It’s true — God really does love you. But what kind of love is the Father’s love? This is the question I explored in Scripture in this episode inspired by Crowder’s song “God Really Loves Us.”
Continue soaking in John’s first epistle as we look at it from a different starting point.
In this episode, I discuss the following:
- Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture – this week’s Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include:
- Repetition
- Read in context
- Historical context
- Mark up the text
- Consult an outside resource
- Episode 457, where we talk about studying 1 John, seeking what it has to teach us about being a child of God
- God’s love is distinct from humans because he is distinct from humans
- God’s love is a reflection of His character
- Beholding the manner of God’s love – 1 John 3:1
- Reviewing the historical context around John’s first epistle – “The Message of John’s Letters” by David Jackman – Amazon Paid Link
- Deducing the theological issue of the day by what John teaches on
- The literary structure of 1 John – read it more like a spiral staircase
- An outside resource about God’s love – “God’s Love: How the Infinite God Cares for His Children” by R.C. Sproul – Amazon Paid Link
- Featured verses for this episode – 1 John 4:7-8
- God is the source of all genuine love as defined and displayed by Him
- God is not a composite of his attributes — all of His attributes are true of Him all the time and true of each attribute
- We cannot pick and choose the attributes of God we like
- Interacting with 1 John to learn about love
- Love is given – 1 John 3:1
- Love is perfected – 1 John 2:5, 1 John 4:12, 1 John 4:16-17
- Love saturates – 1 John 2:15
- Love sacrifices self – 1 John 3:16
- Love acts – 1 John 3:18
- Love is manifested – 1 John 4:9
- Love requires – 1 John 4:21
- Love is shared – 1 John 3:10
- Love produces results – 1 John 4:18
- Love is victorious – 1 John 5:4-5
God’s love is made available to us in Christ. God’s love originated with Him, is initiated by Him, and sustained in Him.
Enjoy the official music video of the song below.
More Than a Song Playlist
Additional Resources
- Lyrics – NewReleaseToday.com
- I love marking up the text in these journals – Illuminated Scripture Journal Amazon Paid Link
- My new favorite Bible Study Software – Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link
This Week’s Challenge
Read 1 John again this week. This time, read it to discover what you can about God’s love that He loves us with, gives to us, and expects us to share with others.
