Title: “Two More Tests” Script: I John 4:13-21
Type: Expository Series Where: GNBC 8-4-24
Intro: After John Wesley had been preaching for some time, some one said to him, “Are you sure, Mr. Wesley, of your salvation?” “Well,” he answered, “Jesus Christ died for the whole world.” “Yes, we all believe that; but are you sure that you are saved?” Wesley replied that he was sure that provision had been made for his salvation. “But are you sure, Wesley, that you are saved?” It went like an arrow to his heart, and he had no rest or power until that questions was settled. Many men and many women go on month after month, and year after year, without power, because they do not know their standing in Christ; they are not sure of their own footing for eternity. Latimer wrote Ridley once that when he was settled and steadfast about his own salvation he was as bold as a lion, but if that hope became eclipsed he was fearful and afraid and was disqualified for service. Many are disqualified for service because they are continually doubting their own salvation. (Moody’s Anecdotes, Page 101-102)
Prop: I Jn. 4:13-21 will demonstrate two final tests for the Christian’s Assurance.
BG: 1. I John written to give certainty for eternal life and Person of Christ. Deity and humanity.
2. One person has stated that I John was not a theological treatise written in the peace of a library, but rather a polemic tract for the times to address a crisis situation in the Church.
3.
Prop: Let’s look at I John 4:13ff to understand 2 final tests for the Christian’s assurance.
I. The Test of God’s Indwelling vv. 13-16
A. The first of the Final Two Tests John Gives us is that of God’s Indwelling.
1. The Proof of the Christian’s Position.
a. This section of John’s epistle is referred to by scholars as the “high water mark” of the letter. It is the point of highest theological attainment and it’s focus is on answering the question: “Where’s the proof?” Illust: We have an expression in English: “The proof is in the pudding.” The phrse was 1st coined in 1605ad by William Camden of England (Remaines of a Greater Worke) where he said: “All the proof of the pudding is in the eating.” Essential the phrase means that one has to experience something oneself in order to know it is true.” That is kind of what the aged apostle is saying here.
b. John begins w/a familiar statement in v. 13. “we know that…” Essentially he is saying: “Here’s the proof!” The previous section had 2 exhortations 1. To test the spirits (vv. 1-6). 2. To appeal to love for one another (vv.7-12). Joh is applying these tests further, no longer as an exhortation, but rather as an affirmation. He is no longer challenging them to a behavior, but rather, affirming them in their behavior.
2. The Importance of the Indwelling of God in the Believer.
a. God’s indwelling of the believer is mentioned 3x in this section. V. 12 “God lives in us (single), became reciprocal in vv. 13&15. “We live in Him and He in us.” V. 16 – God lives in him and he in God.” Do you see the progression? How does this happen? By the indwelling of the HS, of course v.13!
b. Of these 3 tests, the last 2 are a development of the first. It is by the Sprit that we can acknowledge the incarnation of the Son (4:1-3) and by that same Spirit we are able to love (vv.12-13). You see, in our fallen and unredeemed state we are both spiritually blind (unable to believe) and selfish (unable to love).
B. The Trinitarian Defense of this Testing. Vv.13-14
1. John begins to make a defense from the Trinity.
a. In v. 13 we see God the Father has sent the HS and now in v.14 we see that the Father has sent the Son. Did you notice that, Christian? The God of the Bible is undeniably Trinitarian. Illust: The Athanasian Creed: “We worship one God in Trinity and the Trinity in unity, neither blending their persons nor dividing their essence.” People have tried to illustrate/explain the Trinity in various ways: St. Patrick the Shamrock. Some have tried with the substance H2O that it can take three different forms. Some have tried to explain how one man can be a son, a father, and an uncle. However, there’s a simple reason they don’t work: The Trinity, as such, isn’t like anything in creation. True, we humans are image bearers but nothing in creation serves as an analogy for the Trinity because the Trinity is a doctrine of special (biblical) revelation not nature or reason. The Trinity is absolutely and completely unique.
b. Look with me at vv. 13-14. Again, Christianity is a perfect combination of the objective as well as the subjective. It is a combination of the rational/historical as well as the experiential. There is both the Son’s mission and the HS’s testimony. Sadly, in the Church today, we often align ourselves into tribal extremes. Either all emotions and no truth/history/logic, or all truth/history/logic and no emotion/experience. There’s actually a lot we can learn from one another.
2. John sees this defense as a two-fold defense in these verses.
a. Illust – Experiential – “And we have beheld (Him) and (we) bear witness...” John is referring here to himself and the witness of the Disciples/Apostles who were eyewitnesses of Christ. John was reminding people of his personal encounter with Christ. Illust: Many Christians think they have to have advanced training in apologetics in order to share faith in Christ. Not at all. Can I tell you a secret? Your testimony is a weapon against the enemy who blinds the lost! Rev. 12:11 tells us: “They overcame the devil by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.” When young David was preparing to do battle with the Philistine champion, Goliath, what did he say to a doubtful King Saul? “The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!” (1 Samuel 17:37).
b. God gave the Early Church a 2-Fold witness to the life and ministry of Jesus. 1. There was the witness of the Apostles who themselves had to be eyewitnesses of the life and ministry of Jesus. 2. The witness of the HS, Who confirms this truth in the heart of the believer v.13. We see this restated by Paul in Rom. 8:16 “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
c. V.14 We see the essence of the Gospel. “World” here means sinful society who are estranged from God and under the dominion of the evil one (5:19). It is urgently in need of being rescued from sin and Satan. That is why the Father so loved and sent his Son to be the Savior. “sent” is in the perfect tense. Spiritual battle. Illust: All Americans know the name Gen. US Grant. How about his son, Frederick Dent Grant? Times were different then than today. Gen. Grant took his 11 yrs. old son with him on campaign, because as he told the boy’s bother “It would be good for him and help make him into a man.” The preteen was with his father at the bloody campaign of Vicksburg, and although the General claimed that his son was “unaffected” by the sights, as an adult the son remembered with great detail the horror and carnage he witnessed. Upon two specific occasion’s the General’s son was in mortal danger: once when accidentally riding into a regiment of retreating Confederates. At the battle of Champion’s Hill, Confederates were retreating over a river as young Grant watched from a hilltop. Moments before he was hit in the leg, he saw the Rebel sharpshooter fire from the trees above the river. The 11 yr old’s life was nearly ended 51 yrs early. My friend, God sent His Son into the greatest battle of all time, not to “make a man out of him”, but to in fact save the souls of mankind!
C. John Now Lays Emphasis on the Doctrinal Test. Vv. 15-16
1. Let’s Examine this test.
a. How does this confession take place? Is it a mere profession of one’s mouth? In Islam, Muslims recite the “Shahada” "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is his prophet."
b. Notice what John says here. John is using the aorist tense in this passage and it cannot be rendered exactly into English. John isn’t referring to a future confession, nor to a present and continuing confession, but rather to a single and decisive public confession in an unspecified time. So, the Apostolic testimony is essential, but as Christians we have to realize that it is only by the Spirit that anyone ever confesses that Jesus is God and that He has come in the flesh. (4:2). So again, the witness of the Apostles is supplemented by the witness of the Spirit.
2. John States that the Mission of Christ Proves Two Essential Truths.
a. The mission of Christ proves as much about the Father’s love as it does about the Son’s Deity! It tells us that not only that God loved, but that in fact, God is love! Now, it is one thing to believe that God is love and that He has loved…but it is quite another thing that we ourselves live in love. However, that is exactly what John is leading us to in this passage. In vv. 7-12 the love that was eternally existent in the Trinity for One Another was historically manifested in Christ and is now expected to come to fruition in us! The only way to love as is the only way to believe is thru the reciprocal arrangement of God living in us and we in Him, thus “he who dwells in love is thereby dwelling in God.”
b. Illust: "In 1883, a youthful clergyman, the Rev. Joe Roberts, arrived by stagecoach in a blizzard to minister to the Indians of Wyoming. The area had been assigned to the Protestant Episcopal Church by the President of the US. Soon after Joe Roberts arrived, the son of the chief was shot by a soldier in a brawl, and Chief Washakie vowed to kill the first white man he met. Since this might mean the start of a long, bloody feud, young Roberts decided to take action. Seeking out the tepee, fifteen miles away in the mountains, he stood outside and called the chief’s name. When Washakie appeared, Roberts opened his shirt. "I have heard of your vow," he said, "I know that the other white men have families, but I am alone. Kill me instead." The chief was amazed and motioned him into his tent. "How do you have so much courage?" he asked. Joe Roberts told him about Christ, His death, His teachings. They talked for hours. When Joe left, the chief of the Shoshones had renounced his vow to kill and resolved to become a Christian. Washakie had seen love in action.(Living with Love, Josephine Robertson)
D. Application: In vv. 13-16 John gives tests so as to instill assurance in the believer.
II. The Test of Perfect Love. Vv. 17-21
A. Practicing the Love of Christ Gives us Confidence in the Day of Judgment. Vv.17-18 (John makes 3 points here.)
1. Love that gives us confidence in the day of judgment comes from God (4:19)
a. Vv.17-18. The Love of Christ being perfected in the growing Christian’s life gives confidence so as not to fear God’s Final Judgment. Why? Because it is evidence of the fact that Christ has already taken your judgment and applied His righteousness to your life. You won’t be judged. Second, v. 18, that same love that is increasing in the growing and maturing Christian, removes fears from our lives. Illust: I recently read an online post of a young man who has recently come to faith in Christ. One of the items he noted that has changed since coming to faith in Christ has been freedom from overwhelming fears! PTL! Perfect love casts out ALL fear! Illust – Christian, DO NOT knowingly put yourself into a position that puts fear back into life, i.e. there is no place for
b. Illust: The great 19th century English preacher, Charles Spurgeon has five different sermons on v. 19 alone! The original reads “We love, because He first loved us.” John’s point in the context is that if we love God or others to any extent with genuine biblical love, we need to remember that such love did not originate with us. It came from God, Always remember that God loved us and we have experienced this love.
2. This Love that gives us confidence comes from God and must be expressed in love for others in obedience to God’s commandment (4:19-21).
a.How do we practically apply v.19? Maybe you’re struggling to love someone, especially someone who has wronged you. We need to meditate on God’s love as it was shown to you in Christ’s death. I didn’t deserve that in any way. On the contrary, I deserved His wrath and judgment. Yet, in spite of this, Jesus willingly suffered the penalty that I should have received. He wants me to take that love and apply to that individual who has offended me.
b. This love is to also be expressed for our brothers as well as our enemies. In The Grace of Giving, Stephen Olford tells of a Baptist pastor during the American Revolution, Peter Miller, who lived in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. Miller was a personal friend of Gen. George Washington. In Ephrata also lived Michael Wittman, an evil-minded sort who did all he could to oppose and humiliate the pastor. One day Wittman was arrested for treason and sentenced to die. Pastor Miller traveled 70 mi. on foot to Philadelphia to plead for the life of the traitor.
“No, Pastor,” General Washington said. “I cannot grant you the life of your friend.”
“My friend!” exclaimed Miller. “He’s my bitter enemy.” “What?” cried Washington. “You’ve walked 70 mi. to save the life of an enemy? That puts the matter in different light. I’ll grant your pardon.” Peter Miller took Michael Wittman back home to Ephrata—no longer an enemy but a friend. (The Grace of Giving, Stephen Olford)
B. We Need to Remember that this Love is a Commandment and Not a Suggestion! V. 21
1. If We Want to Have the Confidence this Passage Gives us then We Must Act Upon it as a Commandment and not Choose to Respond as a Suggestion.
a. Illust: Do you ever notice how older people can often be “unfiltered”? They say what they think. They don’t care about being, “woke”, “PC”, “culturally sensitive”, (Wait, when did I become old?!). Well, John is speaking here from the perspective of about 90 yrs. +/-. John doesn’t mince any words.
b. Notice John’s direct admonition: “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.” John Stott points out (p. 170), the apostle uses the word liar with reference to each of the 3 tests: 1. Moral test, he said (2:4), “The one who says, ‘I have come to know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” The Doctrinal test, he said (2:22), “Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ?” Here, he applies it to the Social test of love. Stott concludes, “However loudly we may affirm ourselves to be Christian, our habitual sin, denial of Christ and selfish hatred expose us as the liars we are.”
2. As
a. John’s argument is that we cannot separate these two great commandments. It is easier to say, “I love God,” because God is invisible and love for Him may be difficult to observe. But Jesus said (John 14:15), “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Jesus’ main commandment is that we love one another (John 13:34; 15:12). So John is saying that genuine love for God necessarily will show itself in observable love for others. Is our life proving what we say we believe?
b. “John reminds us that the commandment comes directly from God (see also, 3:23). This means that we are not free to shrug it off if we claim to be Christians. The fact that love can be commanded shows that it is not primarily a feeling, but rather an action: a caring, self-sacrificing commitment that shows itself in seeking the highest good of the one loved. By God’s grace and in dependence on the Holy Spirit, you can and must practice such love, even toward those who are difficult to love. The fact that God commands us to love shows that it is not always effortless or easy. Some of you have experienced deep wounds from those who profess to be Christians. I’m not saying that loving them will be easy, but I am saying that it is not optional. Today may not be the day you can make that movement, but please make sure that “not today” doesn’t soon become “never”. (Steven Cole, Lesson 21)
C. Applic: An 11 year-old girl and her 8 year-old brother fought over the slightest thing. So their father was surprised when the girl made an artistic card for her brother’s birthday. Inside she wrote, “Happy birthday to my nine-year-old brother. I am so glad to have a brother to love. So God gave me you. P.S. Don’t read this out loud or I will twist your head off.” (Reader’s Digest [Jan., 1999], p. 78.) So…it’s obvious the little girl had room for growth, but hey, at least she’s working at loving her brother! I encourage you to work at it with those you live with and with those in this church and with those in your family. Remember, the payoff for obedience to this command is that you will have confidence before God in the day of judgment.
