Pastor David Watson · Touch Grass, Week 6 · 1 John 4
Why God’s love moves him to action, and why it should move us too
The audio of this teaching is available on Spotify.
When John writes “God is love,” he means love is God’s essence, not just one of His moods or traits. Everything God does flows out of His love, including His holiness, His justice, and His judgment. The world often shrinks love down to a feeling that can mean whatever we want. That strips love of its power, and it strips God of His power too. Biblical love is strong, sacrificial, and active.
What Is a Watchman on the Wall in the Bible?
A watchman on the wall is someone who stands guard, sees danger coming, calls it out, and steps in to protect the people they love. The image shows up in Ezekiel 33, Isaiah 62, and Hosea 9. In the New Testament the closest idea is a witness (Acts 1:8). In 1 John 4, John acts as a watchman for the church. He warns believers about false teaching and fights for the people he calls “dear friends.”
What Does “Test the Spirits” Mean in 1 John 4:1?
To test the spirits means to use discernment about the messages and beliefs around us. Behind every ideology, song, show, and social media post, a spirit is pushing a message, either toward Jesus or away from Him. John gives the test plainly: every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God (1 John 4:2-3). Christians aren’t called to be fearful, but they are called to pay attention.
What Does “Greater Is He That Is in You” Mean? (1 John 4:4)
This verse means the Holy Spirit living in a believer is stronger than any spiritual force in the world. When you put your faith in Jesus, God sealed you with the Holy Spirit. That’s the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. Followers of Jesus aren’t victims, they’re victors. The victory isn’t one we earned. Jesus won it and shares it with us.
How Did God Show His Love for Us? (1 John 4:9-10)
God showed His love by sending His one and only Son into the world as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. “Atoning” means a payment that fully satisfies what was owed. God didn’t love us from a distance. He moved toward us, stepped into humanity, and went to the cross while we were still His enemies (Romans 5:8).
Can You Love God and Hate Your Brother? (1 John 4:20)
No. John says anyone who claims to love God but hates a brother or sister is a liar. A hateful Christian is a contradiction. Loving God and loving people can’t be separated, and the greatest commandment holds both together. Love for others is one of the clearest signs that someone truly knows God.
What Does “Perfect Love Casts Out Fear” Mean? (1 John 4:18)
It means God’s complete, sacrificial love removes the fear that keeps us frozen. The opposite of fear is courage and faith. You can’t stand in the gap for someone you love while fear is in control. Because God’s love has already secured our victory, we can move toward others with confidence instead of hiding from what’s happening around us.
Why Would a Loving God Allow Evil or Judge Sin?
Because God is loving, He doesn’t stay passive about evil. Exodus 15:3 calls the Lord a warrior. He fights evil because He refuses to watch it destroy the people He loves. His judgment flows from that same love. A loving God steps into evil to defeat it, and He pursues, rescues, and restores people who have wandered from Him.
What Is a Biblical Definition of Love?
A helpful working definition comes from pastor Joby Martin: love is your joy in the Lord expressed toward others at great expense to yourself. Hebrews 12:2 says Jesus endured the cross “for the joy that was set before him.” His joy was bringing us home to the Father, and it cost Him His life. Real love is joyful, outward-focused, and costly.
How Do I Put My Love for God Into Action?
You put your love into action by moving toward people, not just feeling something for them. In 1 John 4:16, John’s word for “believe” (pisteuo) is a verb, so faith that is real moves to action. Start by asking who God has placed in your life to watch over: a spouse, your kids, a friend, a neighbor, or a coworker who is hurting or far from God. Then take one step, like a text, a conversation, a prayer, or an invitation to dinner.
Reflection Questions
Have you let yourself be loved by the God who is love?
Where is your love in action, or is it just a feeling?
Who are you a watchman for? Who are you contending for because you love them?
At Bear Creek we call that person your “one more.” Who is your one more?
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 John 4
What is the main message of 1 John 4?
God is love, and people who truly know Him will love others. The chapter also teaches believers to test the spirits and to trust that the Spirit in them is greater than the spirit of the world.
Who wrote 1 John and why?
The apostle John wrote 1 John to a church troubled by false teachers. He wanted to protect believers from deception and assure them of their faith.
What does it mean that we love because He first loved us? (1 John 4:19)
Our ability to love comes from experiencing God’s love first. We don’t produce love on our own. We pass on the love we’ve received.
How do I know if I’m a genuine Christian according to 1 John?
John points to believing Jesus is the Son of God who came in the flesh, having the Holy Spirit, and loving other people in real, costly ways.
Plan Your Visit
At Bear Creek Community Church, we are devoted to helping people find life with Jesus. Whether you have followed Jesus for years or are just starting to explore faith, there is a place for you here. Plan your visit or reach out if you would like to talk about taking your next step.