• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"By this we know that we abide in Him..."

Text: 1 John 4:13

FROM LOVING OTHERS TO ABIDING IN GOD

To the Apostle John some matters are very closely tied to each other. He ties loving one another to abiding in the Lord.

“By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us,
because He has given us of His Spirit.”
1 John 4:13

1. “By this”

a) This seems to be one of the favourite phrases of John.

b) This same phrase is found in 1 John 4:9, 10.

c) The NKJV translates this a little differently in 1 John 4:13 “By this”.

d) In fact, the expression in the Greek text is exactly the same (“en touto”).

i) By this (1 John 4:13)

ii) In this (1 John 4:9-10)

2. “By this we know that we abide in Him”

a) If the love of God truly fills our heart, we will be able to love one another.

b) Love is a great indicator that we are truly abiding in the Lord.

3. “And He in us”

a) Abiding has two important aspects:-

i) We abide in the Lord.

ii) The Lord abides in us.

b) Both aspects must be there.

4. “Because He has given us of His Spirit”

a) John now adds another profound aspect.

b) He brings in the Person of the Holy Spirit.

c) The Spirit of God has been given to us for a number of reasons: –

i) He is our Seal.

ii) He is our Guarantee.

iii) His Presence confirms the fact that we are truly abiding in the Lord.

iv) God’s love will be poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.