BECAUSE GOD IS LOVE1 John 4:7 - 21

1. GOD’S LOVE – 3 DEFINITIONS

1. the benevolence of God, in providing salvation for men, … by sending his Son to them and giving him up to death, John 3:16; Rom. 8:37; …; 1 John 4:11,19

2. of the love which led Christ, in procuring human salvation, to undergo sufferings and death, Gal. 2:20; Eph. 5:2;

3. of the love with which God regards Christ, John 3:35

1. GOD IS LOVE, V 8, 16

•Nature versus actions:•Not - creator, ruler, provider•Being, DNA, a primary part of His nature•Let love …. Because He is love (not because creator…)

2. GOD HAS REVEALED HIS LOVE TO US IN HIS ACTIONS;

1. God came in human flesh - like we are. •Adam “alone”; one “suitable” for him. Gen 2:18f• John 1:1-4, 14

•His love nature begets relationships that are personal.

2. GOD HAS REVEALED HIS LOVE TO US IN HIS ACTIONS;

2. Through a Father’s love for His Son. •Son, not prophet. 1 John 4:9, 10, 14, 15; 4x•Only Begotten•Exact representation – identical twin•God is one.

•“My Father” - began with Christ. 36x. 4x.

2. GOD HAS REVEALED HIS LOVE TO US IN HIS ACTIONS;

2. Through a Father’s love for His Son. •The “Father-love” verses.

2. GOD HAS REVEALED HIS LOVE TO US IN HIS ACTIONS;

3. God sent His Son that He delighted in, that He loved, to purchase salvation through His humiliating, painful death for humanity.•To give us life. 1 John 4:9-10

3. LOVE ORIGINATES AND PROCEEDS FROM GOD TO GIVE LIFE.

•1 John 4:7, “love is from God.”•When we are born of Christ, we inherit the Father-love through Christ. •1 John 5:1•Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6

4. GOD ENABLES BELIEVERS TO LOVE BY HIS SPIRIT BORN IN US.

•Love of God and life of God abiding in me enables me to love. •The Spirit abides in us. 1 John 4:13, 16•For the seed of God to live in me. 1 John 3:9•For the love of God to be given to others by me. 1 John 4:7