
1 John 3:4-15
Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that He appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in Him is no sin. No one who lives in Him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen Him or known Him. Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous. The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. 1 John 3:4-9
1. Real Love is Built on
“When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44
Length of Time + Depth of Relationship = Level of Intensity
Why did Jesus come to Earth?
First: To Take Away our Sins
“Jesus appeared to take away our sins.” (v.5)
“But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8)
Second: To Destroy the Works of the Devil–
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. (8)
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
“Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5
This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister. For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous. 1 John 3:10-12
2. Real Love Leads to
Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.”[a] While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. (Genesis 4:2-10)
If you love Me, keep My commands. (John 14:15)
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him. 1 John 3:13-15
3. Real Love Gives
Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:7-8
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Ministry Highlights
YNG Students Summer Camp
This summer YNG camp, June 9-12, 2022, is sure to be the best camp experience for your student. It gives your student the opportunity to get away from all the distractions in life, while having fun, building meaningful relationships, and more importantly growing in their faith with Jesus Christ. Register or get more info HERE.Join The Connection Church Family!
Are you ready to take the next step towards getting connected? At Connection 101, you’ll discover how you can be a part of our mission to change lives and grow in your connection with God and others. Connection 101 happens TODAY, Sunday, February 27th at both Buda & San Marcos Campus. (Food & childcare provided) Find Out More.Girl Time Conference
We’re excited to announce our Girl Time Women’s Conference: “More To Come”. This powerful two-day event at The Connection Church on March 4th and 5th will bring women together to discover what God wants to do through us to make an impact in our generation. Register TODAY!
Connection Group Questions:
- Pastor Cole said his first car was a ‘76 Camaro. What was your first car? What did you love (or not) about it?
- How does our world show hostility toward Christians today?
- Read 1 John 3:6 and 3:10. What do you think John means when he says that Christians don’t sin? What are the noticeable differences between the children of God and the children of the devil?
- How can we recognize and respond to our culture’s “whatever is right for you” attitude?
- Why do you think truth matters when it comes to love?
- When have you seen real love in action? What was the result?
- This past week, did you feel more like a child of God or like a distant relative? How can your relationship with God improve this week?
- How can you practice Jesus-like love this week? With your family? With a friend? At church? With a person in need?