -9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 jBiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 37 2 8 0 0 4. Love God, part 1) 4:1 21) ) Outline) 4:1 5:12 IV. Love God ) 4:1 6 A. Test the Spirits ) 4:1 1. A Warning ) 4:2 3 2. A Test ) 4:4 5 3.

A Contrast ) 4:6 4. A Recognition ) 4:7 12 B. Love One Another ) 4:7 8 1. Love and Knowledge ) 4:9 10 2. God s Love ) 4:11 12 3. Mutual Love ) 4:13 16a C.

Abide in God ) 4:13 14 1. The Spirit and the Son ) 4:15 16a 2. God Lives in the Believer ) 4:16b 21 D. Live in Love ) 4:16b 17 1. God Is Love ) 4:18 2. Love Expels Fear ) 4:19 21 3.

Love God and Neighbor ) ) ) ) IV. Love God) 4:1 5:12) A. Test the Spirits) 4:1 6) 4 1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.) 4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.) ) 1. A Warning) 4:1) With this text John begins the third part of his epistle; the first section begins at 1:5, and the second at 2:18.

There is a distinct parallel between the second part and the third. Both parts expound the following topics: A warning against the antichrist, children of God, love for God and one another.) In the first few verses of each section, John speaks of antichrists or false teachers. He exhorts the readers to put the teaching of false prophets to the test. Christians have to be able to detect false teachings and to examine the spirit that expresses them.) 1. Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.) As a wise pastor, John first addresses his readers with words of tender love. He calls them dear friends (compare 3:21; 4:7).

After the address, John tactfully warns the readers against the work of false teachers and tells them not to believe every spirit. He wants them to realize that there are two spiritual spheres in this world: one is the domain of the Holy Spirit; the other is the domain of the devil. The Holy Spirit dwells in the children of God (3:24), but the spirit of the devil lives in false prophets who speak in his name.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.29.8|AUTODETECT|” a. Do not believe every spirit 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.29.8|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 29:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.4|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.6|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 5:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.4.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.4.1|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 4:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Of course, we are unable to see a spirit, but we can hear and understand the teachings of that spirit. The word spirit, then, is equivalent to teaching. ��1��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.4|AUTODETECT|” Apparently some of the first readers of this epistle were beginning to believe the false prophets who said that their teaching was a revelation from the Holy Spirit. John exhorts the readers to distinguish carefully between the teachings of God s Spirit and false teachings. Not every teaching is an utterance of the Spirit of God. Therefore, John advises the Christians to test the spirits to see whether they are from God and to verify all teaching in the light of God s Word 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.4|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.21|AUTODETECT|” 5:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.24|AUTODETECT|” b. Many false prophets have gone out into the world. We know that false teachers have made the world their lecture hall. They desire to gain a hearing from a number of Christians. In his discourse on the end of time, Jesus warns us, For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect if that were possible 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.24|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.2|AUTODETECT|” ; also consult ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.2|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 2:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 9 2 8 0 0 ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 4:1) �t ����v �������� ��������� the negative particle �� is separated from the verb for emphasis.��2�� The verb is in the present active imperative mood. With the negative it reveals that some Christians indeed believed the false teachers of that day. John tells them to stop doing so.) ���������� test! ; the present imperative.) ����������� from the verb �������� (I come or go out), this is the perfect active indicative. As a compound verb it is followed by the preposition �0� (into).) 2. A Test) 4:2 3) 2. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3. but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.) Note the following observations:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.3|AUTODETECT|” (a) Profession John gives his readers a formula for determining whether a spirit comes from God or from the devil: The Christian recognizes the Spirit of God in anyone who openly confesses that Jesus Christ is both human and divine, and that Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God, has come in the flesh. Here we have the established principle for testing whether a particular teaching comes from the Holy Spirit 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.3|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 12:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 In the Greek, John uses the perfect tense for the words has come to indicate that Jesus came in human nature and even now in heaven he has a human nature. That is, in addition to his divine nature he also has a human nature. Sixteenth-century German theologian Zacharias Ursinus asked whether these two natures are separated from each other. This is his answer:) ) Certainly not. For since the divinity is not limited and is present everywhere, it is evident that Christ s divinity is surely beyond the bounds of the humanity he has taken on, but at the same time his divinity is in and remains personally united to his humanity.��3��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.14-58.2.15|AUTODETECT|” Scripture teaches that the Christ is Jesus, who as our divine redeemer shares our human nature 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.14-58.2.15|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 2:14 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Any teaching that professes the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ has its origin in God. The opposite is also true; as C. H. Dodd observes, No utterance, however inspired, which denies the reality of the Incarnation, can be accepted by Christians as true prophecy. ��4��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.32-40.10.33|AUTODETECT|” (b) Denial Jesus said, Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.32-40.10.33|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:32 33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.47|AUTODETECT|” ; also see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.47|AUTODETECT|” John 8:47) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.7|AUTODETECT|” II John 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Anyone who separates the human nature from the divine nature of Jesus Christ speaks without God s authority. And anyone who denies either Jesus human nature or divine nature is not from God. Moreover, anyone who teaches that when Jesus was baptized God gave him a divine spirit, and that this spirit left Jesus when he died on the cross distorts the gospel. And last, whoever says that after Jesus death God appointed him Son of God fails to present the truth of God s Word. All such teachers do not speak as representatives of Jesus Christ, have not been commissioned by God, and are not the mouthpieces of the Spirit of God in this world.��5��) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Although John addresses the church of the first century, nothing has changed since that time. Today we have numerous teachers and preachers who deny that Jesus Christ is human and divine. They are not from God, says John. In fact, he labels the spirit of such denial the spirit of the antichrist. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.7|AUTODETECT|” (c) Designation John repeats a thought he expressed earlier in the epistle: The antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.7|AUTODETECT|” II John 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.3-53.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ). Now he says, The antichrist & is coming and even now is already in the world. He thinks of all the principles and powers, all the essential characteristics of Antichrist: what & we might call the antichristian nature. ��6�� That antichristian spirit is here already and expresses itself insidiously and often violently against Jesus Christ and his followers 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.3-53.2.8|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 2:3 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 ) Practical Considerations in 4:1 3) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.15|AUTODETECT|” Without exception, liberal theologians refuse to accept the biblical doctrine that Jesus Christ always has been, is, and will be the Son of God, that he came from heaven to redeem his people, that he took upon himself our humanity yet remained truly divine, that he rose bodily from the dead and ascended in his glorified body to heaven, and that he will return at God s appointed day in the same body in which he ascended. If you compare the teaching of these theologians with God s Word, you will notice that their opinions are based on human philosophy and not on Scripture. Ask them what they think of the Christ, then go to your Bible and study the teachings of Scripture 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.15|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 16:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.10|AUTODETECT|” Then there are the members of sects. In pairs they canvass the neighborhood, ring your doorbell, and announce that they are missionaries even though they do not carry Bibles. When you listen to them, you soon learn that they do not bring the teaching of Christ. The apostle John advises, If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching [of Christ], do not take him into your house or welcome him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.10|AUTODETECT|” II John 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 5 2 8 0 0 What does John mean? He means that you may receive the members of the sect into your home only when you intend to teach them about Jesus Christ. Tell them that you are happy in the Lord, because he is your Savior; and that you are pleased to introduce them to Jesus Christ. Then you will be a missionary for the Lord and you are in control of the situation. But if you do not intend to teach these visitors about the Lord, receive them not into your home!) ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 4:2 3) Verse 2) ��������� the verb can be either indicative or imperative. Although the context calls for the imperative, translators and commentators favor the indicative.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.3|AUTODETECT|” 8����� ������� with reference to the direct object, at least two translations are given: Jesus as the Christ incarnate (Moffatt) and Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (NIV and other versions). The combination Jesus Christ occurs eight times in John s epistles 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.3|AUTODETECT|” II John 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In two places, John clearly separates the names by writing Jesus is the Christ (2:22; 5:1). Therefore, when the names appear together they need to be translated as such.) 1 12 2 8 0 0 �������� the perfect active participle of ������ (I come) expresses an action accomplished in the past with lasting effect.) Verse 3) �t A������� Bruce M. Metzger prefers this reading to ���� because of overwhelming external support. ��7�� The use of �� with an indicative instead of �P is not uncommon in the New Testament.��8��) �x� 8����� the shortest reading is the one given here. Additions to the text are derived from the previous verse. ��9��) �� the definite article needs to be complemented by the noun ������.) ������ this verb frequently refers to the coming of Christ. Here it stands for the coming of the antichrist.) 3. A Contrast) 4:4 5) In his teachings John clearly distinguishes between the work of God and the work of the evil one, between God s children and those who belong to Satan, and between knowing the truth and believing falsehood.) 4. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5.

They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them.) The contrast in these two verses is obvious. As their spiritual father, John tenderly addresses the readers and says, dear children. The pronoun you stands first to give it emphasis in the sentence. The writer wants to tell the Christians: You, yes you, are from God. That is, the readers ought never to forget their divine heritage. They are not only special people, born of God and called children of God (2:29; 3:1, 9, 10); they are also different from those people who belong to the world.) Moreover, John makes an additional claim: You & have overcome them (compare 2:13, 14; 5:4, 5).

The use of the plural them is a reference to the false teachers mentioned in the preceding paragraph. John writes the perfect tense, you have overcome. In other words, they have already done so by obeying God s commands and honoring the teaching of his Word.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.9.24|AUTODETECT|” God s children can never boast in themselves but always in the Lord 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.9.24|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 9:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.31|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.33|AUTODETECT|” ). It is the Lord Jesus Christ who has overcome the world 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.33|AUTODETECT|” John 16:33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.15|AUTODETECT|” ) and has set his people free 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.15|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 2:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The battle has thus been decided, even if it is not yet over. By faith Christians participate in this victory and are thus placed in a position to overcome the world for themselves. ��10��) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Reassuringly John writes, The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. There are two forces that oppose one another: the Holy Spirit opposes the spirit of the antichrist. Through his Spirit, God lives with his children and is greater than the evil one. He keeps them in the truth of his Word and strengthens them to overcome temptations (compare 3:9).) The word world is significant, because it appears three times in this verse (v. 5). It differs in meaning from its use in the preceding paragraph (vv. 1, 3), where it has the broad connotation of a place of human life. Here it means a world of people who are hostile to God (see 3:1, 13).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.31|AUTODETECT|” The false prophets are from the world. They derive their principles, zeal, goals, and existence from the world of hostility in which Satan rules as prince 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.31|AUTODETECT|” John 12:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Furthermore, their teachings, opinions, and values are atheistic and antichristian. John refrains from revealing the content of their speech; he mentions only the act of speaking. What the false prophets say, however, is persuasive, for the world listens to them. The world agrees with the teachings of the false teachers and thus participates in opposing God.) 1 9 2 8 0 0 ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 4:4) Q���� John employs personal pronouns for emphasis. He places them at the beginning of each verse: Q���� (v. 4), �P��� (v. 5), and !���� (v. 6).) ���������� the perfect tense from ����� (I conquer) reveals an event that happened in the past but has an effect on the present.) 4. A Recognition) 4:6) Although the forces of the evil one surround the believers, they need not despair for one moment. John reiterates the truth expressed in verses 4 and 5. He wants to reassure the readers that they are children of God.) 6. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us.

This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.) In these verses John voices the quiet confidence of knowing that God and his people are one. In this assurance, however, John does not minimize our responsibility to do God s will.��11�� We, who are from God, have received the knowledge of God s truth, have the duty to tell people about the Lord, and are his representatives. John stresses the word we by placing it at the beginning of the sentence. We, who are God s children, proclaim the Word, and when we do so, we receive a hearing from everyone who knows God.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.47|AUTODETECT|” John echoes the words of Jesus: He who belongs to God hears what God says 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.47|AUTODETECT|” John 8:47) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ; and compare 10:27). Why do God s people listen to preachers? Because preachers proclaim God s Word, and that Word has divine authority. God s people hear his voice when the preacher speaks.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 Those people who are not from God do not listen to the proclamation of his Word. They refuse to believe the truth; instead they prefer the spirit of falsehood. They also accept full responsibility when they willfully reject the call to repentance and faith in Christ.) We are able to recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of the lie by observing a listener s reaction to the preaching of God s Word. Says Paul,) ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.2.14-47.2.16|AUTODETECT|” But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. [) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.2.14-47.2.16|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 2:14 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.17|AUTODETECT|” ; compare also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.17|AUTODETECT|” John 14:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ]) 1 2 2 8 0 0 ) Practical Considerations in 4:4 6) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.37|AUTODETECT|” In numerous parts of the world, the church experiences considerable increases in membership. Christians faithfully bear witness of their faith in Christ, preachers proclaim the gospel, and converts receive the sacrament of baptism. However, in many areas a dearth of qualified preachers is evident. There is an insistent cry for ordained ministers and missionaries. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.37|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 9:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.2|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.35|AUTODETECT|” ; also see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.35|AUTODETECT|” John 4:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 24 2 8 0 0 The ministry of the church deserves the best possible talents available for preaching the gospel, teaching the Word, pastoring the church, translating the Bible, and evangelizing the world. They who are serving the Lord should present the challenge to qualified persons to prepare themselves for gospel ministry. In effect, these servants should recruit workers for the kingdom so that the work of the Lord may continue and increase.) ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 4:6) !���� John stresses the first person plural in his use of pronouns and verbs to show (apostolic) authority.) A �������� the present active participle describes the action of acquiring knowledge.) � ������ the preposition � (not �, as in 2:3, 5; 3:16, 24; 4:13; 5:2) connotes cause or means.��12��) ������ most translators parallel the two instances of this word; however, at least two translations capitalize the first use of ������ to refer to the Holy Spirit (GNB, NIV).) ��� ������� the genitive can be either possessive (belonging to the truth) or subjective (uttering the truth).��13��) ) B. Love One Another) 4:7 12) 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.) ) 1. Love and Knowledge) 4:7 8) John mentioned the subject love in earlier passages (2:7 11; 3:11 18, 23).

He now abruptly presents a full discussion of this topic. In this discussion John continues to present contrast and parallelism. Scholars are probably correct in viewing verses 7 10 as a poetic expression (compare 2:12 14).��14�� For the sake of clarity, I write the next four verses in poetic form.) 7. Dear friends, let us love one another,) for love comes from God.) Everyone who loves has been born of God) and knows God.) 8. Whoever does not love does not know God,) because God is love.) These two verses and the following two are among the treasured passages of the entire epistle. They speak of love that originates in God and describe the believer as a person who loves and knows God.

By contrast, the unbeliever does not love because he does not know God.) a. Dear friends, let us love one another. John addresses the readers with the familiar term dear friends (2:7; 3:2, 21; 4:1, 7, 11) which literally means beloved. He includes in the sentence an exhortation to love one another. He is not discussing the affection that family members have for each other. Rather, he writes the verb love, which means divine love.

John indicates that God initiates love, showers it upon his people, and expects that in turn they express this same love to each other.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.31|AUTODETECT|” b. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. This, then, is the distinctive mark of the believer. The person who is born of God (2:29; 3:9; 5:1) is a window through which the love of God shines into the world. The believer expresses his love to his fellow man by doing for his neighbor what he himself wishes that others do for him. In short, he shows his love by obeying the Golden Rule 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.31|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). His love is genuinely unselfish.) 1 26 2 8 0 0 The believer loves his neighbor as himself because, as John writes, the believer knows God. That is, he has fellowship with God the Father and his Son (1:3) and thus reflects the virtue of love.) Incidentally, when John says, [he] knows God, he may have intended to refute the Gnostic heretics of his day who prided themselves on having knowledge of God.��15��) c. Whoever does not love does not know God. John compares the believer with the unbeliever and observes that when love is absent, knowledge of God is nonexistent. The person who fails to commune with God in prayer and neglects to read the Bible cannot be the instrument through which God demonstrates his divine love. The unbeliever has not even begun to know God.

Without knowledge of God, there is no love. Love and knowledge of God are two sides of the same coin.) d. God is love. Children learn the words at home and in church. Adults treasure these three words, for in them John has stated one of God s characteristics: love. This means not only that God loves his creation and his people, or that God is full of love.

It means that in his very being God is love. And this is the message John conveys in his epistle.) Augustine observes, If nothing were said in praise of love throughout the pages of this Epistle, if nothing whatever throughout the pages of the Scriptures, and this one thing only were all we were told by the voice of the Spirit of God, For God is love; nothing more ought we require. ��16��) ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 4:7 8) Verse 7) ������� this is the hortatory subjunctive (not the present active indicative, which is identical in form).) ���������� from ������ (I beget), this verb is the perfect passive indicative. In this epistle, John employs the perfect tense of this verb five times (2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4).) �������� the verb ������� (I know), here in the present active indicative, denotes experiential knowledge.) Verse 8) ��� here John uses the aorist tense to contrast the present tense in the preceding verse. The aorist is constative.��17��) ���� without the definite article the noun is the predicate nominative. The article in A ���� designates the noun ���� the subject.��18��) 2. God s Love) 4:9 10) 9.

This is how God showed his love among us:) He sent his one and only Son) into the world that we might live through him.) 10. This is love:) not that we loved God,) but that he loved us) and sent his Son) as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.) Consider the following points:) a. Proof) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.14|AUTODETECT|” God s love emanates from his being and radiates to and in us who acknowledge him through Jesus Christ. The Son of God is the visible proof of God s love toward his people. Therefore John writes, This is how God showed his love among us. God sent his Son into the world. Note the wording. John mentions not the name Jesus or Christ; instead he uses the word Son to call attention to the intimate Father-Son relationship. God the Father sent his Son into the world. More than that, he sent his one and only Son 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.14|AUTODETECT|” John 1:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.18|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.18|AUTODETECT|” 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Jesus is not one Son among many others. The expression one and only is used to mark out Jesus uniquely above all earthly and heavenly beings. ��19��) 1 2 2 8 0 0 God sent his one and only Son into our sinful world to give us life. If God the Father had given the world as a present to his Son, because he is the heir, God would have demonstrated evident proof of his love toward him. And we would have no difficulty understanding God s act of love. But the text says that God sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. God gave his Son to die on the cross so that we might have eternal life. He gave his Son to us. This message is too profound: we are unable to fathom the depth of God s love for us.) b. Priority) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.7|AUTODETECT|” This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us. John describes the matter first negatively and then positively. He expresses negatively that we did not love God. John does not say, God loves us because we are God s loving children. No, the opposite is true, for Paul tells us that we have a sinful mind that is hostile to God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.7|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.16|AUTODETECT|” Positively, John states that love originates with God, not with man 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.16|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 2:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). God loves the unlovable. As an anonymous poet wrote,) 1 8 2 8 0 0 I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew) He moved my soul to seek him, seeking me;) It was not that I found, O Savior true,) No, I was found, was found of thee.) I find, I walk, I love; but O the whole) Of love is but my answer, Lord, to thee!) For thou wert long beforehand with my soul,) Always, always thou lovedst me.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.25|AUTODETECT|” John concludes by saying that God sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Earlier in his epistle, John wrote the same words 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 3:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). God s only Son covered our sins and set us free from guilt. Note that in this last part of verse 10 the contrast is between God s Son and our sins. God took the initiative in showing his love to man when he sent his Son.) 1 10 2 8 0 0 ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 4:9 10) Verse 9) �x� �1x� �P��� ��� the repetition of the definite article emphasizes the noun �1�� (son) and the adjective �������� (unique).) ��������� the perfect active indicative of �������� (I send away). Note that John does not use the verb ����� (I send). The verb �������� means to send with a commission.��20�� In the next verse, John writes the aorist tense ���������, which is a culminative aorist.��21��) Verse 10) ��������� the perfect tense of ����� (I love) is followed by the aorist tense �������. The aorist is constative.) 3. Mutual Love) 4:11 12) 11. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” The echo of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.15|AUTODETECT|” reverberates through the first part of verse 11, except that here John is much more personal: Since God so loved us. He employs the past tense loved to point to the historical event of Jesus ministry and death: the supreme gift of love. Therefore, John writes the little word so which means to such an extent. That is, God loved us to the extent of sending his own Son to die for us on Calvary s cross. In rapt amazement Paul expresses his thanks when he writes, Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.15|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 9:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.39|AUTODETECT|” The second part of verse 11 we also ought to love one another relates to the summary of the law 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.39|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:39) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.18|AUTODETECT|” ). God gives us a command 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.18|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 19:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.9|AUTODETECT|” ) with a moral obligation (compare 3:16). We are the recipients of God s love and we, in turn, ought to love one another. John does not imply that we should neglect to love God, but rather, like Paul and James, he places the emphasis on the command to love our neighbor as ourselves 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.9|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 13:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.14|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.8|AUTODETECT|” James 2:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). If our love for God must come to expression in our love for our fellow man, then we fulfill the command to love God and our neighbor, and our love for one another is genuine.��22��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.33.20|AUTODETECT|” No one has ever seen God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.33.20|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 33:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.4.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.4.12|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 4:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.18|AUTODETECT|” John 1:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.17|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.6.16|AUTODETECT|” 6:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). John explains what he means, in the broader context, when he writes, Anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen (v. 20). We are able to see our fellow man, but we cannot see God. Although we say we love God, our words are meaningless unless we give visible expression to them by showing our love to one another. We must see and love God through our fellow man.) 1 4 2 8 0 0 If we love each other, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. John reaffirms his earlier teaching that if we obey God s commands, he lives in us and we in him (3:24).) ) Doctrinal Considerations in 4:7 12) The First Epistle of John is the preeminent book on love. In this epistle the verb love appears twenty-eight times, and the corresponding noun love occurs eighteen times. Furthermore, almost all these references are in the section 3:1 5:3.��23��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.4-49.1.5|AUTODETECT|” If God loved us before the creation of the world 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.4-49.1.5|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:4 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), why did he send his Son to a cruel death on the cross? Was the death of Christ necessary? The answer to these questions is that God was displeased and angry with us because of our sins and could not be reconciled to us until Christ removed our guilt. God expresses his love toward those in whom his demand for righteousness has been met. Christ has met this demand for his people. Therefore, God s children, who are covered with his righteousness, may experience the fullness of God s love.��24��) 1 14 2 8 0 0 ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 4:12) ! ���� �P��� the genitive is subjective, not objective.) ������������ the perfect tense in the passive voice, from ������� (I make perfect), denotes action that occurred in the past but has lasting effect. God is the agent.) ) C. Abide in God) 4:13 16a) 13 We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.) ) 1. The Spirit and the Son) 4:13 14) In this passage, John returns to the theme of fellowship with God (see 2:24; 3:24). He links it to the context of the preceding discussion on love and views it from the aspect of the close relationship that exists between the Father and the Son.) 13. We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14.

And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.) a. The New International Version has we know. But the Greek actually says, By this we know. The words by this refer to the preceding context where John tells us that if we love one another, God lives in us. John s discussion of the subject love, therefore, is the backdrop for the confidence John expresses in God. What is this confidence?

John says, We know that we live in him and he in us. That is, from experiencing the presence of God in our lives we know that God lives in us and we in God.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.5|AUTODETECT|” b. How do we know that we dwell in God and he in us? Because he has given us of his Spirit. Even though John uses many of the same words he wrote in 3:24, he makes a slightly different point. There he says, We know it by the Spirit he gave us. Here in verse 13 he writes, He has given us of his Spirit. In 3:24 he states that divine blessings flow to us through the work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit pours out God s love to us 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.5.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 5:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) and reveals that God is living within us. But in verse 13, we read that the Holy Spirit himself is God s gift to us and we are the recipients.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 c. The Spirit does not work alone. With the Father and the Son he takes part in the work of salvation. In verses 13 and 14, therefore, John mentions the work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit the Trinity.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.14|AUTODETECT|” d. Together with the other apostles John is able to testify to the truth of the gospel. He writes, We have seen and testify 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.14|AUTODETECT|” John 1:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.15|AUTODETECT|” 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.3.17|AUTODETECT|” ). Perhaps he is thinking of the scene of Jesus baptism. At the Jordan, the Spirit descended in the form of a dove and the Father declared: This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.3.17|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 3:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.3.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.3.22|AUTODETECT|” Luke 3:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The disciples were eyewitnesses not only of the baptism of Jesus, but also of his entire life. They saw, heard, and with their hands touched Jesus (1:1). After the ascension, they proclaimed the truthfulness of Jesus message.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 e. John gives a brief summary of the gospel: The Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. This is a most profound statement! God the Father commissioned his Son to assume the task of saving the world. And God initiated this mission of the Son because of his love for this sinful world.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.42|AUTODETECT|” Jesus proclaimed the message of salvation most effectively. When he visited Sychar, the Samaritans said, We know that this man really is the Savior of the world 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.42|AUTODETECT|” John 4:42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.31|AUTODETECT|” ). In the early church, the apostles preached that Jesus is Savior. They said, God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.5.31|AUTODETECT|” Acts 5:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ; also see 13:23).��25��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” The early church called attention to Jesus, who was appointed as Savior and given authority as Lord to save not only the Jews but also the Gentiles. The work of salvation, then, is worldwide in scope 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 8 2 8 0 0 ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 4:13 14) Verse 13) � even though the partitive use of this preposition cannot be denied,��26�� the idea of source has merit.��27��) ������� the perfect active indicative from ������ (I give). The perfect denotes progress, but the verb lacks the direct object.) Verse 14) !���� this personal pronoun is a reference to the apostolic circle.) ��������� ��v ����������� A. T. Robertson comments that a real distinction exists between the perfect tense of the verb ������� (I observe) and the present tense of the verb �������� (I testify, witness).��28��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.42|AUTODETECT|” ������ in Johannine literature, this noun occurs only here and in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.42|AUTODETECT|” John 4:42) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . B. F. Westcott observes that the verb ������ (to save) and the noun ������� (salvation) do not appear in John s epistles.��29��) 1 3 2 8 0 0 2. God Lives in the Believer) 4:15 16a) 15. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. 16a. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.3|AUTODETECT|” Who are the people of the world Jesus has come to save? They are the ones who acknowledge the divine sonship of Jesus. In fact, only if the believer confesses that Jesus is the Son of God will God live in him and he in God. By themselves, these words are simple enough. But the phrase should not be seen as a mere confessional statement, even though it may have been equivalent to the statement Jesus is Lord 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.12.3|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 12:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.14|AUTODETECT|” When we look at this phrase from a biblical point of view, we soon realize that John causes us to look at theological truth. The word Jesus embodies the entire history of Jesus from his birth to his ascension and session at the right hand of God. The term Son of God has its roots in Old Testament prophecies 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.14|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 7:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.2.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.2.7|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 2:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.1.5|AUTODETECT|” ) that were fulfilled when Jesus came 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.1.5|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 1:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The confession Jesus is the Son of God gives voice to his humanity and divinity. And it excludes everyone who denies that Jesus is the Son of God (2:23; 5:10, 12) as one who has no fellowship with God.) 1 33 2 8 0 0 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. Using the personal pronoun we, John includes all the readers of his epistle. By experience, he says, we have come to know the love of God and we have put our trust in it. The two verbs know and believe (rely) go together. Writes A. E.

Brooke, The growth of knowledge and the growth of faith act and react on each other. ��30��) ) Doctrinal Considerations in 4:13 16a) Abide with me, prays Henry F. Lyte in his evening song. And rightly so. John, however, tells the believer that if he confesses the divine sonship of Jesus, God abides in him and he in God. Confession, of course, includes a readiness to obey God s commands (3:24). Moreover, the follower of Christ ought to walk as Jesus walked (2:6); then rightfully he can claim to live in Christ.) Throughout his epistle John assures us that we live in God and he in us.

We have new life in him (2:6, 24, 27 28; 3:6, 24; 4:12 13, 15 16) and are fully conscious of our life in Christ (2:5; 5:20).��31��) ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 4:15) E� �� whoever, anyone. The combination is followed by the verb A�������� (he confesses) in the aorist subjunctive. The aorist signifies single action and the subjunctive uncertainty.) 8����� ���� A �1x� ��� ���� Jesus is the Son of God. If the subject is a proper noun, & it may be anarthrous while the predicate has an article. ��32��) ) D. Live in Love) 4:16b 21) God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 17 In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. 18 There is no fear in love.

But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.) 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, I love God, yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.) ) 1. God Is Love) 4:16b 17) Some translators and commentators mark a new paragraph beginning in the middle of verse 16.��33�� The reason for this division of the chapter is that there is some parallelism regarding the word love in 4:7, 4:11, and 4:16b. These verses, and the sections they represent, develop the theme love. Thus, Raymond E.

Brown observes: They both begin and end with an emphasis on God s love. ��34��) 16b. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.) Why is John repeating the statement God is love (v. 8)? In the preceding section John defines what love is, where it originates, and how it develops. But in verses 16b 18, he tells the reader the purpose of love: God s love, living within a believer, ensures confidence, expels fear, and encourages him to be like Christ (2:6).) God is love. God, whose essence is love, approaches his people in love.

John reveals that anyone who lives in this divine love lives in God and God in him. This brief passage is what C. H. Dodd calls the high-water mark of the thought of this epistle. ��35�� The love of God guarantees life and life reveals itself in love. Note the repetitious use of the terms God, love, and lives in this verse.) 17. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.) We make three observations:) a.

Love made complete) The translators of the New International Version have decided not to include the words by this. In the Greek, the words by this ( in this way, NIV) stand at the beginning of the verse. They can refer either to what precedes or to what follows. If they refer to what follows, then the rest of verse 17 is an explanation of the expression by this. If we understand it as such, the verse gives rise to a curious inconsistency: why is love made perfect now so that in the day of judgment we will have confidence? Perhaps it is better to link the words by this to the preceding verses.

Because we love, we live in God and he lives in us; by this, love is made complete among us. Elsewhere John uses similar constructions that refer to the preceding context (3:10, 19).) What is the meaning of love that is made complete? Explains James Montgomery Boice, [Made complete] means whole or mature, and it refers to that state of mind and activity in which the Christian is to find himself when the love of God within him & has accomplished that which God fully intends it to accomplish. ��36��) b. Confidence) When we have fellowship with God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ (1:3), when we remain in the Son and Father (2:24), when God lives in us and we in him (3:24; 4:12, 13, 15), then we are confident that we will not be condemned in the day of judgment. We are confident before God now (2:21) and will be confident when Christ appears in the day of judgment (2:28).) c. Imitating Christ) The reason for our confidence is our conformity to Christ.

Says John, Because in this world we are like him. A more literal translation is, Because as [Christ] is, so also are we in this world (NASB). As Christ has shown us his love, so we show our love to one another in the world in which we live. In the context of this epistle, the love of God in sending his Son is predominant. Also, we are obliged to show love for one another and thus fulfill God s command (3:23). When we imitate the love of Jesus, we need not fear the coming judgment.) ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 4:16b 17) Verse 16b) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.1|AUTODETECT|” A ���� the definite article with the noun determines the subject of ����. The noun ���� is the predicate nominative 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.1|AUTODETECT|” John 1:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��37��) 1 7 2 8 0 0 Verse 17) ��������� boldness. John uses this noun more than does any other New Testament writer. It occurs nine times in his Gospel (7:4, 13, 26; 10:24; 11:14, 54; 16:25, 29; 18:20) and four times in I John (2:28; 3:21; 4:17; 5:14). By contrast, Paul uses it eight times, Luke five times (in Acts), the author of Hebrews four times, and Mark once. The noun originally meant that in the public assembly of the people one may speak out freely one s opinion. ��38��) ���� !��� the preposition ���� with the pronoun in the genitive case seems to mean among us (in our community). ��39��) 2. Love Expels Fear) 4:18) 18.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.) a. There is no fear in love. As faith and doubt cannot exist together in the heart of the believer, so love and fear have nothing in common. Christians who, in fulfillment of God s command, demonstrate their love for God and their neighbor have no fear.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.15|AUTODETECT|” The word fear has two meanings: it can mean alarm, fright or it can signify reverence, respect. ��40�� The latter meaning, of course, does not apply to this text. The believer loves and respects God, but he is not afraid of him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.15|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.17|AUTODETECT|” ). Because of his love for God and the fellowship he enjoys with him, the Christian is not afraid of the day of judgment. Instead, he lives his life on earth in reverent fear 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.17|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” ; also see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 6 2 8 0 0 b. But perfect love drives out fear. What is the meaning of the term perfect love? It is not flawless love; only God has that. ��41�� Rather it is the love that is complete because it instills within us the desire to keep God s commands.��42�� When love comes to expression in the act of loving God and our neighbor, then fear in the sense of fright has no place in our hearts.) c. Because fear has to do with punishment. The reason that fear and love are mutually exclusive is because fear relates to punishment.

In perfect love the idea of punishment is absent. But when there is disobedience, there is fear. And fear of impending punishment already is a penalty. Writes F. F. Bruce, Punishment is the portion of those who through disobedience are condemned already. ��43�� The believer who lives in close communion with God is free from the fear of punishment.

He knows that God punished Jesus Christ in his place on Calvary s cross. Therefore, God does not punish the believer; otherwise Christ s work would be incomplete. God corrects and disciplines but does not punish his children.) d. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. In this last part of the verse, John seeks to instill confidence in the heart of the believer. He puts his thoughts negatively to indicate that the person who fears lacks love.

Unbelief leaves a person disturbed, but the love of God, really known, tranquilizes the heart. ��44��) ) Practical Considerations in 4:17 18) Television viewers are able to witness courtroom sessions almost on a daily basis. We have become accustomed to the judge, jury, defendant, plaintiff, and lawyers. We hear the verdict and see the innocent acquitted and the guilty sentenced. Often we witness the expressions of emotions that no longer can be controlled. These emotions depict at times anxiety and fear, at other times joy and happiness.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.15-66.6.17|AUTODETECT|” Every human being will have to appear before the judgment throne of Christ. Feelings of guilt and remorse will fill the hearts of all those who have refused to obey God s commands, to believe his Word, and to accept Christ as Savior. Their hearts will be filled with fear 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.15-66.6.17|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 6:15 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), for they realize that the Judge will sentence them because of their sin.) 1 11 2 8 0 0 They who have lived in fellowship with the Father and the Son have nothing to fear. Their hearts are filled with joy and love. And they will hear the word acquitted from the lips of Jesus. He will say to the Father, I have paid it all. ) ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 4:18) ����� fear. This noun occurs three times in one sentence with and without the definite article. It is not necessary to have the article with [abstract] qualities. ��45��) ������� punishment.

The noun derives from the verb ������ (I punish). Note that the ending -��� denotes process. The noun has reference to him who suffers. ��46��) 3. Love God and Neighbor) 4:19 21) 19. We love because he first loved us. Man can never claim that his love for God was prior to God s love for him.

God always comes first in loving us, and we respond by loving him. Our love, then, is a copy of his love. He originates love and we follow his example.) The first part of the sentence is incomplete. John writes, We love. But whom do we love? The broader context (vv. 7, 11 12) seems to favor the words one another or each other.

Some ancient manuscripts, however, have the reading him or God to serve as the direct object of the verb love. Therefore, at least two translations have the reading we love him (KJV, NKJV).��47��) 20. If anyone says, I love God, yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.) Possibly John addressed the Gnostic teachers who said that they loved God but in their conduct showed hatred toward Christians. Love for God cannot remain a warm feeling in our hearts that moves vertically to heaven but horizontally fails to reach our fellow man. Genuine love for God and for our neighbor extends both ways.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.26-1.1.27|AUTODETECT|” God created man in his own image and likeness 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.26-1.1.27|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 1:26 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.7|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 11:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.24|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.10|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). He requires us to love man because we are made in that image.��48�� In an entirely different context, which nevertheless expresses the same truth, James writes, With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God s likeness (3:9). Such conduct certainly cannot be right.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 John reverts to an earlier theme. Apart from a few verbal changes, he repeats what he wrote in a preceding chapter: The man who says, I know [God], but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him (2:4). John employs strong language with the term liar to depict the contrast between the truth and the lie.��49��) Some ancient texts present a slightly different reading which puts the last part of the verse in the form of a question. For he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? (NKJV, KJV).) 21. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.37-40.22.40|AUTODETECT|” John concludes his discussion on love by stating the summary of the law (compare 3:23). He provides the essence of the words Jesus spoke during the last week of his ministry: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.37-40.22.40|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:37 40) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.6.5|AUTODETECT|” ). Jesus brought together the first and greatest commandment 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.6.5|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 6:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.18|AUTODETECT|” ) and the second commandment 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.18|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 19:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). God had given these commands to the people of Israel through Moses.) 1 5 2 8 0 0 Jesus and the apostles repeatedly stressed the second part of the summary: Love your neighbor as yourself. ��50�� Why do the writers of the New Testament accentuate love for our neighbor? The answer is twofold: First, because our neighbor bears the image of God. And second, because God gives us the command to love the neighbor.��51��) ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 4:19 20) Verse 19) ������� preceded by !�����, for emphasis, the verb can be either indicative or subjunctive . The context favors the indicative.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.4|AUTODETECT|” ������ this is an adjective, not an adverb: God is the first one who loves 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.4|AUTODETECT|” John 20:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��52��) 1 27 2 8 0 0 Verse 20) �P the Majority Text has the reading ��� (how) instead of �P (not). According to this reading, the sentence is a question.��53�� Metzger, however, thinks that ��� appears to be an improvement introduced by copyists in order to heighten the rhetorical style. ��54��) Summary of Chapter 4) In the opening verses of this chapter John tells the readers to beware of false teachers and to discern the Spirit of God. He encourages the recipients of his letter with the knowledge that they belong to God and he exhorts them to be faithful to the teachings of the apostles.) John admonishes us to cultivate mutual love, for love originates with God. Love is divine, for God is love. God sets the example by sending his Son into the world. And if we show love for one another, God has fellowship with us.

Our acknowledgment that Jesus is the Son of God confirms that God lives in us. Thus we have confidence on the judgment day. Love expels fear. The person who fears does not have perfect love.) John concludes with the statement that if we love God and hate our brother, we are liars. We have received the command to love God and our neighbor.) ) ) ) ) 1 This is a figure of speech called metonymy; that is, there is a relation between two words that evoke one concept. The word spirit stands for teaching.

Consult Louis Berkhof, Principles of Biblical Interpretation (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1950), pp. 83 84.) 2 A. T. Robertson, however, thinks that the particle negates the adjective all. A Grammar of the Greek New Testament in the Light of Historical Research (Nashville: Broadman, 1934), p. 752.) 3 Heidelberg Catechism, question and answer 48.) 4 C. H. Dodd, The Johannine Epistles, Moffatt New Testament Commentary series (New York: Harper and Row, 1946), p. 103.) 5 Rudolf Schnackenburg considers the wording of verses 2 and 3, because of their distinct contrast, a confession of faith that must be considered original.

In short, this confession circulated in the early Christian church. Die Johannesbriefe, Herder s Theologischer Kommentar zum Neuen Testament series, 7th ed. (Freiburg: Herder, 1984), vol. 13, 3, p. 222.) 6 Alfred Plummer, The Epistles of St. John, Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges series (Cambridge: At the University Press, 1896), p. 97.) Moffatt The Bible: A New Translation by James Moffatt) NIV New International Version) 7 Bruce M. Metzger, A Textual Commentary on the New Testament, corrected ed. (London and New York: United Bible Societies, 1975), p. 713.) 8 Refer to Robertson, Grammar, p. 1169. Also consult C. F.

D. Moule, An Idiom-Book of New Testament Greek, 2d ed. (Cambridge: At the University Press, 1960), p. 155.) 9 Metzger, Textual Commentary, p. 713.) 10 Walther G�nther, NIDNTT, vol. 1, p. 651. Also consult Otto Bauernfeind, TDNT, vol. 4, pp. 944 45.) 11 Consult Donald Guthrie, New Testament Theology (Downers Grove: Inter-Varsity, 1981), p. 616.) 12 Refer to Moule, Idiom-Book, p. 73. Also consult H. E. Dana and Julius R.

Mantey, A Manual Grammar of the Greek New Testament (New York: Macmillan, 1967), p. 103.) GNB Good News Bible) 13 Consult R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of the Epistles of St. Peter, St. John, and St.

Jude (Columbus: Wartburg, 1945), p. 492.) 14 In the 26th edition of Nestle-Aland, the editors have indented verses 7 11 to indicate that the words resemble poetry.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.7|AUTODETECT|” 15 Consult M. de Jonge, Geliefden, laten wij elkander liefhebben, want de liefde is uit God, Nederlands Theologisch Tijdschrift 22 (1968): 352 67; also see his article To Love as God Loves 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.7|AUTODETECT|” I John 4:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), in Jesus: Inspiring and Disturbing Presence, trans. John E. Steely (Nashville: Abingdon, 1974), pp. 110 27.) 1 25 2 8 0 0 16 Refer to Plummer, The Epistles of St. John, p. 101.) 17 Refer to A. E. Brooke, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Johannine Epistles, International Critical Commentary series (Edinburgh: Clark, 1964), p. 118. Donald W. Burdick calls the aorist ingressive.

The Letters of John the Apostle (Chicago: Moody, 1985), p. 319.) 18 Consult Robertson, Grammar, p. 794; Dana and Mantey, Manual Grammar, p. 149.) 19 Of the numerous comments on this subject, see especially Karl-Heinz Bartels, NIDNTT, vol. 2, p. 725, and Friedrich B�chsel, TDNT, vol. 4, pp. 739 41.) 20 Consult Lenski, Interpretation of the Epistles, p. 501. And see Bauer, p. 98.) 21 Moule is of the opinion that the perfect and the aorist tenses in this verse are synonymous. Idiom-Book, p. 14.) 22 John Calvin comments that our love ought not be mercenary because we have been loved freely. Commentaries on the Catholic Epistles: The First Epistle of John, ed. and trans. John Owen (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1948), p. 242.) 23 By comparison, John uses the verb thirty-seven times and the noun seven times in his Gospel.) 24 Refer to Calvin, The First Epistle of John, p. 241.) 25 Refer to Johannes Schneider and Colin Brown, NIDNTT, vol. 3, p. 219.) 26 Refer to Robertson, Grammar, pp. 519, 599; Moule, Idiom-Book, p. 72.) 27 Consult Lenski, Interpretation of the Epistles, p. 507.) 28 Robertson, Grammar, p. 894.) 29 B. F.

Westcott, The Epistles of St. John, The Greek Text, with Notes and Addenda (1883; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1964), p. 154.) 30 Brooke, Commentary on the Johannine Epistles, p. 122.) 31 Guthrie, New Testament Theology, pp. 642 43.) 32 Dana and Mantey, Manual Grammar, p. 149.) 33 GNB, NAB, NEB, NIV, and the following commentators see a break in this verse: Brooke, Commentary on the Johannine Epistles, p. 122; Westcott, The Epistles of St. John, p. 155; Kenneth Grayston, The Johannine Epistles, New Century Bible Commentary series (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1984), p. 129; Raymond E. Brown, The Epistles of John, Anchor Bible series (Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1982), vol. 30, p. 590.) 34 Brown, The Epistles of John, p. 545.) 35 Dodd, The Johannine Epistles, p. 118.) 36 James Montgomery Boice, The Epistles of John (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1979), p. 147.) NASB New American Standard Bible) 37 Consult Robertson, Grammar, p. 768.) 38 Hans-Christoph Hahn, NIDNTT, vol. 2, p. 735.) 39 Moule, Idiom-Book, p. 61.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.20|AUTODETECT|” 40 Bauer, p. 863; Thayer, p. 656. A combination of these two meanings appears in the account of the giving of the Ten Commandments. Moses said to the people, Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.20|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 20:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 10 2 8 0 0 41 Burdick, The Letters of John the Apostle, p. 336.) 42 Wilhelm Mundle, NIDNTT, vol. 1, pp. 623 24. Also consult Glenn W. Barker, who says, The experience of the holiness of God s love makes us desire to be even more obedient to his commands. 1 John, the Expositor s Bible Commentary, 12 vols., ed. Frank E. Gaebelein (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981), vol. 12, p. 346.) 43 F. F.

Bruce, The Epistles of John (1970; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979), p. 113. Also consult Johannes Schneider, TDNT, vol. 3, p. 817; Colin Brown, NIDNTT, vol. 3, p. 98.) 44 Calvin, The First Epistle of John, p. 248. The JB has a revealing comment (see the notes on v. 18): It is impossible to combine the love of a son with the fear of a slave. ) 45 Robertson, Grammar, p. 758.) 46 Thayer, p. 353.) KJV King James Version) NKJV New King James Version) 47 Metzger states that some copyists added either the word God or the pronoun him to complete the sentence. Textual Commentary, p. 713.) 48 Refer to Calvin, The First Epistle of John, p. 249.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.4|AUTODETECT|” 49 The term liar occurs ten times in the New Testament, of which two are in the Gospel of John (8:44, 55), five in I John (1:10; 2:4, 22; 4:20; 5:10), and three in the epistles of Paul 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.4|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 3:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.10|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.12|AUTODETECT|” Titus 1:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.27|AUTODETECT|” 50 Here are some of the references: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.27|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.34|AUTODETECT|” John 13:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.12|AUTODETECT|” 15:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.8-45.13.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.8-45.13.9|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 13:8 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.14|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.9|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 4:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.1|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 13:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.8|AUTODETECT|” James 2:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.4.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.4.8|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 4:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.23|AUTODETECT|” I John 3:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 5 2 8 0 0 51 Consult Plummer, The Epistles of St. John, p. 109.) 52 Robertson, Grammar, p. 549.) 53 Arthur L. Farstad and Zane C. Hodges, The Greek New Testament According to the Majority Text (Nashville and New York: Nelson, 1982), p. 712.) 54 Metzger, Textual Commentary, p. 714.) )