Untitled Sermon

I. Synopsis

A. Scripture offers an understanding of the source, character, and value of love, based on the nature and actions of God.

B. Scripture instructs God’s people to love one another and illustrates what this means in practice.

C. Commitment to God means a commitment to his people. Believers are meant to be nourished and supported by the church, and to work towards its edification.

II. Three threads about true believers

Obey God’s commands in His Word. (1 John 2:3-6, 2:28-3:10, 5:2-3)

D. Love God and other believers and have lifestyles characterized by love (1 John 2:7-11, 3:11-18, 4:7-12, 5:1-3)

E. Believe in the truth of the gospel message that Jesus Christ is the Savior (2:18-27, 4:1, 5:1, 4-5)

III. What does loving God look like?

A. Abram – Genesis 14

B. Moses – Exodus 32

F. Jonathan & David – 1 Samuel 18:3

G. Job – Job 2:11

H. Hosea – Hosea 2:19

I. Jesus – Ephesians 5:2

IV. Where does it come from?

The Root: Exodus 34:6, 15:13 (faithful love), Psalm 6:4, Lamentations 3:22, 1 John 4:16

V. Is anyone excluded?

Family? Hosea 2:19, Malachi 2:10

J. Neighbors? Leviticus 19:18, Luke 10:25-37

K. The poor? Leviticus 19:9-10

L. Foreigners? Leviticus 19:34

M. We can’t escape the command or the implications. “Brother” comes from a root word that means “same womb”

VI. How? What does it look like?

A. Sacrifice: Ephesians 4:32 – 5:2, I John 3:16

B. Forgiveness: Colossians 3:13-14

C. Encouragement: Hebrews 3:13

D. Compassion & Concern: Hebrews 10:24-25

E. Obedience: 1 Peter 1:22

F. Provision: 1 John 3:17-18

G. Trust (brings faithful love): Psalm 32:10, 1 Peter 1:8

H. Hardship: Proverbs 17:17

I. Faithfully: Jeremiah 31:3

N. Rescue: Luke 14:5

J. It’s a long list, but really only one thing to do – loving obedience. John 14:21, John 15:10-13

VII. Why?

A. We love Him because He first loved us. I John 4:19

B. Just as I have loved you. John 13:34-35

C. Let brotherly love continue – Hebrews 13:1

D. Maintain an intense love – 1 Peter 4:8

VIII. Benediction

You have already conquered the world through your faith/trust/reliance on Him and His Word (Jesus). That He is the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel (and the world) – the Messiah.

O. Ephesians 3:17-19