Help for the Stuck
Sermon Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Faith, Hope & Love
1 John 3:11-24 (ESV)
11 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
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. 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? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
19 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22 and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 23 And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. 24 Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.
Sermon Outline
We get stuck in destructive ways, but there is a way out.
1. How we get trapped
v12 “we should not be like Cain… why?...”
v13 “Do not be surprised…”
2. What you can know
a. v15 “you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him”
b. v16 “by this we know love, that he laid down his life for us”
v23: his commandment: i. believe in Jesus ii. love one another
c. v19-20 “by this we know… God is greater than our heart”
d. v14 “we know that we have passed out of death into life”
e. v24 “we know that he abides in us”
So:
vv17-18 “love… in deed and in truth”
Prayer of Confession
Almighty and most merciful Father, you have loved us with a costly love, demonstrating the purity of your love, and our own need of grace. We confess we hide our sins instead of admitting them. We have hated others, acting with spite, resentment, jealousy and arrogance. Through our words and actions we have broken your commandment not to murder, and have not fulfilled your command to love. Forgive us. We trust Jesus, who laid down his life for us. We know love only because you have loved us. Help us now to love as Jesus loves, in deed and in truth. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
When you feel like you are falling short and are not good enough, where do you seek comfort? What habits or practices help you navigate those feelings wisely?
Are there any themes to your resentments? Do you return to certain forms of self pity, self loathing, or bitterness towards others? How do others disappoint you?
How do you respond to correction? How would you like to respond?
Why does Jesus say that calling someone a fool violates the commandment not to murder?
What spiteful attitudes or actions do you see in yourself? Do you ever do anything just to vent your anger, or because of some satisfaction in hurting others? Why? Are you willing to do things to hurt others even when you know there will be consequences for yourself?
John points out numerous things we can know. How can knowledge help you in situations like those in the previous questions? What are the limits of simply knowing something? What else do you need?
What does it mean that we can “know love” because Jesus laid down his life for us?
What are some ways you can apply the gospel at times when your heart condemns you? How do you find help, healing and growth? How do you resist temptation and do what is right?
What loving actions would you like to be a more regular part of your life? What steps can you make to growth in acting in love?