Thesis: Many people call themselves a Christian or even like the idea of being called a Christian. But of the many characteristics that accompany a person actually being a Christian, what is the single most identifiable mark of a true Christian?
1 John has many marks of a true believer, but they all find their foundation and validity in the heart of loving other believers. This love biblically is:
I. SUPERNATURAL (v.22) * Romans 5 says love has been poured into us * Can't hate other Christians and love God * "obedience" = faith, which is given by God * Where Jesus commands, he enables
II. PURIFIED (v.22) * Christ has cleaned heart to enable Spirit of love * You are not the same, you are new creation * Christian's object of love is Christ - He died for those he loved, we should love them too * Purified heart has ability to choose to love * Naturally, we love self, salvation gives us ability to love others
III. MANIFESTS IN THE CHURCH BODY (v.22) * is sincere (not hypocritical) (1 John 3:18) * impossible without gospel living * "fervent" - fully done, sacrificing self * understand how God has loved you
IV. REASONED (v.23) * Other believers are children of God
CONCLUSION: Fix your eyes on gospel, Jesus and his work on the cross. Remember the salvation he has wrought in you and others - that will provoke you to love one another.
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