Dios nos amó primero. 1 Juan 4:10 | Pr. David Gómez. ISDG

Understanding Love Through 1 John 4:10

Introduction to the Concept of Love

• The speaker introduces a pause in the series on Jesus' miracles to explore 1 John 4:10, emphasizing its depth and significance.

• The verse states that love is defined not by our love for God, but by His love for us, which includes sending His Son as atonement for our sins.

The Apostle John's Perspective on Love

• John is referred to as the "Apostle of Love," particularly noted for his extensive discussions on love in his first epistle, especially in chapter 4.

• He defines love as sacrificial and true, focusing on God's nature of love rather than human expressions of it.

Human Distinction and Capacity for Love

• The speaker questions what it means to love and why humans possess this ability, highlighting that humans are distinct from other living beings due to their soul.

• Humans have intellect (reason) and emotions (affection), setting them apart from animals and plants which lack these qualities.

Creation in God's Image

• It is explained that humans were created in the image of God (Genesis 1), which grants them authority over other creatures while also implying responsibility towards them.

• This divine image endows humans with rationality and emotional capacity, reflecting God's own attributes such as thoughtfulness and affection.

Understanding Divine Thoughts vs Human Understanding

• The speaker references Isaiah 55:8–9 to illustrate that God's thoughts are higher than human thoughts; misunderstanding God does not negate His existence but affirms human limitations.

• Acknowledging that we cannot fully comprehend God’s ways highlights both His superiority and our need for humility regarding divine wisdom.

Understanding the Affections of God and Human Emotions

The Nature of God's Affections

• God's affections, such as love, compassion, anger, and mercy, are described in the Bible. These emotions can evoke nervousness in people due to their intensity.

• Respect for God is crucial; our lives and eternal destinies are in His hands. However, God's affections differ significantly from human emotions.

• Humans often act impulsively based on their feelings, leading to disproportionate actions. In contrast, God maintains perfect equilibrium in His affections.

Human Reasoning and Affection

• Humans possess reasoning and affection because they are created in God's image. This connection allows us to understand both reason and emotion.

• The American theologian Jonathan Edwards defines reason as the ability to perceive and judge things while defining affection as the soul's inclination towards or against something.

Love and Hate: Two Sides of the Same Coin

• Love and hate are seen as opposing directions of a single affection; loving someone involves a favorable inclination towards them while hating involves an unfavorable one.

• A biblical example illustrates this concept through Amnon's transition from love to hatred (2 Samuel 13:15), showcasing how quickly human affections can shift.

Defining True Love According to John

• The Apostle John aims to clarify what true love is by stating that it consists not merely in our love for God but rather in understanding divine love.

• Many confuse love with passion or physical attraction; however, these feelings do not equate to true love as defined by scripture.

The Nature of Divine Love

• Often humans give love expecting reciprocation; this expectation does not align with divine love which is unconditional.

• John emphasizes that true divine love originates from God rather than human effort or desire. It must be received rather than generated by humans themselves.

• John's definition begins negatively—true love does not stem from humanity's initial affection for God but rather from God's initiative toward humanity.

The Relationship Between Knowledge and Love

• To truly love someone requires knowing them; thus, our relationship with God grows deeper through knowledge which fosters genuine affection.

• John asserts that understanding God's nature leads us to recognize how He demonstrates His love for humanity beyond mere words or feelings.

This structured overview captures key insights into the nature of divine versus human emotions while emphasizing scriptural references that illustrate these concepts effectively.

Understanding Love and Human Nature

The Nature of Relationships

• The speaker discusses the absence of shared history or affection between strangers, emphasizing that love is built on familiarity and time spent together.

• It is noted that we dedicate time to those we love, suggesting that our closest relationships are with those we invest the most time in.

Self-Love as a Foundation

• The argument is made that the person we spend the most time with is ourselves, indicating a natural inclination towards self-love.

• This self-centered nature of human love is highlighted, suggesting that true love often stems from an egocentric perspective.

Divine Love vs. Human Love

• The speaker references biblical teachings, stating that God's love for humanity exists despite humans not loving Him first; this introduces a contrast between divine and human love.

• God’s nature as love (1 John 4:8) implies His decision to love stems from His goodness and mercy, regardless of human actions.

Humanity's Flaws

• Acknowledgment of humanity's sinful nature sets up a discussion about why God would choose to love flawed beings who have sinned against Him.

• Biblical references (Romans 3:10–18) illustrate humanity's disobedience and moral failures before God, reinforcing the idea of universal sinfulness.

Understanding Sin

• The definition of sin expands beyond obvious wrongdoings; it includes any act of disobedience against God's will.

• Common misconceptions about goodness are addressed; people often equate being non-criminal with being good without recognizing deeper moral failings like pride.

Moral Law and Human Behavior

• Discussion on God's moral law reveals its purpose in preserving humanity; agreement on basic principles like prohibitions against murder highlights societal values.

• Despite acknowledging these laws, humans frequently violate them through various means such as tax evasion or theft under rationalizations.

Egoism in Human Love

• The speaker concludes by asserting that human beings tend to prioritize their own interests over others', which complicates genuine expressions of love.

God's Unconditional Love

The Nature of God's Love

• The speaker emphasizes that despite being a sinner and selfish, God loves individuals unconditionally. This love is not based on our love for Him but rather His love for us first.

• Life itself is portrayed as a gift from God, highlighting that we do not choose our circumstances such as birth date, family, or physical attributes; these are all given by God.

• God's love is also demonstrated through salvation. He saves humanity from self-love and sin, referencing Romans 5:8 to illustrate that Christ died for us while we were still sinners.

Understanding the Son of God

• The speaker clarifies that true love is defined by God's actions towards humanity rather than our actions towards Him. This leads to questions about Jesus' identity and purpose.

• Historical figures like philosophers and rulers are mentioned to contrast with Jesus Christ, who uniquely claimed to be the Son of God. This claim sets Him apart in history.

Historical Evidence of Jesus

• The speaker cites Matthew 16:13-17 where Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah, emphasizing the necessity of divine revelation to understand this truth.

• The historicity of Jesus is affirmed through references from non-Christian historians like Tacitus and Josephus, confirming His existence and crucifixion without bias towards Christianity.

The Significance of Jesus' Claims

• The debate surrounding Jesus centers not on His existence but on whether He truly is who He claimed to be—the Son of God.

• Accusations against Jesus by religious leaders highlight the gravity of His claims; they viewed His self-identification as blasphemy deserving death.

Martyrdom for Beliefs

• The speaker questions why anyone would die for a lie they created themselves, using examples from history to illustrate how people have died for their beliefs—suggesting authenticity in those who followed Jesus.

• Early disciples faced persecution and death for proclaiming Christ’s resurrection, raising doubts about their motivations if they knew it was false; this reinforces the belief in their sincerity regarding their faith.

What is the Purpose of Jesus' Mission?

The Divine Nature and Mission of Jesus

• The speaker emphasizes that only Christ was willing to die for his claims, prompting reflection on the significance of this assertion.

• Jesus, being sent from heaven to earth, signifies his divine nature and suggests a specific mission he needed to fulfill during his time on Earth.

• Jesus voluntarily accepted death on the cross, as foretold, demonstrating his commitment to humanity's salvation rather than self-preservation.

Understanding Propitiation

• The concept of propitiation is introduced; it refers to satisfying God's justice through an atoning sacrifice for sin.

• Sin is defined as disobedience to God's will, with a reminder that all will face judgment regardless of immediate consequences (Hebrews 9:27).

Justice and Accountability

• Incredulity towards divine judgment does not exempt one from accountability; disbelief may even exacerbate one's standing before God.

• An example illustrates how legal infractions incur penalties, paralleling how sins against God require just recompense.

The Need for a Perfect Sacrifice

• A critical issue arises: how can a sinner pay their debt when they are inherently guilty? Human efforts cannot suffice in meeting divine justice.

• There must be a perfect substitute—someone without sin—to bear the penalty for humanity’s transgressions.

Christ's Role in Salvation

• Jesus embodies both human likeness and divine perfection; he represents humanity while remaining sinless (Hebrews 4:15).

• This duality showcases God's love and the essence of the Gospel—Christ's sacrificial love for sinners who cannot save themselves.

Steps Toward Reconciliation with God

• To reconcile with God, one must first acknowledge their separation due to sin.

• Recognizing that only through Christ can one approach God involves repentance, confession, and faith in His redemptive work on the cross.

Understanding the Gospel and God's Love

The Challenge of Believing in Salvation

• The concept of salvation through grace is difficult for humans to accept, as it requires a belief that contradicts the need for personal merit or works.

• Salvation is described as a gift from God, stemming from His deep affection and love for humanity, emphasizing that we have no merits to present before God's justice.

Knowing God's Love Through Christ

• To truly understand God's love, one must know Christ; without this knowledge, individuals may feel unloved by God.

• Regardless of why someone attends church (obligation, tradition, or need), the focus should be on how they respond to the preached gospel.

Responding to the Gospel

• The importance lies in recognizing one's distance from God and approaching Him through Jesus Christ; everyone who seeks Him will not be turned away.

• Doubts and fears often arise when discussing God; these feelings are natural and can lead individuals to seek deeper understanding.

Humanity's Innate Need for God

• Every person has an inherent emptiness that drives them to seek their Creator; this quest explains the multitude of religions worldwide.

• Historical philosophers sought an original creator due to this innate need for divinity within human existence.

Materialism vs. Spiritual Fulfillment

• Modern materialism fails to satisfy existential needs; even wealthy individuals experience depression and despair at similar rates as those with less wealth.

• True happiness cannot be found in material success alone; all humans share a fundamental need for connection with God.

The Role of Doubts in Faith

• Questioning God's existence is seen as a positive step towards seeking Him; genuine doubt can lead one closer to faith.

• Throughout history, many believers testify that sincere seekers will encounter God if they earnestly pursue Him.

The Transformative Power of the Gospel

• The message of the gospel remains vital regardless of age or prior exposure; it is transformative and worth sharing passionately.

• Personal testimony emphasizes humility—believers are simply those who have found spiritual sustenance rather than being inherently superior.

Understanding Church Beyond Social Gatherings

• The church is not merely a social club but a living testament to God's existence and purpose in humanity's life.

• Genuine encounters with believers reflect God's love and transformation, showcasing how faith alters lives profoundly.

How to Approach God Freely and Voluntarily

The Importance of Personal Connection with God

• Emphasizes the significance of having a personal relationship with God, highlighting that it is within our control to approach Him freely and voluntarily.