Sometimes it hides behind a young boy’s ears; ask any mother! 37:11) This will come to pass because our loving God always does what is in the best interests of his faithful servants. 136:25. Click the Bible for the all new StudyLight.org!! (Gen. 3:1-5) Though Jehovah permitted Satan to try to prove his side of the issue, such permission was temporary. Thus this epistle has rightly been called a continuation of the gospel of John (of chapters 1 to 19) especially. Terms such as. What are some of the many ways in which Jehovah has displayed his great love? What is God’s dominant quality, and how does knowing this make you feel about him? John does not describe the practical life of every individual Christian (which life, sad to say, often differs from this) but he lays down divine principles (see paragraph 3.a. The apostle does not mean to say that it has been manifested in no other way, but that this was so prominent an instance of his love, that all the other manifestations of it seemed absorbed and lost in this. What has the Messianic Kingdom been doing that convinces you that it is God’s loving arrangement for mankind? on StudyLight.org Terms such as light and darkness, life and death, truth and lie as well as the only begotten son are typical for both books. Sometimes it masquerades as wholesome and clean. But there also the light of God's holiness and righteousness shone in its fullest brightness when Christ the Son of God became the propitiation for our sins. Home > Study Desk. 1 John 4:8. 4:8.16). Jesus truly cares for his subjects and reflects God’s marvelous qualities, especially love. The phrase "know God" uses the Greek root word ginosko. [He is the originator of love, and it is an enduring attribute of His nature.] He could use what has happened in mankind’s history as the just reason to remove such rebels quickly, not allowing them to establish wickedness once again. Greetings and other personal messages are missing also. 2 John. 3:6). Default. What does 1 John 4:8 mean? 1 John 4:8 AMP The one who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. These attacks on Christology and the Christian ethic were stages of Gnosticism in its various shades which spread more and more during the 2nd century. In contrast to the Apostle Paul, John does not describe the believer's position in Christ and the privileges of the church of God (ecclesia) but life eternal in the children of God and the relations among the family of God. The wide recognition in the early church does also confirm the above. The first epistle does not mention any addressees. (Psalms 85:10), 1 John 1:1-4 Introduction: The Word of Life, 1 John 1:5-10; 1 John 2:1-12 Characteristics of True Fellowship with God, 1 John 2:28-29; 1 John 3; 1 John 4:1-6 Characteristics of the Children of God, To report dead links, typos, or html errors or suggestions about making these resources more useful use the convenient, Although the First Epistle of John does not bear any author's name it was never seriously doubted that the apostle John is the author of this epistle as well as of the fourth gospel. 2:7; 3:13) and "beloved" (chap. True love proves itself by deed. 1 John 1, William Barclay's Daily Study Bible, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, as set of 17 volumes on the New Testament, the result of Barclay's dedicated work Tons more resources, better tools, NIV84 and easier navigation. Home > Commentaries > Coffman Commentaries > 1 John. The exhortation contained in this verse is, on the one hand, a deduction from the foregoing (especially from 1 John 3:16-17); but, on the other hand, it forms the basis of the further development. He tells them that Christ the Eternal Son of God, the eternal life Himself, has come and that those who believe on Him receive eternal life and the sonship of God. This brief sentence imparted to John, even during the mere time which he took in writing it, more delight than the whole world can impart. Οὐκ ἔγνω, knoweth not) Is not born of God, and knoweth not God.— ὁ Θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστὶν, God is love) ἀγάπη, without the article, as in 1 John 4:16. PRIVACY POLICY, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/2015841/univ/art/2015841_univ_sqr_xl.jpg, THE WATCHTOWER—STUDY EDITION November 2015, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/a/w/E/20151115/wpub/w_E_20151115_lg.jpg, Share God’s Word promises: “Evil men will be done away with, but those hoping in Jehovah will possess the earth. 4. (Read Revelation 4:11.) Test drive it and tell us about your experience. He often refers to the introductory words "If we say..." (chap. What do you think life would be like if God did not love mankind? All these creations give evidence of Jehovah’s Godship and of his qualities, such as his power, wisdom, and love. The miserable record of mankind shows that neither humans nor Satan can provide what we need in the way of good rulership. 4:1-3) and the necessity of a life of faith in practical righteousness and brotherly love. 10, 11. 4:8.16). 2:3.5.18.20.21.29; 3:2.5.14.15; 5:2.13.15.18.19.20). Bibliography Information Gill, John. JOHN'S FIRST LETTER. on StudyLight.org The apostle Paul showed what a loving act that was on the part of both Jehovah and Jesus by stating: “Indeed, while we were still weak, Christ died for ungodly men at the appointed time. What purpose is served by God’s temporary permission of wickedness? (chap. The practice of our lives of faith has to agree with our confession. The expressions "brethren" (chap. One Hundred Years Under Kingdom Rulership. THE WATCHTOWER—STUDY EDITION November 2015, Audio download options Test drive it and tell us about your experience. THE WATCHTOWER—STUDY EDITION November 2015, Share Contrast the rulership of Jesus with that of sinful human rulers. (Prov. The frequent address "children" (chap. “I am convinced,” wrote Paul, “that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”​—Rom. The Apostle John deals with his various main subjects (life eternal, brotherly love, practical righteousness) at times more than once in an extremely simple way of expression but with great solemnity. In addition, the Epistle contains a third expression indicating the relation between God and his children (chap. 6:9, 10) What blessings the fulfillment of such prayers will bring to obedient mankind! Today, world conditions keep getting worse. Although the First Epistle of John does not bear any author's name it was never seriously doubted that the apostle John is the author of this epistle as well as of the fourth gospel. For rightly disposed  and obedient humans, favorable judgment will result in a truly blessed future that will go on and on throughout all eternity. . . 16. He challenged the rightfulness and righteousness of God’s universal sovereignty. JEHOVAH’S inspired written Word, the Bible, tells us that “God is love.” It says not merely that love is one of his many admirable qualities but that “God is love.” (1 John 4:8) It is his dominant quality, his most important one. Why did Jehovah permit rebellion against his righteous rule? 3:9). (a) How will Jehovah deal with wicked people? Theme. ", Here both parts of the sentence are identical in contents.  |  10 Because he is a God of love and he hates wickedness, Jehovah has purposed to rid the earth​—as well as the rest of the universe—​of evil when the issue regarding rulership is settled to his satisfaction. 1 John 4:8-11 New International Version (NIV). Search examples: John 3:16 "Love of God" peace AND mercy. Jehovah has already placed this government in the hands of his Son, who loves mankind and is superbly qualified to rule. Grace corresponds with the idea of revelation of God as love (1 John 4:8,16) by him who is Life; and TRUTH with that of the revelation of God as light (1 John 1:5) by … He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." What was accomplished by Jesus’ death? 1 John 5. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.” (Jer. Recipients, Author and Time of Writing. 1 Juan 4:8 Spanish: La Biblia de las Américas El que no ama no conoce a Dios, porque Dios es amor. The love is in this respect, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins.”​—1 John 4:9, 10. Both statements of this sentence are entirely congruent (identical) as from God's viewpoint. As applied to the Lord, the phrase marks him as the author of perfect Redemption and perfect Revelation. The following statements we find in First John only: "God is light" (chap. The repeated expression of "I write unto you" indicates the book to be an epistle or letter however unique and special (compare chap. The difficult statements of First John are always sentences of the second type. The absolute statements of this epistle cause many a difficulty to the reader. (b) What will we consider in the next article? 1 Johannes 4:8 Norwegian: Det Norsk Bibelselskap (1930) Den som ikke elsker, kjenner ikke Gud; for Gud er kjærlighet. For hardly would anyone die for a righteous man; though perhaps for a good man  someone may dare to die. 6 In addition to showing how futile human rule is, God’s temporary permission of wickedness serves another long-range purpose. Footnotes. 1:5) and "God is love" (chap. There is a great deal of reiteration in this chapter, but additional truth appears with regard to testing the spirits (1 John 4:1-6), and there is more extended teaching on love.God is love, love as a test, love of one another, love of God, God's love of us, etc. Dirt isn’t always obvious. 9. 7:9, 13, 14) How large is the great crowd now? Many a reader has difficulties with this abstract way of presenting and considering as they cannot bring these abstract statements in line with their practical experiences. (Read John 17:3.) THE WATCHTOWER—STUDY EDITION November 2015, The Watchtower—Study Edition  |  November 2015, Show Appreciation for Jehovah’s Generosity. 1:20. The apostle stresses invariability and certainty of the Christian message by the repeated expression "from the beginning" (chap. In him — Or, through him, as Beza understands it; was life — He was the living and powerful Word, which was the source of life to every living creature, as well as of being to all that exists. What is required of those making up this group? Besides love, what does Jehovah’s personality at times allow for, and why? What has mankind’s history clearly demonstrated? (2 Cor. Suggested by ABS-CBN Corporation (Music) Sapagkat Diyos ay Pag ibig - Erik Santos By the epistle we learn that towards the end of the first century heretics arose among the Christians who denied the divine sonship of Christ (chap. Moreover, “he gives food to every living thing, for his loyal love endures forever.”​—Ps. It is rather a fundamental statement on the nature of a man born of God who is, therefore, able to live a life according to God. View Downloads. The author calls himself an eyewitness of Jesus' life (chapter 1:1-3) and expresses himself with the authority of a respected, elder spiritual leader. He expresses the personal assurance of faith by frequently repeating the words "we know" (chap. 2. τεκνία] Impressive address before the exhortation. 17. What is the Messianic Kingdom, and to whom has Jehovah entrusted Kingdom rulership? 4 When rebelling against Jehovah’s rule, the Devil influenced the first human pair to do the same. 1 John 3. 8:38, 39. 3:1, 13) History has demonstrated beyond any doubt the truthfulness of what the Bible says: “I well know, O Jehovah, that man’s way does not belong to him. 1:6.8.10; 2:4.9; 4:20). 1 John 4:8(NASB) Verse Thoughts. In connection with John's gospel all of this points to the Apostle John as author of the epistle (compare with notes on John's Gospel). 13 Although we are imperfect, we can ‘follow Jehovah’s way.’ We can also  have a close personal relationship with Jehovah because of his great act of love. As does the Epistle of James this Epistle does not contain a perceptible logical structure of thoughts. The enemies of Jehovah will vanish like glorious pastures; they will vanish like smoke.”​—Ps. The first speaks of God's holiness, truth and righteousness and the second of His grace and mercy. A printed copy of this work can be ordered from: The Baptist Standard Bearer, 1 Iron Oaks Dr, Paris, AR, 72855. There are billions of galaxies, each containing many billions of stars and planets. He provided the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ, opening the way for obedient humans to be freed from sin and death inherited from Adam. 11:28-30) What loving assurance that is! The former things have passed away.” (Rev. God is Love. For example, Psalm 5:4-6 says of Jehovah: “You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness . Read verse in English Standard Version Add Bookmark. How amazing to realise the outpouring of His unique love.. flows through us, to … God lovingly sent his willing Son to earth (See paragraph 13). The Bible tells us: “He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. (b) How will Jehovah reward rightly disposed people? John also shows tests for the practical life of the Christians who are distressed by false teachers. He that dwelleth in love - he who is full of love to God and man is full of God, for God is love; and where such love is, there is God, for he is the fountain and maintainer of it. The first verses of the Epistle show a certain parallelism with the opening statements of John's gospel. 14:1) The Kingdom was the main theme of Jesus’ teaching, and he taught his disciples to pray: “Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. This logic is simply explained in the following two examples: The second part of the sentence contains one of many possible evidences and to turn the sentence round would be non-sensical: "Who cannot speak is dead". Probably every Christian has a problem with these words when thinking of his practical life. Hide Footnotes. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 3:18. The logic of such a sentence is that it does not bear any similarity to a Christian's practical state. The First Epistle does not bear any indication of an author nor of an addressee. As the epistle of Jude so John's First Epistle address all believers. 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