TEXT:  1 John 5:1-3

INTRODUCTION:

A.      THE PARADOX OF THE PASSAGE:

          1.       His commandments are not grievous.

          2.       They require sacrifice of self (Luke 9:23)and battling the devil (Eph. 6:12).

B.      IN THE LIGHT OF TRIALS AND OBSTACLES, HOW ARE THE COMMANMENTS

          OF GOD NOT GRIEVOUS.

I.      AT FIRST, WE USE THE BASICS TO URGE OBEDIENCE.

A.      SIN IS PRESENTED AS A BREAKING OF THE LAW (1 John 3:4)

B.      SIN’S CONSEQUENCE EMPHASIZED (Rom. 6:23; Mark 9:48;  2 Thess. 1:7-9).

C.      THE REWARD OF OBEDIENCE IS EMPHASIZED (1 John 2:25;  Matt. 5:12).

                                              Obey and go to heaven,

                                                     Disobey and go to HELL!

D.      IT’S A TRUE AND LEGITIMATE MOTIVATION FOR OBEDIENCE. 

   IT’S IN THE BOOK!  

II.     FOR THE MATURE, OBEDIENCE DERIVES FROM DEVOTION.

A.      JESUS APPEALS TO THE 12 IN THEIR MATURE STATE (John 14:15).

B.      WHY SHOULD WE LOVE JESUS?

          1.       Because he first loved us (1 John 4:19).

          2.       In his love he gave himself (John 15:13;  10:17-18).

          3.       He bore the punishment of our sins (1 Pet. 2:24;  2 Cor. 5:14-15).

          4.       He Suffered and died (Matt. 27:26-31) Nailed to the cross (John 20:24-25).

          5.       He knew it was coming (Psa. 22:14-18 – Luke 22:41-44).

C.      WE ARE TO BE ROOTED AND GROUNDED IN HIS LOVE (Eph. 3:17-19).

D.      WHAT DO WE GET OUT OF THIS?

          1.       Relief from the burdens of sin (2 Cor. 5:14-15;  1 Pet. 2:24)

          2.       Eternal life and a home in heaven(John 3:16;  14:1-3).

          3.       Access to God as our Father (Heb. 10:19-21;  4:15-16).

          4.       A restoration to what we ought to be (2 Pet. 1:4).

          5.       Fellowship with God (1 John 1:6-7).

E.      HIS COMMANDS ARE NOT GRIEVOUS BECAUSE OF OUR LOVE FOR HIM.

III.    WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT JESUS REQUIRES?

A.      OBEDIENCE TO THE GOSPEL (Heb. 5:8-9;  Acts 10:47-48).

B.      THE ELIMINATION OF SIN (Acts 17:30;  Rom. 6:1-2, 12).

C.      A FULL MEASURE OF DEVOTION (Luke 9:23;  2 Cor. 5:14-15).

D.      THAT WE LOVE WHAT HE LOVES (Eph. 5:25-27).

          1.       Reflected by fellowship/association ( Acts 2:42ff.; Rom. 12:10 ).

          2.       Reflected in presence at worship and Bible studies ( Heb. 10:24-25 ).

          3.       We have a work assigned us as a group.

                   a.       The Philippian church – instructions for the church (Phil. 1:27).

                   b.       Eph. 4:15-16.  Are we fulfilling our obligation to the collective – the church?

E.      APPRECIATION OF JESUS’ SACRIFICE WILL LEAD TO CERTAIN BEHAVIORS

          (Heb. 10:19-21).

          1.       We will draw near to God (vs. 22).

          2.       We will be faithful (vs. 23)

          3.       We will consider our brethren (vs. 24) to provoke unto love and good works.

D.      IT IS IN THE CONTEXT OF THIS APPRECIATION OF THE SACRIFICE OF JESUS

          THAT THE WRITER TELLS US NOT TO FORSAKE THE ASSEMBLY (vs. 25).

          1.       In context:  to take it lightly, or even disregard.

          2.       How we regard the assembly is indicative of how we regard the church and those

                   who are members of it.

          3.       It reflects our disposition toward the work God has assigned the church.

          4.       We will not be like Israel:

                   a.       They snuffed at it (Mal. 1:13).

                   b.       Study was a burden to be borne (Isa. 28:9-10, 13).

                   c.       Their lack of study brought destruction (Hos. 4:6).

CONCLUSION:

A.      JESUS ASKS US TO DO SOME THINGS THAT SEEM DIFFICULT.

B.      BE HONEST.  WE ARE MORE CONCERNED WITH INCONVENIENCES.

C.      IF WE LOVE THE LORD, WE WON’T BE MIND.

WHAT GOD REQUIRES WILL NOT SEEM GRIEVOUS.