The Love of the Father

Pastor E. Keith Hassell

Foundation Scripture: 1 John 2:15-17

I. The Father desires that we love Him

A. He loves us

B. He longs to have a relationship with us

C. He sent Jesus to show us

D. He sent Jesus to the Cross to make it possible

II. We must love the Father more than we love this world or the things in this world

A. “This world” means this fallen human system that is under the control of Satan that exalts itself and opposes all that is of God.

B. To love this world means:

1. To love the created thing more than the Creator

2. To choose the gift over the Giver

3. To choose the temporal over the Eternal

4. To serve our lusts rather than the Lord

C. Those who pursue friendship with this world make themselves the enemies of God (James 4:4).

III. All that is in the world

A. Lust of the flesh: “I need”

B. Lust of the eyes: “I want”

C. Pride of life: “I am”

D. Garden temptation (Genesis 3:1-6)

1. Lust the flesh: The tree was good for food

2. Lust of the eyes: Desirable to make one wise

3. Pride of life: Ye shall be as gods

E. Wilderness temptation (Luke 4:1-13)

1. Lust of the flesh: Turn these stones into bread

2. Lust of the eyes: Kingdoms of this world

3. Pride of life: Show yourself to the world

F. Is not of the Father but is of this world

IV. The love of the Father is eternal

A. Temporal: This world is passing away along with its lusts

B. Eternal: He who does the will of God abide forever