Knowledge of the Holy, Part 4

1 John

Introduction

• Appreciation and context for the sermon series.
• Purpose and Approach: Guided by the theme, the Holy Spirit, and introducing a variety of sermon styles.

Different Types of Sermons

• Thematic Approach: Knowledge of God
• Narrative Approach: Story of Jonah
• Didactic Approach: Romans
• Textual Focus for Today: Initially John 3:16, expanded to broader themes.

Primary Themes in 1 John

• Introduction to 1 John: Addressing problems in the church, reassurance of salvation.
• Ultimate Assurance: Belief in Jesus Christ as the foundation of being born again.

Three Key Areas for a Balanced Christian Life

Righteousness

• Scriptural Basis: 1 John 2:3-6, 3:4-10.
• Practical Application: Desire to obey Jesus' commandments, tendency towards righteousness.

Love

• Scriptural Basis: 1 John 2:7-11, 3:11-18, 4:7-21.
• Practical Application: Loving fellow Christians, demonstrating God's love.

Sound Doctrine (Truth)

• Scriptural Basis: 1 John 2:18-29, 4:1-6.
• Practical Application: Adherence to true teaching about Jesus Christ, doctrinal stability.

Three-Dimensional Christianity

Breadth: Relationship to the world, emphasizing truth.

• Problem: Modern relativistic views of truth.
• Solution: Preaching the word, Spirit’s work in hearts.

Height: Relationship to God, emphasizing righteousness.

• Problem: Human sinfulness.
• Solution: Word of God exposes sin, leads to repentance.

Depth: Relationship to one another, emphasizing love.

• Problem: Interpersonal conflicts, rivalry among churches and denominations.
• Solution: Demonstrating love as seen in Jesus Christ.

Practical Illustrations and Applications

• Story of John and the Strawberry Jam: Exposing sin through the Word of God.
• Depth of Love:
  • Hosea and Gomer: God’s unconditional love for His people.
  • Personal and Church Application: Loving each other as God loves us.

Conclusion

• Call to Action: Examine personal faith in righteousness, love, and truth.
• Final Prayer: Seek God's help to be balanced Christians in truth, righteousness, and love.

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.