1 John 4:7-16

Read 1 John 4:7-16

Helpful Background Information: 

• The letter of 1 John was written to a community of believers that was facing some serious challenges. John mentions that a group of people had broken off from them, no longer acknowledging that Jesus is the Messiah (1 John 2:18-23; 4:1-3). To make matters even worse, that group went back and started causing deception, stirring up trouble with those who stayed (2:26; 3:7). 

• The letter, then, reaffirms the core message of their faith and reminds them that love is the sign of that faith. Their fellowship with God and with each other was to be the source of their joy and assurance.

• In chapter 4, John warns them again about the deceivers and this time he calls them “false prophets” (1 John 4:1-21). In denying Jesus, they were claiming to speak on behalf of God themselves. To avoid this deception, John says to “test the spirits” (v1). If someone claims to speak on behalf of God but doesn’t affirm Jesus as Messiah, they’re simply lying (vv2-3). True followers of God can always be identified by their reception of Jesus and their reflection of His love—for John even tells us that God Himself is love (vv7-8).

Reflection Questions: 

• In our primary teaching text this week, Jesus identifies love for God and love for neighbor as the greatest commandment. Why do you think Jesus combines these two things together into one singular command?

• There is real danger in making anything other than love for God and neighbor the “the main thing” so to speak. 

• What other concerns and priorities do people have that are often treated as “the main thing” when they shouldn’t be? 

• What are you most often tempted to treat as “the main thing” over love for God and neighbor?

• Close by praying and ask God to show you how to prioritize love for Him and for the people He’s placed in your life. 

• Commit to going out of your way to demonstrate love to someone this week. Keep a specific person and a specific expression of love in mind.