I John 4:10

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In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

THE STUDY:

          In this verse John spells out further what he means by saying ‘love comes from God’ and ‘God is love’. He does so by explaining what God did for us,^[1] sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. The word propitiation is also translated as: atoning sacrifice for (NIV), or expiation for (RSV)! The Greek word found in this passage is (hilasmos) which is defined as: means by which sins are forgiven.  

The coming of Christ addresses the need for sins to be removed or cleansed in expiation (Punishment). Sin in human life must be removed by a thorough purification.

By insisting on suffering due to sin and by suffering in behalf of sinful humanity, God demonstrates that (1) sin is serious and must be radically dealt with, and (2) God is gracious and makes the reconciliation possible (2 Cor 5:18–19). God reconciles by sending the Son.^[2]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that this love God has for us is not just “puppy” love but an agape love. A love demonstrated by a loving God that would pay (atone for) the ultimate price (sacrifice) for a world that was lost.

CONCLUSION:

          I am drawn to the passage of scripture found in 2 Chronicles 7:14, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Jesus Christ paid the full amount for our sins. All we have to do is become humble, pray, seek a relationship with Christ, and turn from sin.

          Today, let us humble ourselves! Set our pride aside and let Christ come in. Let us spend more time in purposeful prayer. Not just a quick little prayer but an intentional timely one. Let us seek a deeper relationship with Christ. Finally, let us ask Christ to forgive us and turn from our sinful ways.

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Kruse, C. G. (2000). The letters of John. The Pillar New Testament commentary (160). Grand Rapids, Mich.; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans Pub.; Apollos.

^[2] Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3 John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (145). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.