In this message from 1 John 3:11-24, Pastor Kevin reminds the church that love is not just something Christians talk about. It is something we live out. John brings together three major themes of 1 John: Love, Truth, and Assurance of Salvation. Because God loves us, we are called to love one another. Because God gives us truth, we are called to speak and live truthfully. Because God gives us His Spirit, believers can have confidence that salvation is secure in Christ.
Love
From the very beginning, God’s message to humanity has been centered on love (1 John 3:11).
Christians are called to love one another in the church, not just the people who are easy to love. We are also called to love people in the world by caring for them, praying for them, and sharing the gospel with them. We do not love sin, but we do love people enough to point them toward Jesus.
Three Attributes of Christian Love
• Unconditionally: Loving without expecting a transactional payback or personal gain in return.
• Sacrificially: Willingly laying down our personal comforts, time, and desires for the good of others, following the ultimate standard set by Jesus when He laid down His life for us (1 John 3:16).
• Personally: Building authentic, relational trust with others rather than attempting to evangelize through cold judgment.
If someone has a need and we have the ability to help, our love should move us to respond. Love is not just saying the right thing. Love serves, gives, helps, and reflects the heart of Christ.
Truth
To tell someone the truth is an act of love (1 John 3:18). It may not always be easy, but love does not hide what is right. If someone is walking toward harm, sin, or destruction, truth speaks up.
God’s Word is truth. It is the straight measuring stick by which everything else is judged. Pastor Kevin referenced D.L. Moody’s illustration that the best way to show a crooked stick is not to argue about it, but to place a straight stick beside it. Jesus is the perfect standard, and God’s Word shows us what is true.
Satan brings lies, deception, confusion, and destruction. God brings truth, light, life, and clarity. That is why believers must stay grounded in Scripture and refuse to be led by deception.
Truth and love belong together. If we love someone, we should tell them the truth with grace. If we see a brother or sister in need, truth should move us to action. If we see someone trapped in sin, love should move us to speak with humility and care.
Assurance of Salvation
Pastor Kevin reminds us that God does not leave His children guessing. One of the greatest gifts granted to a believer is spiritual security. There are days when we may not feel particularly holy or sanctified, but our standing before God is not based on fleeting emotions, it is grounded in His promises. (1 John 3:19).
Believers can have confidence before God because salvation is not based on how holy we feel on a given day. It is based on Jesus Christ and the work He has done. The Holy Spirit convicts us, guides us, teaches us, and helps us grow.
Belief in Jesus and love for others are marks of a true follower of Christ.
Commandment’s should not be a burden to us (1 John 3:24). If you’re a believer in Christ, you have the Holy Spirit inside of you and you will keep His Commandments.
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