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We Must Not Fail to Love (1 John 3:11-12)

September 8, 2019 Preacher: Bob DeWaay Series: Topical

Scripture: 1 John 3:11-12

John uses Cain as an illustration of the necessity for loving one’s brother. The command to love is central to Christian teaching and comes directly from Jesus Christ. In this sermon we show that it is certain that the world will hate Christians because they are alienated from God and living under the power of darkness. Because of this, we must certainly love each other as we are in Christ. 

The world hated Christ and will hate His followers. Cain was “of the evil one” an is the original murderer. The term for “murdered” is literally “slaughtered” and is used in Revelation about Jesus as the One who was slain. John’s categories are absolute because love and hate are antithetical. The fact that Abel pleased God by faith created the situation where Cain murdered him. In like fashion, the world hates Christians because we have come to God on His terms and are found in Christ. We discuss “envy” and how it is an insidious sin that leads to murder. 

God does not run out of gifts so we never have a reason to envy what God has done for our brothers and sisters in Christ. All Christians are hated by the world because the world rejects God who has both given moral law and provided the remedy for guilt. It was by faith that Abel pleased God. We need to trust God like Abel and forsake all envy and hatred.   

Sermon handout and slides available under Downloads tab.