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Sunday School Lesson I John 3:1, 2, 11-24 The word "love" has lost much of its significance in the language of our day. We use the word to describe anything from the most intimate of relationships to the simple fondness for something, or even a set of circumstances. However, there are two Greek words used in the New Testament that are translated by this one word. The word "phileo" shows "a fondness for" and "agapao" is that "self-giving love shown outwardly with no expectation of return." It is important for us to understand the words, as they were recognized by the people who first heard them spoken, or the first readers of the messages. In what is recognized as the "cover letter" for his gospel, the Apostle John used "agapao" in every instant that we read in this communication. As the apostle began to focus the attention of the readers on the divine provision of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, he wanted them - and us - to grasp a glorious realization. "Behold, what manner of the father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God..." 1 John 3:1a. The acceptance of this divine provision causes one to be "set apart" (2 Corinthians 6:17) from the society in which he or she lives - "therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not." 1 John 3:1b. It becomes important for the believer to make the decision regarding the "life standard" that will control his or her life. There was - and continues to be - the teaching that "eternal life" and the knowledge of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is "always future." The apostle addressed this error. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God..." 1 John 3:2a. The life "in the spirit" has both "present and future" aspects. "... And it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that when he shall appear (John 14:3), we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." 1 John 3:2b,c. This promise carries a personal responsibility. 1 John 3:3. With the existence of many "new revelations," these early believers saw much contradiction, leading to great controversies. The apostle knew that these people - and all believers who would follow - needed to realize the necessity of "remaining in the basics." "For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another." 1 John 3:11; John 13:35. The scriptural illustration that was used pointed these believers to the very beginning of the human race. John spoke of the members of the "first family." Using a "negative example," he wrote, "Not as Cain (Genesis 4:3-8), who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous." 1 John 3:12. These early readers were familiar with the Old Testament account of these two brothers. The same principle applied in the lives of those readers, and continues to guide lives, today. "Marvel not my brethren, if the world hate you." 1 John 3:13. It is not necessary for the world system to "appreciate" those who have determined to make Jesus Christ the lord of his or her life. John often contrasted "life and death" - meaning spiritual life or spiritual death. He gave the "standard" by which each believer can make a personal determination."We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren." 1 John 3:14a. The contrast is clear. "He that loveth not his brother abideth in death." 1 John 3:14b. The apostle addressed a very important issue. "Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him." 1 John 3:15. Yes, there are eternal consequences for our attitudes. John gave a "self-test" regarding our relationship with God. "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he hath laid down his life for us..." 1 John 3:16a. Since Jesus Christ is our example (1 Peter 2:21), there is a divine expectation regarding the lives of believers - "and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." 1 John 3:16b. It is easy for any person to "readily accept the principle" of service to others. However, to "translate into shoe leather" the "lofty principles" of the word of God calls for personal action. "But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" 1 John 3:17. What is our "spiritual score" on this question? The phrase "put your money where your mouth is" has a scriptural basis. "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth." 1 John 3:18. The advice of "spiritual couch potatoes" has no place in the divine plan. These "sources of advice" can "develop plans" for "others" to accomplish the word of God. John wrote, "And hereby we know that we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before him." 1 John 3:19. Using the "self-test" is important for each believer. "For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things." 1 John 3:20.
Yes, we can know God.
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