1 John 3:24
This sermon explores the relationship between keeping God's commandments, the indwelling of Christ, and the assurance provided by the Holy Spirit.
John Gill emphasizes the significance of keeping God's commandments, particularly focusing on faith in Christ and love for one another. He explains that those who adhere to these commandments dwell in Christ, and Christ dwells in them, highlighting the mutual indwelling that signifies a true relationship with God. The presence of the Holy Spirit serves as evidence of this union, affirming the believer's regeneration and sanctification. Gill also notes that this indwelling is not only for individual believers but also applies to apostles and ministers, who are equipped by the Spirit for their divine calling.
Text
Ver. 24. And he that keepeth his commandments,.... Attends to those instructions and declarations concerning faith in Christ, and love to the brethren, and acts according to them:
dwelleth in him, and he in them; that is, he dwells in Christ, and Christ dwells in him; the same is said of believing in Christ under the figurative expressions of eating his flesh, and drinking his blood, See Gill on "Joh 6:56";
and hereby we know that he abideth in us; or dwelleth in us, as before,
by the Spirit which he hath given us; which if understood of private Christians, as the preceding verses incline to, the sense is, that union to Christ, and the continuance of it, or his indwelling as a fruit of union, and the permanency of that, are evidenced by the Spirit of God; who is given in consequence of union and relation to Christ, as a spirit of regeneration and sanctification, of faith and love, of adoption, and as the earnest of the heavenly inheritance; but if of the apostles and ministers of the word, it may regard the gifts of the Holy Spirit bestowed on them, fitting them for their work and office, and who is a spirit of truth, and not of error; and by having and enjoying these, they knew that Christ abode in them, and had reason to believe, according to his promise, that he would be with them, and with his ministering: servants in succession, to the end of the world; and this sense seems to be encouraged by the former part of the following chapter.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Understanding the Commandments
- The Importance of Faith in Christ
- Love for the Brethren
-
II
- The Indwelling of Christ
- Union with Christ
- The Role of the Holy Spirit
-
III
- Evidence of Christ's Abiding Presence
- The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
- Assurance of Christ's Promise
-
IV
- The Nature of True Believers
- The Spirit of Regeneration
- Living in Faith and Love
Key Quotes
“He that keepeth his commandments... dwelleth in him, and he in them.” — John Gill
“Union to Christ... are evidenced by the Spirit of God.” — John Gill
“The Holy Spirit... fitting them for their work and office.” — John Gill
Application Points
- Reflect on how you can better keep God's commandments in your daily life.
- Seek to cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit for guidance and assurance.
- Demonstrate love towards others as a reflection of your faith in Christ.