Loving Brothers and Sisters

“Loving Brothers and Sisters”

August 22, 2009

Larry R Evans

Reflective Introduction

In Genesis 2 we have an amazing story. It is all about God and us but mostly about a genetic identity that was placed within us. Soon after God breathed into man the “breath of life” (Gen. 2:7) he became a living being reflective of God Himself (Gen. 1:26). At that point he was simply a “work in progress.” Our beginning was carefully defined but it was only that. More was to come! The next great event in Genesis 2 was the placement of this new creation called Adam in a carefully crafted garden. Within this garden man was to find the setting for his true self-discovery. Two very important and related events happen to bring about this discovery: a security check and the creation of companionship. The security check was established first. It was a test of allegiance to God. A single tree in a vast garden was to be off limits. The privilege of personal decision was built into his psyche. The next part of his self-discovery was relating to someone else similar himself. God saw that it was not good for him to be alone (Gen. 2:18). There was something about being created in the image of God that could not develop in isolation but this need brought about a brand new challenge. Could Adam relate responsibly to both His Creator and to other created beings? Whatever the outcome, these two components were essential for Adam’s self-discovery. They were part of his and they are part of ours. So at the heart of any honest self-discovery today is the need to ask: What is my relationship and allegiance to God and secondly, how do I relate to those around me in light of this allegiance? Love in its fullest extent is essentially defined by the combination of both. It has been said that, “The behavior of the fully human being is always unpredictable—simply because it is free.” (John Powell) That is the core of our study this week. Our behavior is unpredictable if we abandon our “genetic code” and side step the questions God asked Adam and Eve after their fall, “Where are you (in relation to Me)?” and the question he asked of Cain after he killed his “brother”, “Where is your brother?” Both questions get to the very heart of who we are and how far we have migrated from the divine plan. This week we address the relational component—How do we treat others knowing that God first loved us.

Reflective Quiz

1. It is hardest to love when your best intentions are perceived as self-serving. [1Jn 3:11-16; 13:53-58; Matt.27:46; 26:6-13] True or False?

2. Some confuse the meaning of love by using people and loving things. [Matt. 8:37,38] True or False?

3. If we love our “brother”, we should not be his “keeper.” [1Jn. 3:11,12; Gen. 4:8,9] True or False?

4. Supreme love for others is shown when one is willing to die for a cause. [1Jn. 3:16; Matt. 27:5] True or False?

5. If in our own heart we feel condemned it is a sign that God has placed this feeling there so we can avoid becoming proud. [1Jn. 3:19-21; Jer. 17:5-9; Rom. 7:14-8:2] True or False?

6. Confidence in God drives away fear. [1Jn. 4:17, 18] True or False?

7. If someone has fear it is a sign that they do not love God. [1Jn. 4:17] True or False?

8. The love Jesus has for each of us softens the heart of God causing His accusations to turn into forgiveness. [1Jn. 1:9; 4:13-18] True or False?

9. John writes much about love. In doing so he makes it clear that anyone who has the power or the means to stop suffering and does not do it sins. (If that is true is God sinning?) (1Jn. 3:14-20] True or False?

10. God’s law was given out of love, therefore, anyone who keeps the law shows love. (1Jn. 2:4, 9) True or False?

[Class notes will follow later today]

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