DO YOU LOVE YOUR BROTHER? (3 OF 14)
Scripture: 1 JOHN 2:7-11
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Do You Love Your Brother? (3 of 14)
THE BOOK OF I JOHN
Dan Rodgers
I John 2:7-11
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
INTRODUCTION:
In our last lesson, we looked at John's teaching on Jesus as our Heavenly Advocate (vv. 1, 2). An Advocate is one who defends another. And that's exactly what Jesus does for us--He is our Defense Attorney with the Father.
Then beginning in (vs. 3), John gives a litmus test for those who profess to know God (vv. 3-6). It is a wonderful thing to know that when we do sin, forgiveness is available; however, the Bible points out that sin will not be a way of life for the true believer.
This evening, in (vv. 7-11), our lesson has to do with another identifying mark of the true believer, brotherly love. One of the defining characteristics of Christianity is love...for "God is Love."
ILLUS: M. R. De Hann, of the Radio Bible Class, wrote the following, "A service station should provide what its name implies. Yet gas stations that offer free service seem to be a thing of the past.
In an article for the Detroit Free Press, Ellen Warren asked, "Can we get service at a service station?" She wasn't talking merely about nostalgia but about basic services such as free air, clean and accessible restrooms, and road maps (at least ones to look at).
Warren located one station that did live up to its name, however. A sign out in front read: "Last and only gas station that offers FREE air and water, cold drinking water, clean restrooms, towels and hand fresheners, fuel gloves, travel information. Always open."
De Hann continues, "Expecting love from Christians should be just as reasonable as expecting service from a service station. The Thessalonians had been "taught by God to love one another" (1 Thessalonians 4:9), so Paul said he didn't need to write them about brotherly love. And Jesus told His disciples that love would identify them as His followers (John 13:35).
A service station without service is a contradiction. So is a C ...
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