The Old / New Commandment (1 John 2:7-11)

Introduction

1.    Linus (Peanuts comic) “I love mankind. It’s people I can’t stand.”

2.    1 John 2:3-6 – test is our obedience

3.    John 13:14-15 – Jesus washed feet, serve out of love

4.    John 13:34-35 – love others as Jesus loved us

5.    Loving one another is the mark of a true Christian

a.    Define love – biblically, not culturally

b.    Love seeks what is best for another

6.    Love one another is to obey the Lord’s commandment (1 John 2:7-8)

John makes four points:

1.    Jesus command is both old and new

a.    Leviticus 19:18

b.    Matthew 22:37-40

c.    OLD – Given many years ago, they knew it from beginning (2 John 5)

d.    NEW –

                                          i.    In emphasis

                                        ii.    In quality

                                       iii.    In extent

2.    Establish and maintain relationships

a.    Begins with how you think about others

b.    How can I serve others?

c.    Love extends to our speech

d.    Then it expands to our behavior

3.    Our relationship with Christ controls how we love others

a.    2:8 command is true IN HIM

b.    You can only love others when you know you are in Christ

4.    This is a lifelong process

a.    2:8 – darkness is passing away, light is shining

b.    2 Peter 2:18 – Grow in grace and knowledge

c.    Philippians 1:9 – abound more and more

d.    1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 – increase more and more