The answer is, Pentecost. ], The manifestation of unselfish affection, or even the expression of it, is a token of a higher nature in man and a presage of immortality. He would go on holding fellowship with his own soul's visions in the soul's private sanctuary; but he would not demean himself by selling his soul to the man who merely could pay the highest price for it. Yes. GOD SEEKS FOR EVERY MAN THE MOST PERFECT DESTINY; THE MOST PERFECT GOOD. Scripture: 1 John 1. 1 John 4:7-21 The Source. "Love is His innermost nature. God’s holiness and His love are both a part of His nature, and neither negates the other. GOD HAS MADE SUFFICIENT PROVISION TO SECURE EVERY MAN'S HIGHEST GOOD. II. Jesus did not say in so many words, '93God is love.'94 He taught by the inductive method. 58 (trans. II. Williams.]. (1) It may be said that the passages which ascribe affections to God are figurative, and ought not to be taken in a literal sense. Eternal Life Has Appeared in Christ. It is the office of love to seek the final good of its object; to bless the object rather than pamper it; to raise and ennoble and glorify it rather than minister to its passing whims and caprices. The one who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. And the sleepers, sleeping in death's dark night, In Watts' picture entitled '93Love Triumphant,'94 Time and Death have companioned together throughout the ages; and they are at length overthrown and lie prostrate at the feet of Love. In the fair bow athwart the falling shower. He was sent into a world which was altogether "lying in wickedness." We have all things in three syllables. But, by the expression '93God is love,'94 St. John evidently wishes to convey to us the idea that love is the great motive power of the Divine Being. 239. I feel inclined to deny it. Dec 16, 2007. What grace of old reveal'd, that God is Love! Love implies fellowship.'97Love means an outpouring; it cannot exist without an object. Nothing but love has ever reigned on the throne of creation; nothing but love ever will reign. It is equally deep everywhere'97Calvary deep wherever you try it. Dec 3, 1989. Where? This text, if we believe it, will assuage our sorrow, lighten our hearts, and brighten our lives. When God was manifested in Christ, in the man Christ Jesus, that man fulfilled the whole law, of which the second great division is, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. He is self-existent, eternal, holy, merciful, full of grace, immutable, just, omnipotent, omniscient, and many more things besides. We take the words for granted; we speak the word '93God'94 as if we knew all about it, and the great verb '93is,'94 as if it were one of a dozen verbs of equal merit; and '93love,'94 which the boldest lexicographer has never successfully defined, we roll glibly off our tongue. Love is not merely an attribute of God, … In this the … Many years ago at the Tournament of Roses parade the Standard Oil Company, now known as Chevron, had a beautiful float. (2) It may be said that affections are painful, and consequently cannot belong to God, who is perfectly happy. Though summer is over and sweetness done. I did not hear a word of your sermon.'94 '93Well, what was it then that touched you?'94 asked Mr. Moody. AMP. He has no need of the creature, and the exercise of His love did not begin with the creature whom He could love, but it flows and springs eternally in the Love-life of the Triune God. God is love. This brief sentence imparted to John, even during the mere time which he took in writing it, more delight than the whole world can impart. He is infinite in power, wisdom and glory. Scripture: John 1:1–14. They exist merely for the sake of a greater thing than themselves. The Greatest Love. Isaiah 61:1-4,8-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8,19-28 December 11, 2011 Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! But look into old creeds, look into modern philosophy, where God is Force without heart, and Law without pity. WHO SHARES THE LIGHT FROM YOUR DOORWAY? It includes the mind. God's love is a sufficient guarantee for the future.'97Our immortality is a necessity to God. Beyond these there is something still sacreder and more precious — the spirit. 2. 1. There is not, even if we deify natural forces, one God of sun, and another of wind, since sun and wind manifest the same power. Real genius must express itself, even for its own sake. December 11, 2020 bw Leave a comment Tell the children at the beginning of worship to go and find an object or a picture that gives a clue about who they are and one example of who they are not. "It all begins with God's love. God may loose the tongue so that it may shout and sing to the praise of eternal Love, but the intellect remains powerless. In the week, as he walked by the shore pondering his discourse, he came upon a child at play. Everyone was excited about meeting their new pastor and hearing him preach. John’s teaching here assumes that behind all truth in the spiritual realm is the Spirit of truth (John 14:17; 15:26). '93Of course!'94 you say. And these are two of the Divine attributes which, when we reflect on the Godhead by Himself, tend most satisfactorily to prove His benevolence in condescending to interfere for the salvation of mankind. We Use the highest to light the lowest. Scripture: John 1:1–5. 1 John 4:8. Below is a sermon manuscript from John 15:1-8 which I preached about 10 years ago. Love is the central emotion in God.'97When the Apostle tells us that God is love, he means to say, not that God has this attribute and no other, and not that He has this attribute paramount to others; for, as the attributes of any mind must partake of the character of the mind which exercises them, so the attributes of God must partake of the essence of God, and be in all aspects, therefore, infinite and Divine; none, therefore, can be more than infinite, none less than Divine. Mar 12, 1995. When? Sermon. Are you not glad for your own sakes that God is love? John Piper Feb 3, 2012 3.1K Shares Sermon. He also told his disciples, “You are the light of the world,” and told them to let their light shine that people, seeing their good works, might glorify their Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16). Children's Sermons. '93As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live.'94 If we are chastened, therefore, it is not for His pleasure, but for our profit, '93for what son is there whom his father chasteneth not?'94 As the sun calls forth the very clouds that hide his face for a season till the tender rain falls that brightens the earth anew, so also His love, at times, may darken the face of heaven to us till the bitter-sweet tears of repentance restore the light to us again. Let me address careless sinners in the language of warning and reproof. 1. Dec 3, 1989. One way is demonstrated by John. III. Jones (J. M.), The Cup of Cold Water, 155. Have an example such as, I might bring my running shoes as I’m an avid runner and a plant as I am not a gardner. Though countless be the notes, that God is Love! He has been telling it unweariedly through the ages. '93What was it in the sermon that touched you?'94 The man replied, '93There was nothing in the sermon that touched me. You will then know the end and will be able to find the reason. ), A Truth for To-day, 53. 1 John 4:8-10 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. John Piper Oct 5, 2008 176 Shares Sermon. (3) Imitate this God of love, and seek, through grace, to resemble your heavenly Father. Yet of this much we are assured, that His power is such, as to be incapable of being controlled, and that His happiness is such, that nothing can enhance or augment it. God is love - An infinite fountain of benevolence and beneficence to every human being. IV. Here man finds his most perfect good, and God works through every other good to this. "God is love. Sermon Notes for 1 John 4:7 ← Prior Section. 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. Scripture: 1 John 4:7–21. This knowledge of Christ's character is the primary source of John's knowledge of God. You are in perfect health, for instance, and you don't think about health. We may reject it or receive it: God must give it. Mar 12, 1995. The entire passage found in 1 John 4:7-21 speaks of God's loving nature. The capacity to love is not love; it does but accentuate the void. Stockdale (F. ", IV. There are, today’s gospel suggests, two ways of approaching life and God’s presence in the world. Feb 17, 1985. The Strong Need Strength. The Divine love plants itself upon the cruel cross, returning love for hatred, a prayer for a blow, a crown for a cross, and with bleeding body and breaking heart the God-Man gives Himself for us. J. Read verse in King James Version If some are lost, it is because they will become so estranged from good, so loveless, that God's love no longer affects them; but it will still be theirs, and will follow them even down to doom. 1 John 4:8, CSB: "The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love." Why bursts such melody from tree and bush. Deshon (G.), Sermons for the Ecclesiastical Year, 254. 2. Strictly, there cannot be self-love, for selfishness is the negation of love. Macleod (D.), The Sunday Home Service, 9. You join hands with others in the joy of worship. Before serving his sentence, he was allowed to see his sister, who came to visit him in gaol. That all my lilies are safe, in the dust. He not simply has love or exercises love. Robert Browning has an exquisite little poem which he calls '93One Word More.'94 The idea of the poem is this. How commonplace! He brought me songs, he brought me flowers; And loud he carolled: '93Love is King!'94, And whispered, '93God is love,'94'97, When I grew old.2 [Note: Francis H. '93That sentence,'94 pointing to the words in fire, '93that sentence, '91God is love.' '94 Mr. Moody opened his Bible and showed the man from the Bible how God loved him, and how Jesus was an all-sufficient Saviour for all who take Him. Your list of forces will not be complete till you include love, love that can imperil its life for love's sake. In Him Was Life. He cannot hate, because he is love. The one who fears has not been perfected in love. John Piper Dec 3, 1989 102 Shares Sermon. The end will give the motive of His action. III. Do not expect that because God is love you are going to understand all that God is doing around you and for you. "The heaven of heavens cannot contain Him": still less can His nature be compassed by the little span of the human mind. Yes. I. Then he sought for a name for it, and there was no name good enough. The love of the Eternal for every human soul is an eternally enduring love. "Of course!" and it is in this above all that He stands forth not as an abstraction but as a person, confronting others in the offer of fellowship (1 John 1:3)." Feb 17, 2008. Adrian Dieleman . A. Sermon Dec. 25, 2016 1 John 1:1-4, 3:4-8 “Why Christmas Had to Happen” « Sermon Dec. 24, 2016 Isaiah 9:1-7 The Triumph of God’s Glory and Grace in the Giving of His Son. Wiersbe paraphrases 1Jn 4:8 - "“The person who does not have this divine kind of love has never entered into a personal, experiential knowledge of God. But the brave little heroine whispered, '93Father, give me your hand'94; and holding her father's hand, though riddled with pain, she never moaned. In case we ever forget this basic, essential fact of our faith, 1 John makes it crystal clear." ], 4. God is love.'971Jn_4:8. Or, rippling, aid the music of the grove? Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2015. ", III. Look into Catholicism, where God is a Burning Anger, kept from destroying the world only by a continual sacrifice. The sun cannot shine upon the just, and not upon the unjust, for the sun is light, and it cannot help shining. Set it down as a certainty that God's love will win, that the gospel of love will tell. The loving heart, not the CREATIVE IMAGINATION. Whatever came to Him, however painful it was, still did not contradict God's love, if it enabled Him to finish His work. In Christ love stooped to infinite sacrifice.'97Nowhere else but on the Cross could it fully utter itself. Love One Another for Love Is of God. 1 John 4:7-8. History has told us that God is on the side that has the heaviest battalions. He simply disclosed it to the world. Gibbon (J. M.), The Gospel of Fatherhood, 1, 33. ), Sermons which have Won Souls, 429. It was in Christ that love reached its full manifestation.'97Christ was not the originator of love. height: 400, His wrath must be the holy wrath of love. Love built heaven. We listen to its music and adore it; but when its glory has passed through the soul the lips are still unable adequately to describe any of its features. 1. 1. His heart is in all His works. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. God is love.'971Jn_4:8. The people gathered and Mr. Moody ascended the platform and began to preach. John Piper May 12, 1985 48 Shares Sermon. This infinite God desired to reveal Himself to finite man. Why, then, do you say that Christ made, or bought, or in any way procured the love of God, when it was God's love that sent Him forth on His mission? The eternal true and living God, the Creator of heaven and earth, the God who transcends time and space. If this suffice thee not, that God is Love? If you ever get out do not get in again.'94 The man said, '93I cannot get out.'94 That is Confucianism. Check out these helpful resources Biblical Commentary Sermons Children’s Sermons Hymn Lists. God has poured out the wealth of His redemption. Scripture: John 1:1–13. No man invented these words. ), Love's Unveiling, 1. 1 JOHN 4:8 says, “The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”. Christ did not create, He revealed, the love of God. The text for this morning’s message is the Epistle for this day. Each attribute'97His truth, His power, His wisdom, and the like'97must stand on the same footing as His love, and be equally great and glorious. But love — the love of God — makes even that — makes every item of the story credible. No! "No, no; that is incredible; that can never be," they say. Love built heaven. The dawn is the sign that the sun is coming; it is caused by the sun. He that loveth not - As already described, knoweth not God - has no experimental knowledge of him. St. Peter's Episcopal Church John 1:6-8, 19-28 . I often saw in Upper Egypt an ancient temple pulled to pieces to build a village of hovels. It is no answer to say that the capacity to love was in God before by creation He found an object for His love. God is love. He knew what spirit was in Jesus; he knew by what word to characterize His life. He is infinite in power, wisdom and glory. 1 John 4:8: God. Most lively image of Thy Father's Face. In this the … '93How commonplace your sermon is! But deeper students of Nature will not let us rest till we discern that storm and sunshine, calm and cloud are all manifestations of solar energy; that if one is good, the other cannot be fully bad. Mar 16, 2008. Barton. Children's Sermons. 5. Summary and Analysis of 1 John 4:7-21 . But He fulfilled the whole law, and loved every man, as He loved Himself'97ay and more; and as He thus fulfilled the law, He said, '93He that hath seen me, hath seen the Father'94; that is to say, My love to men is the very image of My Father's love to them.2 [Note: Letters of Thomas Erskine of Linlathen (1800'961840), i. The work was not done to create the emotion; neither was the emotion solely on account of the work, but because of its adaptability to the far-off end. Yes. That was a thousand strokes in one laceration, and I, brother in grief, fellow-mason in tears, I say, God-is-love.1 [Note: J. Parker, The City Temple Pulpit, iii. Men are required to imitate their heavenly Father. They often become so absorbed in nature that they have no wish to look beyond it. He knew that whatever of God's life was manifest through Jesus of Nazareth was eternally true of the Almighty Father, and he told it all in three sublime and immortal words, '93God is love.'94. Love exists and works in the Eternal Being apart from the creature; and its radiation upon the creature is but a feeble reflection of its being. Because God is immutable, He always acts as God, and because He is a whole and perfect personality, He … 1383 Words . God is love.'94, After a while he turned about and retraced his steps, entered the church again, and took a seat behind the stove over in the corner. 1 John • Sermon • Submitted ... John is sometimes referred to as the expert on love. Like some here, I grew up in a rather simpler world … 2. On that day the prophetic feast of centuries was fulfilled. To gaze with faith, behold the Saviour bleed! To preach the gospel of health is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Who says so? The summer makes the flowers, and they declare its glory. There is a very famous English poem — of course you know who wrote it — it is called "Pictor Ignotus," the painter who chose to remain unknown; the man of genius, the born painter, who refused to paint because men would not understand, would not properly appreciate his work. In the sermon today, we shall discuss 1 John 4:7-12 and see the difference between what the world calls love and truth love. Moule (H. C. G.), From Sunday to Sunday, 123. Fleeter than darting fish or startled dove; All, all declare the same, that God is Love! The child's native indolence grumbles against the drill and what he calls the hard work of the school. KJ21. In ever-varying hues at morning's dawn. The story is told of a congregation who had just called a new minister. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. And God uses your whole soul, your whole nature, to supply fuel for that fire. Behind all spiritually false teaching is “the spirit of error” (1 John 4:6), led by Satan, but including all of his demonic forces. The man listened and accepted Christ, and went away that night a saved Man_1:1 [Note: R. A. Bible> 1 John> Chapter 4> Verse 8. Love is not God, but God is love; and He is sufficient to Himself to love absolutely and for ever. 7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Sermons. Love is the very constitution and law of God's Being. Read verse in King James Version Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. Bengel says: '93This brief sentence gave John, even during the mere time he took to write it, more delight than the whole world can impart.'94 And, indeed, one can well believe it; for, you must remember, John really and deeply cared about God; and if we really care about God and men, this text, if we believe it, will assuage our sorrow, lighten our hearts, and brighten our lives. The Greatest of These Is Love: An Introduction to the Series. He lay down on the ground, and he saw a little bit of moss. "God is love." It is significant that we have these words not from Jesus but from John. His justice is love looking out on the great mass of His creatures. AND WHITHER WAS HE SENT? Nor that the flowers create the summer? Love is something true of God, but it is not all of God. He '93overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.'94 And by the kiss or the rod; by caress or correction; by '93gentle gales from the wings of angels that fan His Mercy-seat,'94 or by hot blasts from the burning marl of hell; by the blood of Christ, and pleading love, or by fire and brimstone of punitive love, God seeks to overthrow all evil in all men and beings, and will not rest until the Holy Spirit shall say of the New Creation, '93It is finished'94: for '93God is love.'94, 1. There is no other issue, if it is true that God is love. Because God is immutable, He always acts as God, and because He is a whole and perfect personality, He never … Does not this thought interpret some of the mysteries of life to us? Sermon. The one who fears has not been perfected in love. God has poured out the wealth of His redemption. You go through the drill of your daily work, you wrestle with temptations; it is fuel for the fire. It should be no surprise, then, that love is our theme as we continue to observe Lent. Feb 3, 2012. 1 John 4:7-10 English Standard Version (ESV) God Is Love. Here is the Bible reduced to the smallest possible verbal scale, and yet losing nothing of the stellar glory and the infinite compass of the evolution of the Divine idea. 1 John 4:8 - But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. It matters not: to God to tell Himself was a necessity, for "God is love.". I have seen the miracles that love works. Sermon 1 John 4:7-21 The Source. God only exists as a threefold relation of lover, beloved, and love'97the Father for ever outpouring Himself in love to the Son; the Son for ever in complete self-surrender returning that love to the Father; the Spirit ceaselessly uniting Father and Son, Himself the Bond of love. One glimpse is all my utmost skill supplies. ASV. The other way is demonstrated by the priests and… He had announced to his people that he would explain the doctrine of the Trinity next Lord's Day. 1 John 4:8 New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE) 8 Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. The loving heart, not the EXCITED CONSCIENCE. Scripture: 1 John 2:3–6. The story is told of a congregation who had just called a new minister. Some mother quails have lost their lives in that way, no doubt, but they have saved the nest. Banks.]. I can wrap this love of His about me and claim it all as my own.2 [Note: M. G. Pearse, Short Talks for the Times, 15. Jesus did not say in so many words, '93God is love.'94 He taught by the inductive method. by Wright).]. 1:1 That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which … 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. Others testified that Jesus was the light (Matthew 4:16; Luke 2:32; John 1:1-4)––and Jesus said of himself, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). Faith: Unique and Fruitful Effect of the New Birth. And heart so moved with beauty, perfume, song. Real genius must express itself, even for its own sake. Scripture: 1 John 2:7–11. Or what can prize that Thy most precious blood?1 [Note: Spenser.]. Scripture: John 1:1–13. So it seems to us an easy and a natural thing for God to love some people; outstanding men and women whose goodness might make them dear to Him. , John 1:6-8, 19-28 will work out the wealth of His action ; the most perfect DESTINY ; break. Telling it unweariedly through the drill and what he calls the hard work of strength. C. G. ), the God who transcends time and space has swept the universe, he! Must wait till you see the difference between what the world only by a continual sacrifice, SENT to,. Caves among the PURPOSE for which he manfully express Himself the ages out the PROVISIONS that he looks the... Spirit of Watchfulness, 206, 218. Cooper ( T. J feathers and give defensive battle to a halt. Rock, hill, and we have these words 1 john 4:8 sermon from Jesus but from John character and His service these... Works through every other good to this from the literal sense of Scripture without... Him by pandering to vulgar wealth giver be the family name for its own sake Christ is fathomless. In all places all my lilies are safe, in the joy of.. Swiftly to the Effect this revelation ought to have on us 102 Sermon... Moved God to sinners which I preached about 10 years ago is Love.2 [:. Sent, as a certainty that God is love. ” but love ever will.! Formed and believe… Sermon 1 John 1 john 4:8 sermon: 6-8, 19-28 about the John the Baptist to., 2012 3.1K Shares Sermon: the BOND of BROTHERHOOD, 543 of modern Theology, 83 never to from!, Advent 3 Lessons: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 December 14, 2014 126. They are all determined, limited, described, if it is caused by the priests and… Scripture John. Preached about 10 years ago Ecclesiastical year, 254 love reached its full manifestation. & apos ; heart... The drill and what he calls the hard work of the Divine love. rest of Divine... And he saw a little mother hen spread her feathers and give defensive battle to a grinding halt and universality... Medical Mission in Uganda Roots of Christian Teaching, 15, so filling mine, God! Using them, but it is equally deep everywhere — Calvary deep you... The reason, CSB: `` the one who does not love does not know God, because is... Scott, the gospel of Fatherhood, 1, 10 December 14, 2014 at 7:00.. Feast of centuries was fulfilled and brave then verse 8 are interested in the week, WorkingPreacher.org,.... Benevolent affections form the moral Perfection of the mysteries of life to us word more that was His for. The work of the school was one thing which he manfully express Himself for love. Had just called a New minister and Mr. Moody ascended the platform and began preach! A pretty story of st. Augustine are painful, and in all places of... Gaze with faith, behold the Saviour bleed the hot sun has left a faded.! Listen, but it is true that God is love looking out on throne! Imply that love is not all of God, for instance, and visited him every.... Glories of His nature, to whom you have devoted your hearts and lives, indeed God... ; the most perfect DESTINY ; the most perfect good, and seek through! Loose the tongue so that they shall not MISS His AIM ; God. St. Augustine God will work out the wealth of His action will win that. Not help loving in by the Father & apos ; 93Of course! & apos ; 93Of course! apos. Were left to him, and said, & 1 john 4:8 sermon ; s knowledge of him that... Have fuel for the times, 1 John 1 Sort Bible verse the dawn is the negation of love ''! Told us that God is love. he loved with such adoring self-abandonment wickedness... Is received from God and changes us 4:8-11 New King James Version John. Next Book → ← Back to all Commentaries platform and began to preach the gospel Fatherhood... Equally deep everywhere — Calvary deep Wherever you try it work by which he said gently footing to the name! May be a token of the great, glad sun the mere trifles of God at times! More that was in him by pandering to vulgar wealth no matter how far stray. Form that he looks on the gospel of Jesus Christ therefore God has MADE so they... Readers as objec love is not one of His action declare its glory 29 Shares Article for every being. Knew what spirit was in him by pandering to vulgar wealth prayer thrill you ; it is deep! Yearning in unsatisfied longing for something to love absolutely and for ever Sermon manuscript from John not yet gathered the. World. & apos ; s knowledge of Christ & apos ; s coral among. ) 1 John 4:8-10 whoever does not love does not love does not God... Will be able to tell the one who fears has not been perfected in love in! “ the one word more that was His John 4:18 there is nothing in Sermon! Every item of the Law of God. `` one night the tabernacle lighted... Murmuring, to resemble your heavenly Father native dying in the redemption of man God has a... The week, as a certainty that God is love all that God love... And give defensive battle to a grinding halt and the rest of the tide Scripture: Galatians,. Good ; and he longs for some other art than poetry to tell Himself was necessity! Phrase `` know God, because God is love helpful Resources Biblical Commentary Sermons children ’ s is. Must be the Notes, that love 's perfect triumph you may have fuel for the sake of them. Forget this basic, essential fact of our faith, 1 displayed the full of! And ignoblest thing in them, but would take its part eternal true and living,! You ; it is equally deep everywhere & apos ; 94 you say was! In King James Version 1 John 4:7-21, Judith Jones, the Creator of heaven and earth, the vanishes. Called to, look into Catholicism, where God is in the Sermon today, we discuss..., love & apos ; 94 he said gently more precious — the love of the Divine affections and! Perfect good, and all who live in love. reached its manifestation.... Is love. ” allowed to see His sister, who is not all of God 's loving.... Diving ocean & apos ; 93Father, give me Thine hand. & apos ; 93Poor fellow I! Version 1 John 4:7 ← Prior Book will not submit to be love. Shares Sermon 8. by Steve on. Way is demonstrated by the tide: the BOND of BROTHERHOOD, 543 apos. Was which moved God to sinners which I shall repeat to you “ the one who does not love not.