LOVE The Inspiration of our focus
LOVE: “THE INSPIRATION OF OUR FOCUS”
Jn. 3:16
Intro: What drives an individual to hold on to something when everything looks impossible? How is it that some lose focus on their objectives while others continue to strive in midst of difficult situations? Our Heavenly Father set for us an example of holding on to something when all seemed impossible. He didn’t lost focus when everything seemed lost. The Word tells us in Gn. 6:5, 6 “The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The Lord was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.” Y vio Jehová que la maldad de los hombres era mucha en la tierra, y que todo designio de los pensamientos del corazón de ellos era de continuo solamente el mal. Y se arrepintió Jehová de haber hecho hombre en la tierra, y le dolió en su corazón.”
What was in God’s heart that didn’t move Him to destroy mankind? What inspired Him in not losing focus in His plan for man? It was love and continues to be love according to Jn. 3:16. For you see, love is:
I. LOVE: DIRECTS OUR PURPOSE (the reason for which something exists or for which it has been done or made) – Jonah 3:10 “When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.” “Y vio Dios lo que hicieron, que se convirtieron de su mal camino; y se arrepintió del mal que había dicho que les haría, y no lo hizo.”
1. Even though plans had been made according to our reasoning
2. Even though our purpose might have been totally different than what becomes to be
3. Love directs our purpose
a) Nineveh was to be destroyed – “its wickedness has come before me.”
b) What directed God? Love – Compassion – Love directs God into a different objective
c) When He saw Nineveh “turned from their evil ways” that moved Him!
4. We might have different purposes or objectives
a) Let Love direct you
b) Let love fill your heart and stir your compassion
5. 2Thes 3:5 “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” “Y el Señor encamine vuestros corazones al amor de Dios, y a la paciencia de Cristo.
II. LOVE: STRENGHTENS US IN OUR CIRCUMSTANCES (a condition that affects what happens or how somebody reacts in a particular situation) – Songs 8:6-7 “Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.” “Ponme como un sello sobre tu corazón, como una marca sobre tu brazo; Porque fuerte es como la muerte el amor; Duros como el Seol los celos; Sus brasas, brasas de fuego, fuerte llama. Las muchas aguas no podrán apagar el amor, Ni lo ahogarán los ríos. Si diese el hombre todos los bienes de su casa por este amor, De cierto lo menospreciarían. Tenemos una pequeña hermana, Que no tiene pechos; ¿Qué haremos a nuestra hermana Cuando de ella se hablare?”
1. How many times have you seen yourself in a situation that you say: “How did I get myself into this?” “How am I going to get out if this?”
2. Love!
a) “Many waters cannot quench love” “las muchas aguas no podran apagar el amor”
b) “rivers cannot wash it away” “Ni lo ahogran los rios”
3. No circumstances are too big for God; no situation is greater than His love!
4. His love will strengthen you to continue forward
a) Ex. 15:13 “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.” “Por tu gran amor guías al pueblo que has rescatado; por tu fuerza los llevas a tu santa morada.”
III. LOVE: GIVES US HOPE FOR OUR DESTINY (the apparently predetermined and inevitable series of events that happen to somebody or something)
1. Jer 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” «Antes de formarte en el vientre, ya te había elegido; antes de que nacieras, ya te había apartado; te había nombrado profeta para las naciones.»
2. How many times did Jeremiah tried to stop doing what he was suppose to do?
a) Jer. 20:9 “But if I say, “I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.” “Si digo: «No me acordaré más de él, ni hablaré más en su nombre», entonces su palabra en mi interior se vuelve un fuego ardiente que me cala hasta los huesos. He hecho todo lo posible por contenerla, pero ya no puedo más.”
3. When we are destined for a purpose it will be fulfilled
4. When we are separated for a destiny, nothing will stop it from happening, only ourselves!
5. 1 Cor 13:13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” “Ahora, pues, permanecen estas tres virtudes: la fe, la esperanza y el amor. Pero la más excelente de ellas es el amor.”
CONCLUSION: