The Way to Love 1 John 5:1-12 SS Lesson for 03/25/2007

The Way to Love 1 John 5:1-12 SS Lesson for 03/25/2007 Devotional Scripture: John 14:21-27 OUTLINE INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW AND APPROACH TO LESSON LESSON INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator MAJOR THEME ANALYSIS FOUNDATION OF GOD'S WAY TO LOVE (1 JOHN 5:1-3) Faith (vs 1) Foundation of faith because it is through faith we become the loving children of God (John 1:11-13) Foundation of faith because it is through faith that we know the God of love (1 John 4:7-8) Foundation of faith because it is through faith we can say Jesus is our loving Lord (Rom 10:6-10) Foundation of faith because it is through faith that God lives in us to love one another (1 John 4:12-14) Obedience (vs 2-3) Foundation of obedience because it is through obedience that God has promised His faithfulness (Deut 7:9) Foundation of obedience because it is through obedience that God has a covenant of love with us (Dan 9:4) Foundation of obedience because it is through obedience that we are part of God's family (Matt 12:46-50) Foundation of obedience because it is through obedience that proves our love of God (John 14:15) Foundation of obedience because it is through obedience that we walk in love (2 John 1:6) VICTORY OF GOD'S WAY TO LOVE (1 JOHN 5:4-5) Overcoming the world (vs 4) Overcoming the world by being more than conquerors (Rom 8:37-39) Overcoming the world through victory over death (1 Cor 15:56-57) Overcoming the world because God, who is in us, is greater than the one in the world (1 John 4:4) Overcoming the world so that the second death will not hurt us (Rev 2:11) An overcoming Savior (vs 5) We have an overcoming Savior because Jesus overcame the world (John 16:33) We have an overcoming Savior because Jesus has driven out the prince of this world (John 12:31-32) We have an overcoming Savior because Jesus is preparing a place for us in heaven (John 14:1-3) We have an overcoming Savior because Satan is under the feet of Jesus (1 Cor 15:26-27) We have an overcoming Savior because Jesus disarmed powers and authorities through the cross (Col 2:15) We have an overcoming Savior because on one can take Jesus' life from Him (John 10:16-18) We have an overcoming Savior because no one has power over Jesus (John 19:10-11) BASIS OF GOD'S WAY TO LOVE (1 JOHN 5:6-10) Agreement of the Spirit, water and blood (from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary) God's witness (vs 6-8) God's witness of Jesus being His Son (Matt 3:16-17) God's witness through giving Jesus the right to give life (John 5:26-27) God's witness about Jesus, who He sent into the world (John 8:18) God's witness through glorifying Himself through Jesus (John 8:54) God's witness through the Holy Spirit (John 15:26) God's witness through Jesus' vindication (1 Tim 3:16) Man's witness (vs 9-10) Man's witness that Jesus is the Son of God (John 1:32-34) Man's witness that Jesus is the Word of life (1 John 1:1-3) Man's witness that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matt 16:15-18) Man's witness that Jesus has the words of eternal life and is the Holy One of God (John 6:67-69) Man's witness that Jesus is God (John 16:29-31) The Way to Love Page 1 of 11 SS Lesson for 03/25/2007

OUTCOME OF GOD'S WAY TO LOVE (1 JOHN 5:11-12) God promise of eternal life (vs 11) Eternal life through belief in Jesus (John 3:16) Eternal life through knowledge of God (John 17:3) Eternal life is the gift of God (Rom 6:23) Eternal life through faith (Titus 1:2) Jesus provision of eternal life (vs 12) Jesus provides eternal life through belief (John 3:36) Jesus provides eternal life through His words and through His coming from God (John 5:24) Jesus provides eternal life through being the bread from heaven (John 6:48-51) Jesus provides eternal life through being the resurrection and the life (John 11:25) Jesus provides eternal life through being the life of the believer (Col 3:4) CONCLUSION AND OTHER THOUGHTS CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE NIV STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR PRACTICAL POINTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR HEART OF THE LESSON FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR Believe in Jesus (1 John 5:1-5) God revealed Jesus (1 John 5:610) Life in the Son (1 John 5:11-12) The Way to Love Page 2 of 11 SS Lesson for 03/25/2007

Introduction Overview and Approach to Lesson The lesson's outline came from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary. The lesson examines the way of Love. The study's aim is to show there is a fellowship of love between God and believers based on a faith that overcomes the world. The study's application is to understand that admittance into the family of God will exclude all who refuse to accept God's redemptive love. Lesson Introduction and Background From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary God has tried to teach his children the way of love. At the beginning he provided generously for Adam and Eve. He even allowed them to exercise their freewill choice. Time and again in the history of Israel, he lovingly rescued his people from oppression. When they sinned, he corrected them. When they repented, he forgave them. When they prayed, he opened the windows of Heaven to pour out blessings on them. Most of all, he sent Jesus to die on the cross for them. No greater example of love has ever been known. We have been shown the way to love. Will we be stubborn, or will we learn? This is the final chapter in John s first epistle, written near the end of the first century ad. The special problem of those who originally received the letter was a heresy called gnosticism, or at least an early version of it. This teaching placed little value on faith, love, or obedience. Instead, the gnostics said that secret knowledge was the way to Heaven. (The word gnosis means knowledge and is found within the English words diagnosis and prognosis.) As John brings his teaching to a conclusion, he puts all his emphasis on being in the right relationship with Jesus Christ. This includes having love for all God s children. From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator As the Apostle John brought his letter to a close, he repeated some themes that he mentioned throughout the epistle. He also stated his reason for writing: "That ye may know that ye have eternal life" (1 John 5:13). Since the Gnostic false teachers were claiming that they alone knew the way to salvation, the beloved disciple wanted his readers to know that the assurance of eternal life came only from following the Son of God. John continued to emphasize, as he had throughout the letter, the importance of loving God and one another, which is a test of true discipleship. Willingness to obey the Lord's commands also was identified as a sign of the saved. Indeed, how can one claim to know the Lord and disobey His teachings. Yet this was a logical outcome of Gnostic belief. The false teachers asserted that flesh was inherently evil and that what was done in the flesh was of little consequence. Paul addressed a similar issue when he asked, "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" (Rom. 6:1-2). The purpose of accepting Christ is not to be able to do as we please but to do what pleases the Lord! Major Theme Analysis (Scriptural Text from the New King James Version; cross-references from the NIV) Foundation of God's Way to Love (1 John 5:1-3) 1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. The Way to Love Page 3 of 11 SS Lesson for 03/25/2007

Faith (vs 1) Foundation of faith because it is through faith we become the loving children of God (John 1:11-13) 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. Foundation of faith because it is through faith that we know the God of love (1 John 4:7-8) Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. Foundation of faith because it is through faith we can say Jesus is our loving Lord (Rom 10:6-10) 6 But the righteousness that is by faith says: "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down) 7 "or 'Who will descend into the deep?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Foundation of faith because it is through faith that God lives in us to love one another (1 John 4:12-14) 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 13 We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. Obedience (vs 2-3) Foundation of obedience because it is through obedience that God has promised His faithfulness (Deut 7:9) 9 Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. Foundation of obedience because it is through obedience that God has a covenant of love with us (Dan 9:4) "O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands, Foundation of obedience because it is through obedience that we are part of God's family (Matt 12:46-50) 47 Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you." 48 He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" 49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." Foundation of obedience because it is through obedience that proves our love of God (John 14:15) 15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command. Foundation of obedience because it is through obedience that we walk in love (2 John 1:6) 6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. The Way to Love Page 4 of 11 SS Lesson for 03/25/2007

Victory of God's Way to Love (1 John 5:4-5) 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? Overcoming the world (vs 4) Overcoming the world by being more than conquerors (Rom 8:37-39) 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from Overcoming the world through victory over death (1 Cor 15:56-57) 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Overcoming the world because God, who is in us, is greater than the one in the world (1 John 4:4) 4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. Overcoming the world so that the second death will not hurt us (Rev 2:11) 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death. An overcoming Savior (vs 5) We have an overcoming Savior because Jesus overcame the world (John 16:33) 33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." We have an overcoming Savior because Jesus has driven out the prince of this world (John 12:31-32) 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." We have an overcoming Savior because Jesus is preparing a place for us in heaven (John 14:1-3) 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. We have an overcoming Savior because Satan is under the feet of Jesus (1 Cor 15:26-27) 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For he "has put everything under his feet." Now when it says that "everything" has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. We have an overcoming Savior because Jesus disarmed powers and authorities through the cross (Col 2:15) 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. The Way to Love Page 5 of 11 SS Lesson for 03/25/2007

We have an overcoming Savior because on one can take Jesus' life from Him (John 10:16-18) 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." We have an overcoming Savior because no one has power over Jesus (John 19:10-11) 10 "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" 11 Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." Basis of God's Way to Love (1 John 5:6-10) 6 This is He who came by water and blood Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one. 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son. 10 He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. Agreement of the Spirit, water and blood (from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary) The gnostic heresy was beginning to emerge in the late first century AD. One element of gnosticism was another false teaching called Docetism. This word means to seem or to appear to be. This false teaching denies that Jesus came in the flesh, only that Jesus seemed to appear in the flesh. John is very concerned about this kind of error: Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist (2 John 7). To counter such falsehood, John presents his own, firsthand evidence. From the beginning of Jesus ministry to its very end, Jesus displayed his deity in bodily form (compare Colossians 2:9). Jesus came by water into his public ministry when he was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Jesus came by blood to the conclusion of his ministry when he was nailed to the cross. The real humanity of Jesus is clearly shown by water and blood. In addition to the testimony of water and blood, the Spirit of God also testifies to Jesus. When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended from Heaven in the form of a dove and rested upon Jesus. It should not be overlooked that the Father testified about Jesus at that baptism (see Matthew 3:16, 17). The Father bore witness again by raising Jesus from the dead (Galatians 1:1), and the Spirit bore witness through the four Gospels. The veracity of the Gospels is assured by the Spirit who inspired them, for the Spirit is the truth. The record borne by the Spirit, the water and the blood is powerful! These three witnesses fulfill the requirements for legal testimony as stated in Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15. Jesus had important things to say about the role of the Spirit, who followed after and confirmed Jesus earthly ministry (see John 14:26; 15:26). Blood has the same meaning here as in verse 6. The blood signified both payment for sin and the reality of Jesus flesh. The three give unanimous testimony; they are in agreement. Jesus is the Son of God who came down to earth in human form. God's witness (vs 6-8) God's witness of Jesus being His Son (Matt 3:16-17) 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." God's witness through giving Jesus the right to give life (John 5:26-27) 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. The Way to Love Page 6 of 11 SS Lesson for 03/25/2007

God's witness about Jesus, who He sent into the world (John 8:18) 18 I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me." God's witness through glorifying Himself through Jesus (John 8:54) 54 Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. God's witness through the Holy Spirit (John 15:26) 26 "When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. God's witness through Jesus' vindication (1 Tim 3:16) 16 Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. Man's witness (vs 9-10) Man's witness that Jesus is the Son of God (John 1:32-34) 32 Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' 34 I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God." Man's witness that Jesus is the Word of life (1 John 1:1-3) 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship Man's witness that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matt 16:15-18) 15 "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. Man's witness that Jesus has the words of eternal life and is the Holy One of God (John 6:67-69) 67 "You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. 68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." Man's witness that Jesus is God (John 16:29-31) 29 Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God." 31 "You believe at last!" Jesus answered. Outcome of God's Way to Love (1 John 5:11-12) 11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. The Way to Love Page 7 of 11 SS Lesson for 03/25/2007

God promise of eternal life (vs 11) Eternal life through belief in Jesus (John 3:16) 16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Eternal life through knowledge of God (John 17:3) 3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. Eternal life is the gift of God (Rom 6:23) 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Eternal life through faith (Titus 1:2) 2 a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, Jesus provision of eternal life (vs 12) Jesus provides eternal life through belief (John 3:36) 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." Jesus provides eternal life through His words and through His coming from God (John 5:24) 24 "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. Jesus provides eternal life through being the bread from heaven (John 6:48-51) 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. 50 But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." Jesus provides eternal life through being the resurrection and the life (John 11:25) 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; Jesus provides eternal life through being the life of the believer (Col 3:4) 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Conclusion and Other Thoughts Concluding Thoughts from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary Jesus is the way. He is God s way, the right way. In fact, he is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through him (see John 14:6). If Christianity is criticized for claiming to be the only true religion, it is only repeating the claims of its founder. It may not be politically correct these days to say there is only one way to Heaven, but that is what the church must say to be faithful to her Lord. Victorious faith enables us to love as Jesus loved. A review of today s text shows us what this includes. The Way to Love Page 8 of 11 SS Lesson for 03/25/2007

Verses 1 and 2 say that we should love all God s family. When Jesus walked this earth, he extended his love to all who would respond to God s call. We follow Jesus in this way of love. Verse 3 says that we should keep all God s commandments. Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:8). Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him (see Hebrews 5:8, 9). We remember that following the way of love includes obeying God s commands. Verses 4 and 5 say that we are to have faith to overcome all this world s opposition. When Jesus faced opposition, he put his trust in the Father. He faced the temptations in the desert, for instance, by relying on God s Word. He faced the prospect of death on the cross by turning to God in prayer in the garden. We can be more than conquerors through this kind of overcoming faith. Verses 6 through 10 say that we are to believe all God s testimony. When Jesus quoted Scripture, he showed that he believed it to be true. He used Adam and Eve to establish what is right in marriage (see Matthew 19:4 6). He used Noah and the flood to teach about the second coming (see Matthew 24:37). He used Jonah to teach about his own resurrection (see Matthew 12:40). Jesus accepted these accounts as true. We should have the same view of God s Word as Jesus did: Scripture cannot be broken (John 10:35). Verses 11 and 12 say that the person of faith will receive God s reward. When Jesus put his trust in God and did as his Father told him, God raised him from the dead. Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (see Philippians 2:9 11). Today, Christ Jesus, who died more than that, who was raised to life is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us (Romans 8:34). We should take God at his Word and never doubt his promises. Then we will have eternal life in his Son. Concluding Thoughts from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator The Word of God is precise and crystal clear in declaring the way of love manifested through His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. As much as unregenerate man may try, he cannot add, subtract, or replace God's way to love. As believers, our lives should be so flavored and motivated by His love for us that our walk, talk, and thoughts reflect that love to others with whom we come in contact or who may observe us. God's way of love should be made known through the lives of His people. That is our spiritual responsibility. As His people, we have the great privilege to be His witnesses. The Evangelist Luke wrote a message of truth and responsibility for all believers. He said, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8). This commission by Christ to His disciples gave them all they needed to go forth with the glorious message of the gospel, which is life in Christ. It is God's way to love. When asked whether he would like to go to heaven when he dies, the average person will usually say yes. If that person was asked what he knew about God's love, he probably would be even more limited in his answer. The way to love is to know God's love. Once a person has a personal relationship with God through Jesus, he can then express the love of God that is within him to others. In other words, it is impossible for a person to truly show the love of God to others if he does not have the love of God within him. Once we have experienced the miracle of the new birth in Christ and have personally been indwelt with God's love, then and only then can we show that love to others. The first one to receive the expression of our love is God Himself. In Mark's Gospel we read, "And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, 0 Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment" (12:28-30). The way to love after accepting Christ, who is the focus of His Father's love, is to reflect God's love. In writing about loving God being the first commandment, Mark goes on to say, "And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these" (vs. 31). Jesus is not only the focus of His Father's love but is also the channel for His Father's love to mankind. He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). One of the things that captured the hearts of the African believers was the tremendous love the missionaries showed toward them. Family ties are extremely strong among the Africans. They expressed great love for the missionaries who had left family and friends to bring the gospel to them. The Way to Love Page 9 of 11 SS Lesson for 03/25/2007

Practical Points from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator 1. If we are born again, there will be no doubt about our love for God and for His children (1 John 5:1-2) 2. Love for God cannot be separated from obedience to Him (vs. 3) 3. In order to have daily victory over the temptations of the world, we must consistently exercise faith in God (vs. 4-5) 4. We need never be embarrassed by the biblical testimony God has given to His Son (vs. 6-10) 5. Eternal life is found in Jesus Christ alone, and that must always be the focus of our testimony (vs. 11-12) Heart of the Lesson from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator In this week's lesson we explore the way to love. Love is hard to define, but the way to love has been made clear to us. The world is starving for lack of true love. One is reminded of the work of Mother Teresa in the slums and roadsides of busy Calcutta. She founded the order of the Sisters of Charity because she felt a need to give dignity to the dying on the streets of that busy city. Mother Teresa attributed her work and zeal to the transformation that came through Jesus. Believe in Jesus (1 John 5:1-5) It is not easy to understand this concept, but we are called to trust in Jesus as the Son of God. It was a term that God Himself used of Jesus. It was God's way of showing us clearly the intimacy that exists in the relationship between the Father and His Son Jesus. As Christian believers we are called to believe in the Son of God in order to become God's children. We learn to love the Father, and from that we learn to love others in the body of Christ, the church. When we truly love God, we will keep His commandments and obey Him from our hearts. This does not come naturally to us, but when we set our hearts in the right direction, God enables us with His power and gives us the victory we need. We cannot really win the battles in the world unless we have supernatural power. This is the power that comes from believing that Jesus is truly the Son of the eternal God. One of the biggest battles we face daily is to love the unlovable. We have to put pride aside and choose to love with the power of Jesus within us. When the life of the Son is within us, the impossible becomes possible and we do those things that are pleasing to God. We learn to love others. God revealed Jesus (1 John 5:610) The people of Jesus' time wondered at His miracles, but it was at the time of His baptism that He was truly publicly identified as the Son of God. He was revealed again at the cross when He was publicly crucified and God acknowledged Him as His Son. The people standing around who watched Him die saw evidence that He was indeed God's Son. It was the Holy Spirit who gave testimony of Jesus' Sonship at His baptism and crucifixion. He descended on Jesus at His baptism, and He confirms in believers' hearts that Jesus' death verifies His Sonship. This was a harmonious testimony that came from the heart of God and that was credible, even more credible than any human witness. Those who put their faith in Jesus know that Jesus is the Son of God. When we do not believe what God has clearly told us, we call God a liar. Life in the Son (1 John 5:11-12) There is no life without Jesus, for He is the source of all life. John brings out this idea so clearly in his letter. Here is what God has clearly told us. We receive the gift of eternal life when we put our faith in Jesus as the Son of God. There is no other way to heaven and life with God except through Jesus our Lord and what He has done for us on the cross. When we have Jesus, we have true eternal life; when we reject Jesus, we can never have eternal life with Him. The way to love is to first accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour of our lives. Then we wilt have the power to love. Jesus, the Son of God, gives us the power to help us live effectively in this world. The Way to Love Page 10 of 11 SS Lesson for 03/25/2007

The Way to Love Page 11 of 11 SS Lesson for 03/25/2007