Beyond self-sacrifice.

Last night at Wednesday night Bible Study at CHBC, Andy Johnson led us in thinking through 1 John 3:11-24. Andy only leads these studies sporadically, once every few months or so it seems, but throughout he has been tracing a common theme of identifying the characteristics of real Christians. Reflecting on verses 14-20, "real Christians have assurance through active love." We build assurance through obedience to Christ, and Christ calls us to live lives that reflect the selflessness presented on the cross.

However, Andy drew out an interesting implication from the text--namely, Christian love is beyond self-sacrifice. Non-Christians can be sacrificial, but Christian love is distinct from that of unbelievers; the crux being that Christian love has the ultimate goal of pleasing God (v. 22). Christian love is permeated with truth and so modeling our own love on Christ's sacrifice requires a desire to please God, for that was the essence of Christ's obedience. This naturally evokes the questions: "Am I being loving in a way that seeks to please God above all other contenders?"

Brings to mind a quote from John Piper that Kelton has on his ghcat status: "Preferring anything above Christ is the very essence of sin. It must be fought."

General Update:

• I was notified this morning that I received the Boren Scholarship to studying abroad in Jordan! God is gracious.
• Working my way through the T4G talks, which have been good so far. Hoping to get to Thabiti's soon (I've heard it's a must-listen).