Reading for August 4th

Read 1 John 4.7-21. In 4.7-5.12: The inseparable connection between the two texts. In 4.7-21: Ethical test: Love based on faith. God's love for us is the foundation of love for one another. In verses 8-16: The repetition of God is love in vv. 8 and 16 frames this section, emphasizing the theological foundation of ethics. In verses 9-10: Our knowledge of God comes from his Son, revealed (see 3.16; Jn 3.16) in the loving act of sending his son as an atoning sacrifice (see 2.2). In verses 11-12: That loving act is the basis for behavior; our love for one another demonstrates that reality of the relationship with God. In verses 13-16: The argument moves at the intellectual level and in the realm of experience. The believers know and testify that the Father has sent his Son as the savior of the world; they experience God abiding in them as they confess that Jesus is the Son of God. this knowledge and expenence is found in the community. In verses 17-18: Living as Jesus lived, keeping his word, and conforming to his example are expressions of abiding in his love. This is the basis of confidence on the day of judgment (see 2.28). In verses 19-21: The believer's love has it source and model in God's foundational act of love. Those who say (literally, "if anyone says"), the final (seventh) assertion of the opponents. Love within the believers community ratifies the claim to love God. The author does not deal with the command to love neighbor (see Mt 5.43; 19.19) or enemy (Mt 5.44). CCommenst or Questions..