If Anyone Loves God

Thesis: To teach the hearer the true definition of biblical love.

Text: 1 Cor 8:1-3

1Co 8:1 Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." This "knowledge" puffs up, but love builds up.

1Co 8:2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.

1Co 8:3 But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.

Introduction,

1. As most well know there was a ton of problems at the congregation at Corinth, false teaching, division, anarchy in worship, arrogance, pride, and by some, even outright rebellion to apostolic authority.

2. The epistle of 1 Corinthians is actually the second epistle (letter) written to them by the apostle Paul, as seen in 1 Cor 5:9, there he states (1 Cor 5:9-11) . . .

1Co 5:9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—

1Co 5:10 not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.

1Co 5:11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.

1. And it seems that since that first epistle was delivered to them, they had written back to the inspired apostle (as affirmed in 1 Cor 7:1 where it states “now concerning the matters about which you wrote”) they evidently had asked him a number of questions on such topics as “marriage” “idolatry” “spiritual gifts” and “the collection for the saints,” the answers to these questions take up a good portion of what we call 1st epistle to the Corinthians.

2. And in chapters 8-10 the specific topic is “idolatry,” and how the Christian was to deal with this widespread evil in a manner that would be pleasing to God.

3. One of the basic truths about Christianity, and the things of God in general, is that the person who has knowledge of these truths, is in possession of more “proper knowledge” than all the men combined throughout time have been able to apprehend on their own.

4. There is the truth about creation, the purpose of life on this earth, how the whole material universe fits together and why, the revealing of the heavenly realms, what is on the other side of that which is referred to as death.

1. And that’s not to mention the many spiritual truths, that when properly applied, are able to bring mankind back to the point where God wants them to be, which (not by coincidence) also happens to be the same state in which one is prepared for heaven, remembering that heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people (John 14:1-6), a changed people, those who are being renewed through knowledge unto the likeness of God through the gospel (Col 3:10).

8. Thinking like God, acting like God, in order that we can forever be with God; this is a lot of knowledge, yet knowledge in itself without some other major components (faith, hope, love and wisdom, i.e. the applying of knowledge), is nothing more than a bunch of cold hard facts.

9. And that was one of the basic problems at Corinth; they had the knowledge that surpassed all their contemporaries, in a time when the philosophies of men were at their zenith, and they possessed the spiritual gifts that would verify this knowledge as the truth, yet they were missing some vital components necessary for the proper medium of spiritual growth, the biggest of them was love, which is something that is lacking today among many in their Christian walk unto the heavenly places.

1. Therefore in an attempt to deal with this problem, in this lesson we will look at . . .

1) The truth about “Knowledge” (1 Cor 8:1a)

2) The truth about “Pride” (1 Cor 8:1b-2)

3) The truth about “Love” (1 Cor 8:3)

I. THE TRUTH ABOUT “KNOWLEDGE” (1 Cor 8:1a)

A. (v 1a)

1Co 8:1a Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge."

In this section of the epistle Paul answers questions of which they had written him (7:1) concerning “things” (specifically meats) sacrificed to idols, and he answers 3 basic questions . . .

1) Is it OK to eat meats in an idol’s temple?

2) Is it permissible to buy meats from the market place that may have been previously used in heathen ceremonies?

3) Can a Christian eat meats in the house of a non-believer that formerly were sacrificed to idols?

1. The answers to these questions were a little complex, yet the basic principle to be followed is found in Ps 24:1 (turn there) . . .

Psa 24:1 The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,

a. The meats are God’s, they are amoral, they are neither wicked nor righteous in and of themselves; and they are good for consumption and are to be received with thanksgiving as seen in 1 Tim 4:4-5 . . .

1Ti 4:4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

1Ti 4:5 for it is made holy (sanctified) by the word of God and prayer.

b. But by eating them we are not better nor worse Christians as verified in (1 Cor 8:8) . . .

1Co 8:8 Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do.

c. Yet by the giving of thanks for them unto God (that sacrifice of thanksgiving; Ps 50:23a) He is glorified, thus fulfilling 1 Cor 10:31 . . .

Psa 50:23a The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me;

1Co 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

d. Yet there is much more to consider than that, and that is how our actions affect “others,” for the Lord said (Mt 7:12a) . . .

Mat 7:12 "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

e. There were the weaker Christians who thought these things in themselves were wrong because they couldn’t in their mind separated the meats from the idols, therefore they thought those who ate such were sinning, and this could lead them to defile their own conscience by also eating of said meats; thereby when one exercised his liberty in this, he could be destroying the faith of another, one whom Christ died for (1 Cor 8:11).

f. And there were the pagans who actually believed an idol was something, thus if you ate meat sanctified by his god, he seen you as hypocritical, for knowing you were now involved in his god, and you formerly said that your God was the one and only true God and Jesus the only way to Him, remembering also that this person is a perspective Christian, thus you wouldn’t want to sway him away “from” the LORD, but rather “towards” Him.

g. For the earth is LORD’s (which includes the meats in this context), and “those that dwell therein” that would be the Christian and the idolater alike, therefore the faithful Christian should give up his liberty in eating meats for the weaker brother’s and the pagan’s own good, as Paul stated in 1 Cor 8:13 . . .

1Co 8:13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

2. So what’s the application, if there is any, seeing that idolatry is basically unknown in modern America today except among Native Americans?

a. The first application would be that of “covetousness”, which is defined as idolatry in Col 3:5, turn there (Col 3:5),

Col 3:5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

b. “Covetousness” is a greedy desire to have more, it is where one’s desires for anything (money, one’s work, fame, pleasure, pastimes, success, other’s possessions) occupies the place in one’s heart that is reserved for God alone, He is to be first and foremost in our lives (Mt 6:33a; 22:37b).

Mat 6:33a But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,

Mat 22:37b "You shall love the Lord your God with “all” your heart and with “all” your soul and with “all” your mind.

c. We can’t let others even start to think that we put these “things” before “the Most High,” because to do so would make them think that we have lowered God to “the 2^nd most high,” which of course would not be true.

3. And the second application has to do with the false religious practices of the denomi “nations” round about us; seeing that idolatry is man-made and likewise many of the practices of these religions of men are also man-made, if they think we condone, or partake in any manner, of that which is unbiblical, we may in fact be leading them away and not toward the truth, therefore we ought to consider our actions, if we partake in things such as . . .

a. The observance of Easter, Christmas, as holy days God has declared, (which He has not); we can celebrate the day to the LORD, or choose not celebrate the day to the LORD, we just need to keep the LORD in view, as part of our lives in whatever we choose to do, as it is written in Rom 14:5-8 (turn there) . . .

Rom 14:5 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.

Rom 14:6 The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.

Rom 14:7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself.

Rom 14:8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.

b. But when a religious body declares a certain day a holy day and there is a problem in their eyes if you “don’t” celebrate it, that is wrong (such as lent in the Roman church, or other various fast days instated by the Greek church), we are free to do what we will as long as the LORD is in view and it is wrong to judge another in this matter, as it is written (Rom 14:10-12; Col 2:16-17) . . .

Rom 14:10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;

Rom 14:11 for it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."

Rom 14:12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Col 2:16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.

Col 2:17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.

4. Then there is the use of mechanical instruments in worship of God, we can play a guitar to the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31), but if we are looking for our own glory (which I assure you is a part of performing), then we are lifting ourselves up and not God (Ja 4:10)

Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

a. And the use of instruments fashioned by the hands of men is nothing more than bringing the world into the worship of our God, in order to make it more palatable for those of the world, yet this is just the opposite of what God’s will is for us (Rom 12:2). . .

Rom 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

b. Musical instruments vs. accapella (as sung in the church) is a purity of worship issue, and we ought to be worshipping God in the ways He states (1 Cor 14:15), not the way the world wants (lifting themselves up while promoting ungodly traits; the lifting up of self; lasciviousness; the love of money and things, lack of self-control, etc).

5. Then there is the allowing of women to exercise authority over men in the assembly through the leading of prayer, the presiding over the Lord’s Supper, and even preaching, again this is nothing more than an attempt to fashion God’s people to an ever-changing world, God has set in place chains of authority in the church (Heb 13:17; 1 Tim 3:2a), the family ( Cor 11:3; Eph 6:1), and in our relationship to governments (Rom 13:1-2), and it is God’s will for His children to believe and obey these.

Heb 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

1Ti 3:2a Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife . . .

1Co 11:3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.

Eph 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

Rom 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

Rom 13:2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

a. But as women are raised up in and by society, people think that that is what we should do in the church, but Christ is head over all things to the church (Eph 1:22-23), and He has revealed that women are to be subject to, not rule over men (1 Tim 2:12) . . .

1Ti 2:12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.

1Co 14:34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says.

6. There is the raising of monies in any manner besides what is seen in the NT (a collection among the members, 1 Cor 16:1-2; or the selling of one’s personal property for the poorer saint’s sake, Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35),

a. But what we often see is the asking for funds instead of Christians looking for a good work to partake in, and of their own free will giving from the heart (2 Cor 9:6-8).

b. Then there is the promoting of gambling as a fundraiser, which is opposed to the will of the Lord for us to be content in any and all circumstances (Phili 4:11), it is opposed for us to do to others as we want for ourselves (Mt 7:12), we would want others to win, not ourselves, and gambling is opposed for us being free of the love of money (Heb 13:5), basically money holds the place in people’s hearts reserved for God in many of these scenarios, and one can’t be a servant of God and money, it is one or the other.

7. There is the approval of any type of organizing of the Lord’s church apart from that which is revealed in the NT, we can see this in popes, archbishops, and cardinals, fathers, reverends, right-reverends and nuns, none of these are biblical designations, but rather individuals are lifted up in these systems where God has not lifted, while the NT teaches that there are only elders (i.e. bishops, presbyters, overseers), deacons, and all Christians are servants, priests and saints (Phili 1:1).

a. If a person wants to move up the ladder in the NT church they need to become the lowest, the most humble, the most unimportant person in the world, this is Christ’s Way (Mk 9:33-35).

Mar 9:33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you discussing on the way?"

Mar 9:34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest.

Mar 9:35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all."

8. To lead someone to conclude that we would partake in any of these (even if when we don’t) would basically parallel the same situation that we see at Corinth, the weaker Christians may be led into them and defile their consciences and their souls by the transgressing of God’s revealed will for NT Christians, by not living by faith (Rom 14:23).

Rom 14:23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.

a. And it would also be hard to lead those from the religions of men, if they believed we were not true to God’s word (as we claim to be).

b. But the problem with some of the Corinthians was that, based upon their knowledge, they didn’t “want” to sacrifice their liberty for others sake, the same is true today, this goes against the basic premise of Christianity, our Lord said . . . (Luke 9:23; 14:33)

Luk 9:23 And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Luk 14:33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has (that includes self based rights) cannot be my disciple.

c. Basically their knowledge is being used by them as a tool for self gain and promotion, and that is just not the Christian way, here is the Christian way (Ja 4:10) . . .

Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

d. This is the “truth about Knowledge,” this is the place to where it should lead us, just as we see in our Lord’s example (turn to Phili 2:1-11) . . .

Php 2:1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,

Php 2:2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Php 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Php 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Php 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

Php 2:6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,

Php 2:7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

Php 2:8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Php 2:9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,

Php 2:10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Php 2:11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

II. THE TRUTH ABOUT “PRIDE” (1 Cor 8:1b-2)

A. (v 1b)

1Co 8:1b " This "knowledge" puffs up (makes arrogant), but love builds up (edifies).

1. A proper “knowledge” concerning the things of God is essential and extremely valuable (Phili 3:8)

Php 3:8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of (the knowledge of) knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

a. For “the Way”, “the Faith”, Christianity is a taught religion (John 6:45; Mt 28:20a) . . .

Joh 6:45 It is written in the Prophets, 'And they will all be taught by (of) God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from (of) the Father comes to me—

Mat 28:20a teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.

b. Thus without a proper knowledge, and the aligning our lives to that knowledge, we cannot be saved, as seen in the case of the unbelieving Jews, of whom Paul wrote (Rom 10:2-3) . . .

Rom 10:2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to “knowledge.”

Rom 10:3 For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness.

c. Therefore it is easy to see that “knowledge” is a “necessary condition” yet it is not a “sufficient condition,” as affirmed in the statement made by Paul in 1 Cor 13:2 . . .

1Co 13:2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

d. For when knowledge is not coupled with love as its motivating force, it tends to puff up its possessor, making them prideful instead of humble in the sight of God, and thereby putting one’s self on the top of the list of the things which God hates, “pride,” “self glory” (turn to Pro 6:16-17a) . . .

Pro 6:16 There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him:

Pro 6:17a haughty eyes (a proud look), (this originates from a pride-filed heart)

2. In our becoming God-like through the renewal, pride is something we should hate also, for we are commanded to (1 John 2:15-16) . . .

1Jn 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world—the desires (lust) of the flesh and the desires (lust) of the eyes and (the) pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

a. The “pride of life” originates in a world without God and without hope, “look at what I am, I am better than everyone else, I am at the top of my field, I am striving to better, I am ready to take on all challengers, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am!” Do you see it? We are not the Creator the great “I AM”, but rather the creature, the creation, the work of “I AM’s” hands,

b. How can a person boast in something that was given him? (Which in our context refers to divine knowledge). Rather we ought to lifting up God, Who gives us life, and breath, and all things (Acts 17:25), He knows this, and we should know it and openly acknowledge it in our lives as His children, rather than acting like those of the world who know not God. This is the way Paul put it in 1 Cor 4:7 . . .

1Co 4:7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?

c. Therefore knowledge should not be coupled with pride, but rather with love, for knowledge without love is the same as faith without a works (Ja 2:17), works motivated by love (Gal 5:6), it is dead, it leads to death, and only promotes self-sufficiency, of which the bible speaks against (Ja 4:15).

Jas 4:15 Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."

d. Our bodies, our minds, our abilities, this earth, the entire creation, they are ALL God’s, purposed for God, by God, through Christ Jesus our Lord (Col 1:16) . . .

Col 1:16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

e. Therefore its easy to see how “knowledge” in itself, tends to make one prideful, to puff one up, it, in itself, is “self” orientated, it is in “our own minds,” we tend to consider it “ours,” even though in actuality it has been given to us, we should never lose sight of this.

3. But “love” builds up, and that is what it actually says here in our text (1 Cor 8:1b) in the Greek (ASV footnote; ESV text), “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”

a. Love motivates one to share their knowledge, or to hold back their knowledge, depending on the situation, it is that balancing device of the heart which makes us look at others, and their needs, over our own, while still maintaining faithfulness to God (1 Cor 10:24; Rom 15:1-2).

Rom 15:1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Rom 15:2 Let each of us please his neighbor (the other) for his good, to build him up.

1Co 10:24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.

b. Thus love (not pride) is a necessary element in all we do, it is to be that which motivates everything (turn to 1 Cor 13:1-8a) . . .

1Co 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

1Co 13:2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

1Co 13:3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

1Co 13:4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant

1Co 13:5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

1Co 13:6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.

1Co 13:7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

1Co 13:8 Love never ends (fails)

B. (v 2; look back at 1 Cor 8:2)

1Co 8:2 If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.

1. The person that thinks they have attained the absolute truth in all things, is the person that can’t be taught, and the person that can’t be taught, is the person that will not experience spiritual growth.

a. The Christian Faith, the Way, Christianity is basically a state of continual growth, continually being transformed, continually being prepared for heaven, continually being renewed daily (2 Cor 4:16b). . .

2Co 4:16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.

b. And this growth process takes place through our feeding on the word of God, by the study and application thereof (1 Pet 2:2) . . .

1Pe 2:2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk (of the word), that by it you may grow up into salvation—

c. And for this to be successful, one has to realize that there is a lot to learn, and needs to always be in a seeking mode, always having the humility necessary to admit that one may be in error, and conforming to that one Truth as he learns of it, no matter what the cost, this is a condition, that when not met, will cost many their souls.

1. Consider the case of Paul, he gave up all of that which he had devoted his entire life to, and when he found out the Truth, he turned towards it, he left his old religion, his friends, his family, and was basically an outcast on the run the rest of his life, yet he knew he was right with God, the same may be true with us today.

a. Is there some area that we need to change in our lives in order to be aligned with God’s revealed will, or are we too proud and puffed up to humble ourselves before God and others, humility is essential, if we expect to make it to heaven, but pride will cost us our souls, the Lord stated in Mt 23:12; 5:3 . . .

Mat 23:12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Mat 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

b. This is “the truth about Pride.”

III. THE TRUTH ABOUT “LOVE” (1 Cor 8:3)

A. (v 3a)

1Co 8:3a But if anyone loves God,

How does a person love God, is it merely an inward affection?

1. The bible defines love in 2 John 6, (turn there, 2 John 6) . . .

2Jn 1:6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.

a. This is affirmed by the Lord (John 14:15; 21a) . . .

Joh 14:15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Joh 14:21a Whoever has my commandments and keeps them (present tense; “keeps on keeping them”), he it is who loves me.

b. Biblically speaking, love is an attribute that is great enough to prompts us to do what God wills concerning others, the flip side is also true (look at Jn 14:23-24) . . .

Joh 14:23 Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

Joh 14:24 Whoever does not love me does not keep (“keepeth” “keep on keeping”) my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.

1. The Christian also is to love his neighbor above himself (1 Cor 10:24), this seems strange in our “self” centered society, but it is the Truth, that makes us free.

1Co 10:24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.

a. In other words the Christian ought to be always putting himself in other’s shoes and responding to what he sees as their ultimate good, which may be at one’s loss, but this is Christ-like and to be imitated (turn to Phili 2:3-5)…

Php 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Php 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Php 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

b. This is the Spirit of Christ of Rom 8:9a, not the Holy Spirit, if you don’t have this spirit active in you, you are none of Christ’s

1. And the Christian is also to love his enemies (Mt 5:44-48; Rom 12:20-21) . . .

Mat 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Mat 5:45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Mat 5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

Mat 5:47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?

Mat 5:48 You therefore must (shall) be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Rom 12:20 To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals (of love) on his head."

Rom 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

1. And the Christian is to love his brethren, fellow Christians, and that, to the extent which Christ loved, these are big shoes to fill, none the less they are ours if we intend on being properly prepared for Heaven (John 15:12-13) . . .

Joh 15:12 "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

Joh 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

a. Brotherly love is our proof that we are indeed Christ’s, that we are holders now and future recipients of eternal life (1 John 5:13; turn to 1 John 3:14-18 and stay there) . . .

1Jn 3:14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.

1Jn 3:15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

1Jn 3:16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

1Jn 3:17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?

1Jn 3:18 Little children, let us not love (only) in word or talk but (also) in deed and in truth.

b. Again, as with our loving of God, we must therefore demonstrate our love by actions, one way would be to supply food and clothes to those who have none (Luke 3:11b).

Luk 3:11b "Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise."

1. What if we just say we love God, and don’t love others above ourselves, and don’t pray for our enemies as He commands, nor give to needy brethren, what then? (The answer is in 1 John 4:20-21) . . .

1Jn 4:20 If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

1Jn 4:21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

a. The word “love” here (1 Jn 4:20-21) is a present active indicative verb, the ASV renders it “loveth,” it is to be an on going process, therefore we must be “continual” demonstrators, we must be “continual” believers, we must be “continual” obeyers, we must be “continual” workers, coupled with being “continual” lovers, always caring.

1. And the last and probably most asked question is “how is God’s love appropriated?” “How do we get it?” The answer is contained in Rom 5:5 (turn there). . .

Rom 5:5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

a. When we hear the gospel message and believe it we are born again, born anew, born from above (Jn 3:3, 5) God’s Spirit at that time begins to dwell and work in us through the means of His word, that sword of the Spirit (Gal 3:2; Eph1:13; 6:17),

Eph 1:13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,

Gal 3:2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith?

b. And that Spirit dwelling in us molds and shapes our inner person making us, transforming us into the likeness of God, back into that image of God (Eph 4:17-24; Col 3:1-10), that image which we lost by loving the things of the world instead loving as God loves (Mt 5:44-48).

B. (v 3b)

1Co 8:3b But if anyone loves God, he is known by (him) God.

In the Greek this can mean that “the one that loves God, knows God,” or it can mean “the one that loves God, is known by God” both statements are biblical truths (even though some versions capitalize “Him” (NASB; NKJV) or even insert the word “God” into the text (ESV) thereby interpreting this verse instead of merely translating it).

1. One of the biggest problems outside of the church (and unfortunately some within Christ’s church) is not having a proper knowledge concerning the unchangeable nature of our all knowing, all present, all powerful God. Many throughout the ages and especially today have considered the God spoken of in the OT to be overly-just and unbending, while the God of the NT is all loving and full of mercy.

a. Yet all these attributes and more are inherent in God’s character, but the main difference between the God we see in the OT and the NT (Who is One in the same; Mal 3:6; Ja 1:17) is that He outwardly acted out His blessings and His cursings in the OT upon His people.

b. And in the NT, through which we are told that those OT examples were for our learning (Rom 15:4), the physical, the types, the shadows (Heb 10:1), are there in order that we may learn from them (1 Cor 10:6, 11), and apply them to that which is spiritual, the anti-types, the true.

c. In other words, what we see in the OT concerning God, is that which we can expect under His New Regime, the only difference being that the punishments and rewards will be dished out not only in this life, but more so in the next life, for a surety.

d. Therefore when you look at the seemingly peaceful body of a deceased person, you need to realize, that person is gone, in Hades, that is but a shell, a tent, a tabernacle, that will turn into dust and be raised on the Last Day, but that person himself is either in Paradise, or in Torments, awaiting the Final Judgment, awaiting “That Day” which has been specifically appointed by God (Acts 17:31), the only matter that will be unsettled, or we could say unrevealed before “That Day” will be the degree of punishment or reward which one will receive.

e. There seems to be no crossing over (Luke 16:26; Heb 9:27), just basically the finishing of business, the faithful will spend eternity with God (being the righteousness of God in Christ; 2 Cor 5:21), and those that followed their own wills will spend an eternity in the Lake of Fire.

1. Here is how the bible defines eternal life (look at John 17:3) . . .

Joh 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

1. Here is how the bible teaches that one can know that he “knows God” (turn to 1 John 2:3-5) . . .

1Jn 2:3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.

1Jn 2:4 Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,

1Jn 2:5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him:

a. The person that admits he’s a sinner, confessing his sins, that doesn’t make a practice of sin, but rather fights against it, that keeps God’s commands concerning the loving of his brethren, the loving of others, the loving of His enemies, the person that rejoices in God’s righteous commands, and not in the ways of the world, this person can know that they have eternal life now and in eternity, John specifically said (1 John 5:13) . . .

1Jn 5:13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.

1. And the person that “does”, that “continues” to do the will of the Father, even though it’s hard, through thick and thin, in season and out of season, this person will be “known by Him (God),” (2 Tim 2:19b) . . .

2Ti 2:19b "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity."

a. These will enjoy the peace that surpasses all understanding (Phili 4:7), based upon God’s unchanging word (1 Pet 1:25), they can and do count on God and His promises to be fulfilled in this life and the next (Rom 8:28).

Rom 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

b. And they can look forward to those long awaited words (Mt 25:21b) . . .

Mat 25:21b 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your (Lord) master.'

c. But those that follow their own ways, the way of man’s standard of love (Pro 14:12), walking in lawlessness (practicing sin), who thought they knew God but did not manifest a working, loving faith (Gal 5:6), have only these words to look forward to (Mt 7:23b) . . .

Mat 7:23b 'I never knew you; depart from me, you (who practice) workers of lawlessness.'

d. How could this happen to them, they thought they were Christ’s, some of these even had possession of the miraculous gifts of the first century (Mt 7:22), yet He tells them (Mt 25:41b)…

Mat 25:41b 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

e. They practiced lawlessness, they made a practice of doing things “their way” instead of “as it is written.”

f. They claimed to love others, but they did not demonstrate that love in helping others, sharing with others, thus they possessed not “faith working through love” (Gal 5:6), but rather they had a dead love, that inward warmth that did nothing but feel good inside themselves while others were in need.

5. The question is “do you really love God?” “Do you really know Him?” “Does He know you?”

a. For He certainly loves you, and He has demonstrated it (John 3:16) . . .

Joh 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

b. Will you do the same for Him (2 Cor 5:4-15; 1 John 3:16)???

2Co 5:14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died;

2Co 5:15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

1Jn 3:16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

c. God has set up a plan and delivered it through inspired men, and that plan includes love, a love that demands that we die to self and live for God and others.

One is to . . .

1) Hear the word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17);

Rom 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

One is to . . .

2) Believe that Jesus is the resurrected, Divine Christ (Acts 8:37; John 8:24), Who has been given all authority (Mt 28:18); and that God is, and rewards those that earnestly seek after Him (Heb 11:6), this is the point where one enters into the process of being saved (Lk 13:23; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15), Jesus said (Jn 5:24) . . .

Joh 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

One is to . . .

3) Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5) Jesus stated . . .

Luk 13:3b but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

Repentance is a change in mind that results in a changed life, we must all be changed, transformed in order that we can enter into Heaven and be likened unto God with God.

One is to . . .

4) Confess Christ before others (Acts 8:37) as did the eunuch, he proclaimed. . .

Act 8:37 . . . that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

And also ought you (Rom 10:9) . . .

Rom 10:9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

One is to . . .

5) Be baptized (immersed) into Christ (Gal 3:27), into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3), where His precious blood was shed (John 19:34), unto (for) the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38; 22:16).

Then one is to . . .

6) Live a life that is holy (1 Pet 1:15), “holy” means “separated”, separated from the ways of the world, and separated to the Way of God, determined to follow God’s divine instructions, thereby demonstrating our love for God, Christ, and others, and proving it by keeping His commandments (John 14:23-24)

Joh 14:23 Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

Joh 14:24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.

7) The question is “are we loving God, or loving ourselves?”