Category: 1 John Series

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The Love that We Need

Summary of my sermon, based on 1 John 2:12-17. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on February 5, 2023.

Remember the time when smartphones revolutionized our lives? While they brought numerous benefits, they also became a major source of distraction. Similarly, in our journey of faith, we often get distracted by the allurements of the world, hindering our focus on the profound love that Christ offers. In the writings of the apostle John, we find a compelling message of assurance: when we truly know, love, and obey Jesus, we can have confidence in our salvation.

The Love of Christ Gives Salvation

In the first portion of 1 John 2:12-14, John repeatedly affirms his message to different groups within the church, emphasizing the fundamental aspects of salvation. He reminds “little children” that their sins are forgiven through Christ’s sacrifice. To the “fathers,” he emphasizes their intimate knowledge of Jesus, the one who existed from the beginning. Addressing the “young men,” John celebrates their victory over the evil one. By knowing the Father and being strengthened by the Word of God, they have overcome. Through the love of Christ, we receive the gift of salvation, which leads to exaltation and victory over the forces of darkness.

John’s poetic expressions in this passage resonate with the Psalms, which frequently exalt God for His salvation. We are encouraged to sing and proclaim the wonders of our redemption. As we exalt God, our hearts are stirred with a passionate love for Jesus. Salvation not only delivers us from sin but also empowers us to live victoriously in Christ. Ephesians 6:10-12 further reinforces this truth, urging us to put on the armor of God and stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Through salvation, we gain the strength to resist and overcome the attacks of the enemy.

The Love of Christ Gives Eternity

John’s exhortation continues in 1 John 2:15-17, where he warns against loving the world and its temporary allurements. The desires of the flesh, the lustful cravings of the eyes, and the prideful pursuits of life are not aligned with God’s purposes. Instead, we are called to align ourselves with the will of God, for the world and its desires are transient. By embracing the love of Christ and living in obedience to God’s will, we secure an eternal existence. Our love for God should transcend the fleeting pleasures that the world offers.

In a world filled with distractions and temptations, we must refocus our attention on the profound love that Christ has bestowed upon us. By exalting God for our salvation, finding strength in Christ to overcome the evil one, and turning away from the transient desires of the world, we can confidently walk in the assurance of our salvation. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, knowing Him intimately, loving Him fervently, and obeying Him faithfully. In Him, we find eternal life and the unwavering assurance of our salvation.

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How We Know We’re Saved

Summary of my sermon, based on 1 John 2:3-11. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on January 29, 2023.

People often question and doubt their assurance of salvation, especially when faced with the reality of sin in their lives. While the Bible teaches that we are justified by grace through faith, doubts can still creep in. Charles Spurgeon once said, “The more honest you are about your sinfulness and your shortcomings, the more glorious Christ’s salvation becomes.” So how can we have confidence in our salvation? In 1 John 2:3-11, we find guidance on knowing, loving, and obeying Jesus as the basis for our assurance of salvation.

We Know Jesus When We Obey Him

To have assurance of salvation, we must know Jesus. And we come to know Him through obedience. The Apostle John writes, “By this, we know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commandments” (1 John 2:3). Obedience is not about earning salvation through works, but rather the evidence of a genuine relationship with Christ. When we walk in obedience, we reflect our knowledge and understanding of who Jesus is.

Obedience to Jesus goes hand in hand with keeping His commandments. Jesus Himself said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Our love for Jesus is demonstrated by our obedience to His teachings. The commandments of Christ are not burdensome but rather the path to abundant life and true freedom (1 John 5:3). By embracing His commandments and aligning our lives with His teachings, we grow in our assurance of salvation.

In order to obey Jesus, we must first know His commandments. The Bible is the primary source for understanding His teachings and commands. Psalm 1:2 encourages us to delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night. Reading, studying, and meditating on Scripture is crucial for our spiritual growth and knowing Jesus more intimately. It may seem daunting, but there are resources available to help us understand and apply God’s Word effectively.

When we obey Jesus and keep His commandments, His love is perfected in us. This perfection refers to the maturing and completion of His love within us. Through our obedience, we align ourselves with God’s love and allow it to work in and through us. This perfect love brings assurance and confidence in our relationship with Christ. As we walk in obedience, His love becomes evident in our lives and impacts our relationships with others.

We Know Jesus When We Love One Another

A key aspect of knowing Jesus is loving one another. John writes, “Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him, there is no cause for stumbling” (1 John 2:10). Our love for others is a tangible expression of our relationship with Jesus. When we genuinely love one another, we demonstrate that we know Him. This love is not merely a feeling but is demonstrated through our actions, sacrificial service, forgiveness, and compassion towards others.

Doubts about our salvation can arise, but we can find assurance by seeking to know Jesus more intimately. Our knowledge of Jesus grows as we walk in obedience to His commandments, grounded in Scripture. This obedience is not about works-based salvation but evidence of our genuine faith. As we keep His commandments, His love is perfected in us, leading to a deepened assurance of salvation. Furthermore, our love for one another reflects our relationship with Jesus and strengthens our confidence in Him. So let us pursue a deeper knowledge of Jesus, rooted in obedience and love, finding assurance in Him.

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What the World Needs to Hear

Summary of my sermon, based on 1 John 1:5-2:2. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on January 8, 2023. My first sermon as Pastor of GCF Toronto.

Recent events, such as the FTX cryptocurrency scandal, highlight the world’s increasing denial of sin and accountability. We see individuals refusing to take responsibility for their actions, while society enables and even supports sinful behaviors. In a world that denies its sinfulness, it is crucial for us to preach the complete Gospel. By examining 1 John 1:5-2:2, we can gain insights into how the Gospel message addresses the world’s denial of sin and offers hope in Jesus Christ.

God is Light

In our current cultural climate, where sin is denied and relativism prevails, it is essential to begin with the truth that God is Light. This truth confronts the world’s distorted perception of morality and emphasizes the holiness and righteousness of God. The Apostle John, in his letter, proclaims, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). By starting with this foundational truth, we expose the darkness of the world and the need for righteousness to have fellowship with God.

We Are Sinful

To preach the complete Gospel, we must affirm that we are sinful. Society often denies sin or minimizes its impact, promoting self-righteousness and a false sense of moral superiority. Yet, the Bible declares, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). It is crucial to confront the world with the reality of sin and its consequences. By acknowledging our sinfulness, we can experience forgiveness and cleansing through Jesus Christ (1 John 1:9).

Jesus Saves

In the face of human sinfulness, the complete Gospel offers hope and salvation through Jesus Christ. As we acknowledge our sin, we find assurance that “we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). Jesus, the propitiation for our sins, took upon Himself the punishment we deserved and offers redemption to all who believe in Him (1 John 2:2).

Preach the Complete Gospel

In a world that denies sin, the urgency to preach the complete Gospel cannot be overstated. We must challenge the distorted narratives and false beliefs that lead people astray. The Four Spiritual Laws, once effective, must now be supplemented with a clear message about the righteousness of God and our sinfulness. We need to address the world’s misplaced values, where good is called evil and evil is called good (Isaiah 5:20). By presenting the complete Gospel, we provide a pathway for people to come to the light and find redemption through Jesus Christ.

We can learn from the Way of the Master evangelism approach, which emphasizes the importance of addressing sin before sharing the good news of salvation. Like Peter and Isaiah, who recognized their sinfulness in the presence of a holy God, we must help people acknowledge their own sin and their need for a Savior. By pointing to Jesus Christ as the advocate and propitiation for our sins, we offer hope and forgiveness.

In a world that denies sin, preachers and believers must boldly proclaim the complete Gospel. We start with the foundation that God is Light, exposing the darkness of sin and highlighting the need for righteousness. By acknowledging our sinfulness and accepting Jesus Christ as our advocate and propitiation, we find forgiveness and redemption. Let us rise to the challenge of sharing the complete Gospel, bringing light to a world that desperately needs to hear the truth.

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Jesus At The Center

Summary of my sermon, based on 1 John 1:1-4. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on December 18, 2022.

In a world that continually pushes Jesus aside, it is vital for us to keep Him at the center of our lives. Just like the recent news of the absence of a Christmas tree at the Eaton Centre, society often tries to minimize the importance of Jesus during significant occasions. However, as believers, we must resist the temptation to let other things distract us and instead focus on keeping Jesus as the center of our attention. The first letter of John addresses a similar struggle faced by the believers at that time, as false teachers spread heretical claims about Jesus. John reaffirms Jesus’ divinity and aims to confirm and encourage the believers in their faith. In this passage, John emphasizes the importance of encountering, sharing, and enjoying the Word of Life, which is Jesus Himself.

Jesus is at the center when we encounter the Word of Life

John highlights the significance of encountering Jesus, both through his personal experience and the written Word. By sharing his own encounters with Jesus, John assures believers that Jesus is real and life-changing. He draws attention to the eternal nature and incarnation of Jesus, emphasizing that encountering Him is the basis for fellowship and joy. While John had the privilege of physically encountering Jesus, we can encounter Him through the Written Word, the Bible. The Scriptures testify about Jesus and serve as a means for us to have a personal encounter with Him. It is crucial for us to regularly engage with the Bible, using the resources available to us, and set aside time to encounter Jesus through His Word.

Jesus is at the center when we share the Word of Life

John reminds us that sharing Jesus is not limited to evangelism but also extends to sharing Him with fellow believers. By testifying and proclaiming Jesus, we encourage and build up one another in faith. Sharing Jesus within the community of believers is essential for our ongoing sanctification, as the Gospel continues to shape and transform our lives. The basis of our fellowship with one another is Jesus Himself, and sharing Him strengthens the bond we have as a community. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us to encourage one another, meet together, and build each other up. By sharing Jesus, we deepen our fellowship and help one another grow in faith.

Jesus is at the center when we enjoy the Word of Life

Lastly, John emphasizes that Jesus is the source of true and unending joy. When Jesus is at the center of our lives, we can experience complete joy. While worldly joys are temporary and fleeting, the joy we find in Jesus is eternal. Christmas celebrations often bring us joy through various aspects like family, gifts, or food. However, it is essential to recognize that these temporal joys cannot compare to the joy we find in Jesus. The joy we experience from worldly things serves as a glimpse of the greater joy we find in Christ. By enjoying Jesus, we discover the fullness of joy that only He can provide.

In a world that tries to cast Jesus aside, it is our responsibility as believers to keep Him at the center of our lives. We do this by regularly encountering Him through the Written Word, sharing Him with one another within the community of believers, and enjoying Him as the ultimate source of joy. As we maintain Jesus at the center, we deepen our relationship with Him, strengthen our fellowship with other believers, and experience true and lasting joy. Let us commit to keeping Jesus at the center of our lives and continuously grow in our encounter, sharing, and enjoyment of Him.