The Mark of True Christianity
11.15.2020
11.15.2020
There is one thing that has stood as the mark of true Christianity for 2000 years…love. This week we study 1 John 2:7-11 where the see the effect of love, the source of love, the definition of love, and the threat to love. We pray that the message of 1 John 2:7-11 would change us all so that we truly shine like lights in a dark world.
As divisiveness continues to define our community, our country, and our world, hatred likewise threatens to hinder the believer’s fellowship with God, the Church’s fellowship with one another, and our witness to a warring world. How is the Church to live and love amidst such hostility? In this week’s message of the This We Know: A Journey in 1 John series, Tyler Briggs delivers a timely call for the Church to live in the Light, live like Christ, and shine amidst the darkness.
Point #1: You shine like lights when you love one another (1 John 2:7-8)
John reminds his “beloved” audience of the “old commandment” they have been taught to love one another, as well as their new understanding of love through the teachings, life, death, and resurrection of Christ. As God’s Son defined and displayed the divine light, God’s people are to likewise shine as lights amidst the darkness with loving attitudes and actions.
Point #2: You love one another when you abide in the Light. (1 John 2:9-10)
In 1 John 2:9-10, John proposes love as the 2nd test for fellowship with God. Hatred towards a fellow Christian is a sure sign that you are not walking in fellowship with God – who is Light. In contrast, those who actively love other Christians do so because they are walking in right fellowship with God.
Point #3: You are unable to shine when you harbor hate. (1 John 2:11)
When it comes to hate, the stakes are high. Harboring hatred compromises the believer’s fellowship with God and hinders the Church’s unity and witness to a watching world. Walking in darkness will only multiply the problems of those refusing to confess their hate and repent to love their brother or sister.
Application