Our text makes two things very clear:
First, Truth is essential. Many false teachers are in the world. We need discernment to separate truth from error (I John 4:1-6).
Secondly, Love is essential. Love verifies a true relationship with God and His people (I John 4:7-21).
As truth comes from God (vs. 6), so love comes from God (vs. 7, 19). Truth and love are inseparable. Truth defines love (I Corinthians 13:4-8a; I John 5:2-3; II John 1-6). Love binds us to the truth and makes it a working force in our lives (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Psalm 119:97-104, 165; Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:6; II Thessalonians 2:10-12; I Peter 1:22).
Truth, righteousness, justice, and law without love, mercy, compassion, gentleness, grace, and judgment (i.e. deliverance/salvation) is a fearful thing! We would be hopeless unless all are combined in God's dealings with us (Psalm 130; 18:35; Isaiah 55:6-11). In this study we will note the manifestation of Truth with Love through the Triune God. Then we will note how this should be happening in the lives of those who are born of God.
- The Father - Deuteronomy 8:3-5; 33:1-3; Psalm 85:9-13; 86:15; 89:14, 30-36; Jeremiah 29:11; 31:3.
- The Son of God - John 1:1,14,16-17; 14:9; 17:6,14,17,21,23-24.
- The Holy Spirit - John 14:15-17,26; Romans 5:3-5
- The Believers - John 8:30-32; 13:35; II Corinthians 4:1-2; I John 3:16,18; 4:1-21.
| Note: |
Truth: Declaring the unsearchable riches of Christ.
The believer's pursuit of truth and the propagation of truth (Ephesians 3:1-10).
See also Ephesians 4:1-8, 11-15 "...speaking the truth in love..."
cp. Colossians 4:5-6; I Thessalonians 1:5; 2:3-13; II Timothy 2:24-26; Titus 3:2 ("gentle" cp. Philippians 4:5 - KJV "moderation" i.e. of your temperament - same Greek word); James 1:18-20; 3:13-18.
Love: Comprehending the fathomless (immeasurable) love of Christ.
The believer's pursuit of love and the distribution of love (Ephesians 3:14-19).
See also Romans 8:35-39; Jude 20-21. |
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