Father’s Day often brings messages about responsibility, leadership, and stepping up, but Pastor Kevin’s message, Love, brings the focus back to the foundation of it all. God is love, and everything we know about true love begins with Him. Through 1 John 2:7- 14, believers are reminded to love God, love one another, walk in the light, and continue growing in faith.
God is Love
John begins by reminding believers of an old commandment that is also new (1 John 7-8). The command to love God and love others was not unfamiliar. It had been taught throughout the Old Testament and Jesus mentions it in the New Testament.
-
-
-
- Leviticus 19:18 “… you shall love your neighbor as yourself”
- Deuteronomy 6:5 “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”
- John 13:34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”
-
-
1 John 4:7-8 teaches that love comes from God, and those who truly know Him should reflect His love in their lives. Our parents, spouses, children, and friends may love us deeply, but God is the source of perfect love. He created us, knows us, and loves us fully.
Light Versus Darkness
John makes a clear contrast between light and darkness. (1 John 9-11)
God is light, truth, and love. Satan represents darkness, deception, and hate. When believers allow hate, grudges, jealousy, or division to grow in their hearts, they are no longer walking in the clear direction God has provided.
Darkness blinds people from seeing where they are going. It causes them to stumble into sin, damaged relationships, bitterness, and spiritual danger. But God shines light into our lives.
Walk in Faith
John addresses little children, young men, and fathers (1 John 12-14). While these words can apply to physical age, they also give a picture of spiritual growth.
-
-
-
- A child in the faith is someone who has trusted Christ and received forgiveness. They are secure in their salvation but still need to learn, grow, and mature in God’s Word.
- A young man in the faith is strong and learning to fight spiritual battles. They are growing in their understanding of God’s truth and learning how to overcome the attacks of the enemy.
- A father in the faith has walked with God over time. They have experienced battles, learned from difficult seasons, and gained wisdom that can help lead others.
-
-
“The Christian walk is not static. Have you noticed we don’t just go around and and just try to get people to to just come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and all right, you’re done. That’s it. No more for you. What do we want? We want them to grow, right? We want them to give them a copy of God’s word. We want them to read God’s word. We want them to study God’s word because we want them to grow from a child spiritually to a young man to eventually a father in the faith.”
– Pastor Kevin
A simple children’s song says, “Read your Bible, pray every day, and you’ll grow, grow, grow.” The message is simple, but it is true. Spiritual growth does not happen by accident. It happens as believers spend time with God and allow His Word to transform them.
Watch This Week's Sermon
To watch other past sermons, visit our Sermon Page