1 John

Lesson 5 - Love is Righteousness in Action w/Answers1 John 3:13-24

Bible

We continue our study of 1st John by looking at the subject of love and what true love is in God’s terms. For this reason, I titled this lesson "Love is Righteousness in Action."

May God bless you as you continue with us in this study.

Please read 1 John 3:13-24, and then consider the following:

  1. After reading 1 John 3:13-24, what does John tell us about how we are to "love?" (see 1 John 3:18)
    1. ANSWER: Our actions are how we are to love, not just some sentimental feeling but real actions, and in sincerity and truth, truly caring and wanting nothing but love for each believer.
  2. How did Christ love us? (see 1 John 3:16)
    1. ANSWER: He loved us by dying for us. He gave his life so that we might live. This is how he demonstrated love, and we should be willing to demonstrate our love sacrificially as well.
  3. Read James 1:22-25. What is James telling us about being Christians? Specifically what does he say about hearing the word of God?
    1. ANSWER: James is telling us that it is not sufficient just to hear the word of God; we must put it into action. To love is to be a person of action.
  4. If love means doing something, then what are we specifically to "do" in order to love as Christ loved us? Read Matthew 5:43-48 and Matthew 7:12-27. List each thing Christ tells us to do as his followers.
    1. Matthew 5:43-48
      1. ANSWER: Love your enemy.
    2. Matthew 7:12-27
      1. ANSWER 1: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
      2. ANSWER 2: By putting Jesus’ words into practice, we will become like the wise man who built his house upon the rock.
  5. In light of what we have just studied in the verses above, what is John teaching us about in 1 John 3:17? What is his point in this verse?
    1. ANSWER: If we truly love, then we will not hesitate to share all that God has given us with those we love—particularly our brothers and sisters in Christ who are in need. How can we say that we love them if we are not willing to do anything for them, or to help meet their need? Jesus shows us that love is action and love is sacrifice. We do not have the love of Christ in us if we will not do either or both of these things.
  6. What is the greatest commandment, and what is the second greatest commandment? Why? See Matthew 22:34-40.
    1. ANSWER: Jesus answers this question directly in these verses. He replied: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Jesus tells us that everything hangs on these two commandments. Therefore, if we are true believers, these two commandments should guide our every step.
  7. What are some examples of love in action that you can find in the Bible?
    1. ANSWER 1: Jesus on the Cross. (Matthew 27:32-56)
    2. ANSWER 2: The story of Ruth and Boaz. (The Book of Ruth)
    3. ANSWER 3: The parable of the Good Samaritan. (Luke 10:25-37)
  8. Righteous love, i.e., the kind of love God has for us, requires us to do many things, some of which we may not naturally want to do. Read the following chapters and list the things done in love that are common in all three stories: Genesis Chapters 33 and 45, and Numbers Chapter 12.
    1. ANSWER: We see in these three stories several things related to love: forgiveness, restoration, embracing, gift giving, and intercession. Clearly God was at the center of each act of love, and everything done in love was genuine, honest, and done with no selfish motivation. Just as Jesus loves and forgives us unconditionally, these three stories demonstrate those principles.

Have a great week everyone.

In Christ,

Wes

[2021]

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