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
By this God’s love was revealed in us, that God has sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
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
Beloved, if God loved us in this way, we also ought to love one another.
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately after this lesson (1 John 4:11) to continue the passage.
Discussion
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How does God's first love free you from performance?
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What does atoning sacrifice mean for your guilt?
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How can you reflect initiatory love toward others?
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