By The Rev. Dr. Paul A. Leggett
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Sermon Text: I John 3:19-24, 4:1-4
Sermon Theme
According to John there can be no love apart from the truth. Love is based neither on illusion nor good intentions. It cannot exist apart from the truth that is found in Jesus Christ alone (John 14:6). This truth is expressed in belief in Jesus Christ and mutual love. Even when our hearts condemn us, God’s truth reassures us by the witness of the Holy Spirit. God’s truth does not exist in a neutral reality. There are other spirits which constantly seek to undermine the truth in Jesus Christ. The ultimate example of this is the antichrist who denies Christ. We have no need to fear these spirits. We overcome them through God’s word and his indwelling Spirit.
Sermon Outline
- Spirit God’s love is grounded firmly in truth. This is not a private truth “for me” as opposed to a truth “for you.” God’s truth is concrete, real and factual. The public historical demonstration of it is Christ’s death on the cross. Love in Christ is constantly focused on the truth. It encourages, supports and directs the beloved constantly to Christ. We often feel very inadequate confronted with the truth about ourselves. However, even if our hearts condemn us, God reassures us. The Holy Spirit dwelling in us constantly witnesses to God’s truth.
- Spirits There are many spirits in the world. We are not to believe all of them. The spirit of antichrist which had already appeared in John’s time is no less active today. This figure has appeared throughout history (both in men and women).The final test between the spirit of antichrist and the Holy Spirit is the confession of Jesus Christ as God in human form. Antichrist is a spirit which may take many forms. Its role is to deny Jesus. We need to know God’s word and be firm in our faith.
- Security John mentions the antichrist not to alarm us but to warn us. Love and truth can never be separated (Ephesians 4:15; I Peter 1:22). The spirit of antichrist will try to divide them. We are in an ongoing spiritual conflict (Ephesians 6:10-12). We can neither take this too lightly nor overreact. Many people struggle with doubt and uncertainty. This is not the spirit of antichrist. The spirit of antichrist may be recognized when Jesus Christ is distorted or denied. We need to be alert. In all events we are secure in God’s promise. Christ is greater than all the powers of this world. In Christ alone we have conquered the world.
Questions for Us
- Why do you think it is so difficult to hold love and truth together? What are some of the ways we sacrifice one for the other?
- Where do we see the spirit of antichrist at work in our world today? What are some of the ways we can “test the spirits?”
- How do we understand the promise that we have conquered the false spirits?
