Love for the Unloved: Advent Week 4

Introduction: The Love That Found Us

There’s a reason the last candle we light before Christmas is the candle of Love. Because love is the center of it all — it is the heartbeat of Christmas and the foundation of our salvation.

In a weary, wounded world, love often feels conditional.

We love those who love us back. We forgive those who deserve it. We give when we think it will be appreciated. But God’s love doesn’t work that way.

Paul writes in Romans 5 that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Not when we got our act together, not when we promised to change, not when we deserved it — but while we were still sinners.

This is love for the unloved.

Romans 5:6–11 NIV

6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Love Came When We Were Helpless (v. 6)

“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.”

Paul says we were “without strength.” The Greek word means powerless — unable to help ourselves. We weren’t just limping toward God; we were spiritually lifeless.

Just as Abraham recognized his body was “as good as dead” (Romans 4:19), Paul reminds us that we too were spiritually dead — incapable of earning our way to God.

And yet, at the right time, Christ came. God’s timing is never off. When humanity was at its lowest, when hope seemed gone, Jesus stepped in.

That’s Christmas. When the world was weary and powerless, Love came down.

Love That Goes Beyond Human Measure (vv. 7–8)

“For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Human love has limits. We might sacrifice for family, for friends, or for those we think deserve it. But who lays down their life for an enemy?

That’s the contrast Paul wants us to see: human love is cautious — God’s love is extravagant.

When Jesus went to the cross, He didn’t die for saints — He died for sinners. He didn’t die for the strong — He died for the weak. He didn’t die for the lovable — He died for the unlovable.

That’s what makes God’s love beyond measure. It’s not based on who we are, but on who He is.

When we doubt His love — when suffering, shame, or silence make us question — Paul points us to the cross. That’s where love is proven once and for all.

Love That Saves and Transforms (vv. 9–10)

“Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”

Paul moves from the cross to the empty tomb. We were justified — declared righteous — by His blood, but now we live by His life.

That’s love that doesn’t just forgive; it transforms. Christ didn’t only save us from something (wrath) — He saved us for something (relationship).

The word Paul uses for “reconciled” — katallassō — means to exchange hostility for peace. We were once enemies of God, but now, through Jesus, we’ve been brought near.

Peace with God isn’t a theory. It’s not just a future promise. It’s a present reality — a living relationship with the risen Christ.

Love That Rejoices in God Himself (v. 11)

“And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”

Paul ends with joy — we rejoice in God.

It’s one thing to rejoice in what God gives. It’s another to rejoice in who God is.

Advent reminds us not just of what God gave — His Son — but of who God is — love itself.

This is where the weary world rejoices. Not because life suddenly gets easier, but because love has come near. Because the God who loved us when we were unlovable now dwells with us and in us.

Next Steps: The Weary World Rejoices

The manger and the cross are made of the same wood. The baby born in Bethlehem came to bear the sins of the world.

And because of that love — the helpless can find hope, the sinner can find grace, and the enemy can find peace.

When we light the candle of love, we remember that God’s love is not sentimental — it’s sacrificial. It’s not earned — it’s given. It’s not fleeting — it’s eternal.

So this morning, as the Love Candle glows beside Hope, Peace, and Joy, may we remember that God’s love came for the unloved — and that’s all of us.

And because of that, the weary world rejoices.

📝 Listener Notes

Main Idea: God loved us while we were still sinners—love beyond measure.

Love came when we were helpless.

We were powerless and unable to save ourselves.

At the right time, Christ came for the ungodly.

Love that goes beyond human measure.

Human love is cautious; God’s love is unconditional.

The cross is the proof of God’s love in action.

Love that saves and transforms.

We are justified by His blood and saved by His life.

Reconciliation (katallassō) means hostility exchanged for peace.

Love that rejoices in God Himself.

We rejoice not just in His gifts, but in His presence.

The ultimate joy is knowing God Himself through Christ.

Key Verse:

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

Takeaway: Because of Christ’s love, the unloved are now beloved, the weary find rest, and the broken find peace.

💬 Questions for Further Discussion

How does understanding that God loved you “while you were still a sinner” change how you see yourself — and others?

What does it mean to “rejoice in God Himself,” not just in what He gives?

How can the truth of reconciliation shape the way we handle broken relationships today?

In what ways can you reflect God’s love this week to someone who might feel unloved or unworthy?

📚 Bibliography

Barry, John D., et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016.

Briscoe, D. Stuart, and Lloyd J. Ogilvie. Romans. Vol. 29, The Preacher’s Commentary Series. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc., 1982.

Brown, Derek R., and E. Tod Twist. Romans. Edited by Douglas Mangum. Lexham Research Commentaries. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014.

Barclay, William. The Letter to the Romans. Rev. ed. The Daily Study Bible. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1975.

Bruce, F. F. The Letter of Paul to the Romans: An Introduction and Commentary. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1985.

Cranfield, C. E. B. A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans. 2 vols. International Critical Commentary. Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1975–1979.

Dunn, James D. G. Romans 1–8. Word Biblical Commentary 38A. Dallas: Word Books, 1988.

Moo, Douglas J. The Epistle to the Romans. New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996.

Morris, Leon. The Epistle to the Romans. Pillar New Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1988.

N. T. Wright. Paul for Everyone: Romans, Part One. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2004.

Stott, John R. W. The Message of Romans: God’s Good News for the World. The Bible Speaks Today. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1994.

Thomas, Robert L. New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries: Updated Edition. Anaheim, CA: Foundation Publications, 1998.

🎥 YouTube Description

Title: Love for the Unloved | The Weary World Rejoices (Advent Week 4)

Description: Even when we were at our worst — helpless, ungodly, and lost — God loved us. In this Advent message, Pastor Ryan shares from Romans 5:6–11 how Christ’s love goes beyond measure — a love that found us when we were unlovable, forgave us when we were unworthy, and now transforms us into people of peace and joy.

✨ The weary world rejoices because Love came down.

📖 Scripture: Romans 5:6–11 🕯️ Advent Candle: Love 🌐 Learn more at laughlinchurch.com

Bible Study: Love for the Unloved

Text: Romans 5:6–11 Theme: God loved us while we were still sinners—love beyond measure. Advent Candle: Love

Day 1 – Helplessness and God’s Timing

Scripture: Romans 5:6

“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.”

Reflection: Paul reminds us that salvation begins with our helplessness. Like Abraham, whose body was “as good as dead” (Romans 4:19), we cannot save ourselves. Spiritual life comes only when God acts.

Greek Study:

Anēchō / “without strength” — indicates total incapacity, not just physical weakness.

En kairo / “in due time” — God’s timing is perfect; He acts at the right moment for maximum effect.

Application:

Consider areas in your life where you feel powerless or spiritually weak. How does it change your perspective knowing Christ meets us there?

Reflect on God’s timing in your personal history. Where have you seen His “due time” bring salvation, healing, or restoration?

Day 2 – The Extravagance of God’s Love

Scripture: Romans 5:7–8

“For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Reflection: Human love has limits. God’s love knows no bounds. While we were undeserving, Christ died for us.

Greek Study:

Agapē / “love” — unconditional, sacrificial, and self-giving; differs from philia (friendship) or eros (romantic love).

Hamartōlos / “sinners” — all of humanity in its moral and spiritual failure; highlights God’s grace in loving the unlovable.

Application:

Identify someone who is difficult to love. How can Christ’s example guide your attitude toward them?

Consider how understanding God’s sacrificial love affects your own self-worth and relationship with Him.

Day 3 – Reconciliation and the Saving Life of Christ

Scripture: Romans 5:9–10

“Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”

Reflection: Salvation is both forensic (justification) and relational (reconciliation). Christ’s death removes the barrier of sin, but His resurrection brings life — empowering us to live in right relationship with God.

Greek Study:

Katallassō / “reconciled” — to exchange enmity for peace; God actively changes the relationship between Himself and humanity.

Zōē / “life” — emphasizes that Christ’s resurrection is ongoing and transformative for believers.

Application:

Reflect on your own reconciliation with God. How does this affect your daily choices, thoughts, and attitudes?

Pray for God to reveal areas where His living presence can transform your heart this Advent season.

Day 4 – Rejoicing in God Himself

Scripture: Romans 5:11

“And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”

Reflection: Rejoicing in God is more than gratitude for His gifts. It is delighting in who God is — holy, loving, and faithful. Advent invites us to center our hearts on Him, not merely on the blessings He provides.

Greek Study:

Chairo / “rejoice” — joy rooted in reality, not circumstances; expresses deep gratitude for God’s character and work.

Huper / “through” — emphasizes that all reconciliation and joy are mediated through Christ alone.

Application:

Practice daily rejoicing in God Himself, independent of circumstances.

Identify one way this week to show God’s love to someone unloved or overlooked in your life.

Closing Reflection:

God’s love is initiating, sacrificial, and transformative.

Christ’s work reconciles us with God, restores our peace, and empowers us to live faithfully.

Advent invites us to experience and share this love in tangible ways.