Love – 1 John 4:7-21

This quarter’s theme has been on the distinguishing marks of the Christian.  We realize, of course, that thirteen lessons probably cannot fully exhaust our discussion of all of what should be considered distinguishing marks of the Christian.

That is a necessary limitation upon the format of a Sunday School literature.  However, while we may not have talked about all of the distinguishing marks of the Christian, I believe this lesson today is a fitting conclusion for…

Big Idea:Love is the primary distinguishing mark of the Christian.

1. The Demonstration of Love, vv. 7-10.

Discussion: Maybe our first task in studying this scripture should be to define love.  There are various ideas in our society about what love is.  What does it mean to love others in the context of John’s writing?
(You may want to study verses nine and ten as you discuss this question.)

Discussion:Consider.  What does John mean when he says, “Love is of God”?

Discussion:In verses seven, twelve and sixteen, John tells us how to identify the true Jesus follower.  In so doing he does not place the burden of proof on any external standard nor does he place the burden of proof on the “new birth.”  Instead, John say, “every one that loveth is born of God.”  What is the significance of this?  Are there dangers involved here?  Why or why not?

Discussion:What does it mean for us to love each other in the same way that God loved, as recorded in verses nine and ten?

2. The Effects of Love, vv. 11-16.

Discussion:How does the gift of the Holy Spirit to the believer connect with love as an identifying characteristic of the Christian?  Also, connect with this the testimony that Jesus is the Son of God.

3. The Perfection of Love, vv. 17-21.

Discussion:How does our love for God and other people give us boldness?

Discussion:John says in verse nineteen that the reason why we love is because God first loved us.  Is this reason for love strong enough for us to love anyone despite whatever they have done?  Why?