1 John 4:9-10 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world… I. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD'S LOVE. 1. Everlasting in its date (Jeremiah 31:3). 2. Unmerited in the objects of it (Ezekiel 36:21-23). 3. Immutable in its nature (Psalm 89:30-36). 4. Of unspeakable value (Ephesians 3:17-19). 5. Eternal in its duration (Ephesians 3:11, 12). II. THE MANIFESTATION OF GOD'S LOVE. 1. The greatness and glory of the person sending: God (Isaiah 57:15). 2. The dignity of the person sent: Christ, the God-man (Hebrews 1:3). 3. The place into which He was sent: this world (1 John 4:9). 4. The purpose for which He was sent: salvation (Galatians 4:4, 5). III. THE GRACIOUS DESIGN. 1. A life of reconciliation with God (2 Corinthians 5:18). 2. A life of justification before God (Romans 5:1). 3. A life of Divine communion in God (1 John 1:3). 4. A life of consolation and genuine happiness (2 Corinthians 1:5). 5. A life of eternal glory in heaven, body and soul (Psalm 73:24; Galatians 6:8). IV. IMPROVEMENT. The nature of this life has many most paradoxical traits connected with it. 1. A warlike yet victorious life. 2. A painful yet pleasurable life. 3. A friendless yet friendly life. 4. An humble yet exalted life. 5. A dying yet eternal life. 6. A worthless yet most precious life. (T. B. Baker, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. |
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