A Promised Love

Introduction

It’s A Wonderful Life

Movie Picture

What if George Bailey had never been born?

Brother and all that he saved. Pharmacist. Loans to home owners / City. Mary as lonely librarian.

The difference his life made.

Similar thought experiment.

What if Jesus Christ had never been born?

Hospitals. Schools. Literacy. Philanthropy (Salvation Army, YMCA, Red Cross).

Foster and adoptive care.

Most importantly, Salvation.

All this is the outflow of the love of Christ.

Loves Any

“all those in Rome who are loved by God…”

See v. 1.

All includes - Paul’s background. Theologically - centered on works.

Jesus met Paul where he was - physically and spiritually.

Paul couldn’t and didn’t need to work for salvation.

Jesus meets you where you are.

Loves any.

The love of Jesus brings transformation.

More on this soon!

The love of Jesus brings unity.

Roman church - so much potential for conflict.

Edict of Claudius in c. AD 49 until death in AD 54.

All their preferences. Their roles…

Love looks outward.

Love prioritizes others.

Loves for Salvation

“Called to be saints”

The Gospel of v. 1 —> vv. 2-4.

The purpose of Jesus.

He was all these things…but His primary purpose:

Mark 10:45 ESV

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

This is why Paul talks about the “power of the resurrection.”

Power to bring about salvation “saints.”

All = both those already saved and for those not yet saved.

This brings us to ask how do we treat others?

The unfortunate reputation of Christians.

Servers who hate working Sundays because of the people coming from church.

Jesus tells us what our reputation should be:

John 13:35 ESV

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Love should be the identifying characteristic of Christians.

Loves Effectually

“Grace” - the effect of love.

Love cannot be earned.

See vv. 5-6.

As God’s love had an effect on you (salvation), now love others.

This is the transformation we spoke of earlier.

Those just waiting to hear!

Consistently, the statistics on people who would attend a service if they were invited.

Conclusion

What If…

For me, the effect of following Jesus.

A fulfilling career, family in all directions.

I was able to receive love.

Now, I can give love.