Abiding in His Love

Annual Theme: Spiritual Maturity in Truth

Monthly Theme: The Spirit of Love (John 15:12)

Mantra for 2024: In Spirit and Truth, We Mature; In His Word, We Stand Secure!

January 21, 2024: Sermon text John 15:9

John 15:9 (ESV)

John 15:9 ESV

9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.

9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.

Thesis Statement

Through the spirit of love, we can find peace, hope, and purpose as we strive toward spiritual maturity in truth.

Introduction

As we begin this new year, let us focus on the theme of spiritual maturity in truth and how it aligns with our monthly theme of the spirit of love. Through the spirit of love, we can find true peace, unwavering hope, and a clear purpose for our lives. Let us dive deeper into these concepts together.

Objective 1: Finding Peace

Bible References: Philippians 4:7, John 14:27

Philippians 4:7 ESV

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

John 14:27 ESV

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

As Christians, we often face turmoil and chaos in the world around us. But through the spirit of love, we can find a peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace comes from knowing and trusting in God's love for us, even during difficult circumstances.

Objective 2: Resting in Hope

Bible References: Romans 15:13, Psalm 62:5

Romans 15:13 ESV

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Psalm 62:5 ESV

5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.

When we have the spirit of love within us, we can rest assured in the hope that is found in Christ. This hope is not wishful thinking or fleeting optimism but a confident expectation of God's promises and faithfulness. It is through this hope that we can persevere through trials and tribulations.

Objective 3: Fulfilling Our Purpose

Bible References: Ephesians 2:10, Proverbs 19:21

Ephesians 2:10 ESV

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Proverbs 19:21 ESV

21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Finally, as we grow in spiritual maturity through the spirit of love, we can discover our true purpose in life. God has created each of us with unique talents and gifts to use for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. When we walk in love, we can fulfill our purpose with joy and fulfillment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as we seek to mature in truth this year, let us remember that through the spirit of love, we can find true peace, unwavering hope, and a clear purpose for our lives. Let us continue to abide in His word and trust in His love, for only then can we stand secure. May the spirit of love guide us toward spiritual maturity, fulfilling God's call for our lives.