1 John 4:16
This sermon explores the depth of God's love as revealed through Christ and the importance of abiding in that love.
John Gill emphasizes the profound understanding and belief in God's love as demonstrated through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, who serves as the propitiation for our sins. He explains that true knowledge of God's love leads to a life of faith and love towards God and others, highlighting the reciprocal relationship between dwelling in love and God's presence in our lives. Gill encourages believers to fully embrace this love, which is the essence of God's nature.
Text
Ver. 16. And we have known and believed,.... Or have a full assurance and knowledge of, and faith in,
the love that God hath to us; shown as in many instances, so more especially in sending his Son to be the propitiation for our sins, to be the Saviour of us, and that we might live through him.
God is love; See Gill on "1Jo 4:8":
and he that dwelleth in love; who dwells by faith upon the love of God as displayed in Christ, and abides in the exercise of love to God and to the saints:
dwelleth in God, and God in him; See Gill on "1Jo 4:13"; the last clause, "and God in him", is left out in the Syriac version.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding God's Love
- The Assurance of Faith
- Christ as Our Propitiation
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II
- The Nature of God as Love
- Living in Love
- The Relationship Between God and Believers
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III
- The Importance of Abiding in Love
- The Evidence of God's Presence
- The Call to Love One Another
Key Quotes
“We have known and believed the love that God hath to us.” — John Gill
“God is love.” — John Gill
“He that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” — John Gill
Application Points
- Reflect on the ways God has shown His love in your life.
- Make a conscious effort to express love to others as a reflection of God's love.
- Seek to deepen your relationship with God by abiding in His love daily.