January 1, 2023
Passage:  1 John 4:7-19
Speaker:  Pastor Josh Holland
Main Point:  The more I know God, the more fearlessly I love God and others.

I. God sent His Son so I could live through Him.  (7-11)
            A. Love does not define God, rather God has defined love.
            B. To experience the love of God, I must know the Son of God.
            C. Love others out of appreciation for God’s love”.

II. God sent His Son so His love could live in me.  (12-16)
            A. The goal of history is God lovingly pursuing people.
            B. The living God is seen in his people who love.
            C. The better I know God’s love for me, the better I can love others.

III. God sent His Son to replace condemnation with love.  (17-19)
            A. A believer’s sin has already been paid for at the cross.
                        1.  (cf. Romans 8:1)
            B. If we love like Jesus loved, our works will be approved.
                        1.  (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10)
            C. An unloving believer experiences guilt and fear.
            D. Loving believers believe in a loving Judge.