God is Love: Perfect Love
In this passage, John emphasizes that God is love and that our ability to love others is rooted in the love God has shown us through Jesus Christ. He presents a compelling vision of a life lived in God's love, where the fear of judgment is replaced with confidence, and where love is not just an emotion but a command to be practiced daily.
1 John 4:13-21
Perfect Love
Sermon Outline
1. God has Given Us His Spirit
a. Recieve
b. Confess
c. Know
d. Believe
2. Knowing Our Position Produces
a. Fearlessness
1. Confidence
2. Cast
3. Punishment
4. Perfection
b. Freedom to Love
Small Group Discussion Questions
1. Verse 13 mentions that we know we abide in God because He has given us the Holy Spirit. How have you personally experienced the Holy Spirit as a sign of God's presence in your life?
2. In verses 14-15, John emphasizes the importance of confessing that Jesus is the Son of God. Why is it significant that John connects our confession of Jesus with God's abiding presence in us?
3. In verse 17, John talks about having confidence for the day of judgment because of God's perfect love. What does it mean to have confidence before God, especially when thinking about judgment?
4. Verse 18 tells us that "perfect love casts out fear." What kind of fear is John referring to? Are there areas in your life where fear still affects your relationship with God or others? How can you experience God's perfect love more fully in those areas?
5. How can the assurance of God’s love help you overcome anxiety, shame, or doubt?
6. In verses 20-21, John challenges us that if we claim to love God but hate our brother or sister, we are lying. What does John mean by "hating" your brother or sister? Are there ways that we might unintentionally be harboring bitterness or unforgiveness?
7. What are some practical ways we can show God’s love to others, especially to those who may not know Him?
1 John 4:13-21
Perfect Love
Sermon Outline
1. God has Given Us His Spirit
a. Recieve
b. Confess
c. Know
d. Believe
2. Knowing Our Position Produces
a. Fearlessness
1. Confidence
2. Cast
3. Punishment
4. Perfection
b. Freedom to Love
Small Group Discussion Questions
1. Verse 13 mentions that we know we abide in God because He has given us the Holy Spirit. How have you personally experienced the Holy Spirit as a sign of God's presence in your life?
2. In verses 14-15, John emphasizes the importance of confessing that Jesus is the Son of God. Why is it significant that John connects our confession of Jesus with God's abiding presence in us?
3. In verse 17, John talks about having confidence for the day of judgment because of God's perfect love. What does it mean to have confidence before God, especially when thinking about judgment?
4. Verse 18 tells us that "perfect love casts out fear." What kind of fear is John referring to? Are there areas in your life where fear still affects your relationship with God or others? How can you experience God's perfect love more fully in those areas?
5. How can the assurance of God’s love help you overcome anxiety, shame, or doubt?
6. In verses 20-21, John challenges us that if we claim to love God but hate our brother or sister, we are lying. What does John mean by "hating" your brother or sister? Are there ways that we might unintentionally be harboring bitterness or unforgiveness?
7. What are some practical ways we can show God’s love to others, especially to those who may not know Him?