Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire (I John 4:20)

No Video Blog For this Devotional

If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

THE STUDY:

This morning we are going to focus in on the first section of this verse, “he is a liar.” The word liar is used seven times by John in his writings (2 – The Gospel, 5 – I John). This word was not necessarily used to speak about someone who is lying as much as pointing out someone who is opposed to God.

In the OT and Jewish tradition God is considered the truthful and inherently faithful one (cf. Num 23:19; 1 Sam 15:29; Ps 33:4). Therefore, ψεύστης is usually used of the attitude of opposition to God and the inclination toward what is worthless.^[1]

Even though unloving people may be publicly identified with the church, failing the love test relegates them to a category reserved for serious offenders. The designation liar applies to those who disobey God’s commands (2:4) and who deny that Jesus is the Christ (2:22). Liars are antichrists (2:22), who deny God and Christ.^[2]

                   

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away this morning with the understanding that to confess “LOVE FOR GOD” is to confess “LOVE FOR OUR BORTHER.” If we profess hatred for our brother then we are opposed to GOD.

CONCLUSION:

           Love for God cannot remain a warm feeling in our hearts that moves vertically to heaven but horizontally fails to reach our fellow man. Genuine love for God and for our neighbor extends both ways.

God created man in his own image and likeness (Gen. 1:26–27). He requires us to love man because we are made in that image.^[3]

          This morning let us reveal our Love for God by loving our fellow believers. Remember, those who don’t believe are watching and if they see us spewing animosity toward others, they are seeing a liar.

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

---

^[1] Balz, H. R., & Schneider, G. (1990-). Vol. 3: Exegetical dictionary of the New Testament (499). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans.

^[2] Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3 John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (152). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

^[3] Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 14: New Testament commentary : Exposition of James and the Epistles of John. New Testament Commentary (342). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.