Faith RXd May 2025

Memorial Day—No Greater Love

More Than a Feeling

Bible Passage: John 15:12-13

Summary: In John 15:12-13, Jesus emphasizes the command to love one another as He has loved us, culminating in the ultimate expression of love: laying down one's life for friends.

Application: This passage calls Christians to reflect on how they can actively demonstrate love in their daily interactions, especially in times of conflict or challenge. It serves as a reminder to prioritize selflessness and sacrificial love in our relationships, illustrating practical ways to embody Christ's love amid a world that often values self-interest.

Teaching: The sermon will teach that true love is not merely an emotional feeling but a committed action that often requires sacrifice. It highlights the importance of loving others as Christ loved us, setting the standard that genuine love involves self-denial for the sake of others.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ is the ultimate model of love in action, having laid down His life for humanity while we were still sinners. He invites us into a transformative relationship where we can express that same selfless love toward others, fulfilling the law of Christ.

Big Idea: Genuine love is an active, sacrificial choice that reflects Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and shapes our relationships with others.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the Greek terms for love used in this passage, such as 'agape'. Utilizing your Logos library, you might delve into relevant commentaries that discuss the cultural context of sacrificial love in the early Church. Additionally, look for studies on the implications of this love in community dynamics and its applications in personal discipleship.

1. Love Like Jesus

John 15:12

You could emphasize how this verse introduces the imperative to love one another and connects with the larger context of Jesus' teachings on love and discipleship. Suggest considering practical ways to prioritize and practice selfless love in everyday situations, grounded in Jesus' model. Discuss how to move beyond feelings to actions that mirror Christ's love.

2. Live Sacrificially

John 15:13

Perhaps stress the profound nature of sacrificial love, where the greatest love manifests in laying down one's life. Encourage believers to reflect on Jesus' ultimate sacrifice, and connect it to our daily interactions and relationships, challenging Christians to embody selflessness that defies cultural norms of self-interest. Examine how true friendship, reflecting Christ’s example, involves sacrifice.

Joy is love exalted; peace is love in repose; long-suffering is love enduring; gentleness is love in society; goodness is love in action; faith is love on the battlefield; meekness is love in school; and temperance is love in training.

Dwight Lyman Moody (Evangelist)