About This Sermon
Kal Kilgo teaches from 1 John 3:1-3 on the opening Sunday of 2026. John wrote this letter so believers would know they have eternal life and be confident in God's love for them. Kal shows that God's love must be looked at, received, and imitated.
We look to the cross where God demonstrated His love, not merely talked about it. We receive that love personally, allowing the Spirit to drench us with what Christ has already accomplished. This receiving comes through unhurried time with God. Then we imitate that love by pursuing purity, not to earn God's favor but because we already belong to Him.
Scripture: 1 John 3:1-3; John 20:30-31; 1 John 5:13; Romans 5:8; Titus 2:11; 1 John 4:9-10; John 1:14; Colossians 3
Study Guide
A few ideas to carry with you, discuss with your group, or revisit during the week.
Practical Takeaways (5)
- God demonstrated His love on the cross so we could know we are His children.
- Love talked about is easily turned aside, but love demonstrated is irresistible.
- Christians live in three arenas: what we are, what we shall be, and what we should be.
- We do not graduate from the gospel; we fight to keep looking at the cross.
- Receiving God's love vertically must come before we can love others well.
Discussion Questions (5)
- What stands out to you about the way John describes God's love in 1 John 3:1-3?
- Why is it sometimes harder to receive God's love than to believe it is true?
- What would unhurried time with the Lord look like in your current season?
- How does knowing you are already God's child change the way you pursue holiness?
- Who in your life needs to see love demonstrated, not just talked about?
