What love avoids (sin). 1 John 3:11-12
What love manifests (the distinction between the saved and the lost). 1 John 3:13-15
What love does (it gives itself in self-sacrifice). 1 John 3:16-18
I. The source of love is the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 John 3:16a)
A. The knowledge of love is available to believers.
B. The knowledge of love comes through Christ.
II. The substance of love is self-sacrifice. (1 John 3:16-18)
A. The greatest illustration of loving self-sacrifice (Jesus). (3:16a)
B. The great call to love is the call of self-sacifice similar to that of Jesus. (3:16b)
C. The lesser call to love is the call to sacrifice things for the sake of others. (3:17)
D. The actions of our lives must match the words of our mouths. (3:18)