The Way of Excellence ()

illustrations:

St. Patrick When he was sixteen years old he, with two of his sisters and other of his countrymen, was seized by a band of Irish pirates that made descent on the shore of the Clyde and carried him off to slavery. 

de Vere, Aubrey (2012-05-12). The Legends of Saint Patrick (p. 3). . Kindle Edition.

Elizabeth Elliottneg. Jonah (enjoyed the office of a prophet more than ministering as God's heart for those he considered undeserving.)

Remember the context, but recognize the stand-alone power of the text to apply to all of life as well.

I. GREAT ACTIONS, LITTLE VALUE ()

Question: What is the greatest motivation in life?

A. Tongues (of men and Angels)

The illustration seems to show the lack of proper accompaniment...

B. Prophetic Powers

C. Great Understanding of "All" Mysteries

D. "All" Knowledge

E. "All" Faith, mountain removing faith

F. Generosity

G. Martyrdom

H. The Worthlessness of Great Things Without A Proper Motivation of Love

Answer: The Greatest motivation to have when doing anything, is love

Consider: ;

Maybe this is one of the reasons that Peter was asked if he loved Christ, then commanded to care for sheep...

Note: It is possible to love God and hope to be recognized by others as being a lover of God without really loving the people for whom He demonstrated His own love.

Parents can parent without love, competing for the parent of the year, enjoying the praise from others, or just to prove their own parents wrongPastors can lead without loving the sheep, like Rabis that enjoy being called "teacher" Christians can evangelize more for the way it makes them feel (or look) than actually caring for the soul of those listening. Presidential candidates: listening to the radio today, the host described

Let's get a picture then of what kind of love we want to display...

II. DESCRIBING THE FAMILIAR? ()

Preface for Question: Love is the main content of most music, poetry, and film. And when man is honest, love is also his single-most pursuit

Question: Why do we need a description for something that we all claim to be searching for with certainty?

A. The Negatives, Love:

Doesn't envy () Doesn't boast () is not arrogant () Doesn't insist on it's own way () is not irritable () is not resentful(keeps no record of wrongs) () Doesn't rejoice at wrongdoing () Remember: the context is the usage of spiritual gifts and offices in the churchillustration: Why I personally despise talent shows and beauty pageants

B. The Positives, Love:

is Patient () Is Kind () Rejoices with the truth () Bears all things () Believes all things () Hopes all things () Endures all things () Never Ends ()

Question: Why do we need a description for something that we all claim to be searching for with certainty?

Answer: We need this description because it distinguishes self love from "agape" love.

Not only do we need a description but we need to see it in action from examples other than Jesus.

III. DEMONSTRATIONS of LOVING LIKE GOD

Question: Are there any examples, other than Jesus, for this kind of love?

Answer: Not with entirety of character but here are some windows:

Earlier mentions of Elizabeth Elliott and St. Patrick...Abraham's intercession for Sodom () Moses' Prayer for Israel's forgiveness () David's Men and David's Response () Paul wishing to take the place of being cursed for others ()

ILLUSTRATIONS:

"St. Patrick did not attack heresies among the Christians; he preached to those who were not Christians the Christian faith and practice. "

de Vere, Aubrey (2012-05-12). The Legends of Saint Patrick (p. 6). . Kindle Edition.

Unlike other prophetic books, Jonah focuses on the prophet himself rather than on his message. When God sent Jonah to Nineveh he rebelled, was swallowed by a fish, repented, and fulfilled his mission after all. When Nineveh repented, the reason for Jonah’s rebellion became clear: he had feared that God would forgive the Ninevites; and when God did forgive them, Jonah resented it (4:1–3)

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Jon). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

He must have been an orator, profoundly earnest, who could put his soul into his voice; and, when his words bred deeds, conquered all difficulties in the way of action with right feeling and good sense.

de Vere, Aubrey (2012-05-12). The Legends of Saint Patrick (p. 6). . Kindle Edition.