God is Love: Sacrifice
In 1 John 4:7-12, the apostle John invites us to understand and experience the depth of God's love and challenges us to reflect that same love in our relationships with others. This passage focuses on the core of the Christian message: God is love. John emphasizes that love is not just a feeling or abstract concept, but something that has been demonstrated in tangible, sacrificial ways through the life and death of Jesus Christ.
God is Love: Sacrifice
1 John 4:7-12
Sermon Outline
1. Gods Love is Limitless
1. God is Love
2. Love is from God
2. God Initiates Love
1. His Love is Active
2. His Love is Sacrificial
3. Our Response to Gods Love
1. Love One Another
2. Be the Manifestation of Gods Love
Small Group Discussion Questions
1. What does John mean when he says, "God is love" (v. 8)? How does this shape your understanding of who God is? How would you describe God's love in your own words after reading this passage? What stands out to you most about God's love for us?
2. According to verse 9, how has God shown His love to us? What is the significance of God sending His Son into the world?
3. In verse 10, John contrasts God’s love with human love. What is the difference between the love we show and the love God demonstrates through Christ? How does this challenge the way we love others?
4. Verse 11 says, “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” What does it mean for us to "love one another" in the way John is describing? What might that look like in practical terms? In what ways do you find it difficult to love others as God loves you? What are some obstacles to loving others sacrificially?
5. In verse 12, John says, "No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us." What does this teach us about how others experience God's presence in our lives?
6. Can you think of a time when you experienced God’s love through another person? How did it impact you? How can we be more intentional in showing this kind of love to others in our community?
7. What are some specific ways you can demonstrate God's love in your life this week, both within the church and outside of it?
God is Love: Sacrifice
1 John 4:7-12
Sermon Outline
1. Gods Love is Limitless
1. God is Love
2. Love is from God
2. God Initiates Love
1. His Love is Active
2. His Love is Sacrificial
3. Our Response to Gods Love
1. Love One Another
2. Be the Manifestation of Gods Love
Small Group Discussion Questions
1. What does John mean when he says, "God is love" (v. 8)? How does this shape your understanding of who God is? How would you describe God's love in your own words after reading this passage? What stands out to you most about God's love for us?
2. According to verse 9, how has God shown His love to us? What is the significance of God sending His Son into the world?
3. In verse 10, John contrasts God’s love with human love. What is the difference between the love we show and the love God demonstrates through Christ? How does this challenge the way we love others?
4. Verse 11 says, “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” What does it mean for us to "love one another" in the way John is describing? What might that look like in practical terms? In what ways do you find it difficult to love others as God loves you? What are some obstacles to loving others sacrificially?
5. In verse 12, John says, "No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us." What does this teach us about how others experience God's presence in our lives?
6. Can you think of a time when you experienced God’s love through another person? How did it impact you? How can we be more intentional in showing this kind of love to others in our community?
7. What are some specific ways you can demonstrate God's love in your life this week, both within the church and outside of it?