Who is a liar?
He who says he knows God, yet has no regard for the commandments of God (I John 2:4; 1:6).
He who denies that Jesus is the Christ. He denies the unity of the Father and the Son (I John 2:21-23).
He who says He loves God and hates his brother (I John 4:20-21).
In the book of I John a line is being drawn, separating lies from truth. This line distinguishes, not just what you know, but what you do (I John 1:6; 2:5; 3:18).
The written Word of God compels us to believe and to walk in the light of God's Word (I John 1:5-7).
The incarnate Word of God compels us to believe and follow Him (I John 2:3,6).
The Love of God now compels us to walk, with His love in control of our hearts (I John 2:5, 8-11; 3:16 cp. II Corinthians 5:14-15; Ephesians 5:1-2).
The test of our love for the truth will be revealed through the power of God's love in our lives. Can we rise above the natural, fearful, prejudiced, selfish impulses of fallen mankind and live a gracious and selfless life of sacrificial love towards others? Let's examine John chapter four and see how Truth and Love work together.
Lies - I John 4:1-6
False, worldly religion has its origins in Satan and his "spirits" (I John 4:1, 4; John 8:43-45; I Timothy 4:1; II Corinthians 4:3-6). False, worldly religion focuses on fleshly, worldly values and ideas. The results are carnal and lack the personality and power of God (I John 4:5; I Corinthians 2:12-14;
II Corinthians 10:3-5; II Timothy 3:1-5; James 3:11-18). The Apostles have a personal and powerful testimony of Christ and the Gospel. They compel us to follow them, as they followed Him (I John 4:6; 1:1-3 cp. I Corinthians 11:1; I Thessalonians 1:5-6).
Love and Truth - I John 4:7-21
It is the nature of God's grace to combine love and truth, mercy and truth, righteousness (His holiness) and peace (His forgiveness), justice (His holiness) and judgment (His deliverance).
See Psalm 85:10-13; 86:15; 89:14; 116:5; Proverbs 16:6. This gracious combination is especially seen in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:14, 16-17; Romans 3:20-26).
It is the nature of God's gracious work in us to combine a love for truth with a love for people (Passion for God / Compassion for people). This love, which is based on truth, is evidence that God's Spirit dwells in us (I John 4:7-16). This love, which came from God, causes us to mature and removes the torments of fear (I John 4:17-19). A tormented spirit of hatred makes a person's confession of truth a lie (I John 4:20-21). Dedication to God's Word and Love for His people is evidence that we truly love God (I John 5:1-3). This kind of faith and love will overcome the world: its hatred and lies (I John 5:4-5 cp. John 16:33; Romans 12:21).
|
