Lesson 265: 1 John 4:10
1 John 4:10
The Blueprint — The Verse
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Memorization Practice
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Scripture quotations marked NIV are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Context — The History
John reverses human-centered love stories. True love originates in God's initiative — sending the Son as atoning sacrifice while humanity was still indifferent or hostile.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
After stating God is love, John defines it: not our love for God first, but his love sending the Son as propitiation for our sins — initiating reconciliation.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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1 John 4:9
9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
Read the verse immediately before this lesson (1 John 4:9) to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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1 John 4:11
11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (1 John 4:11) to continue the passage.
Discussion
- How does God's first love free you from performance?
- What does atoning sacrifice mean for your guilt?
- How can you reflect initiatory love toward others?