God’s Captivating Love

Introduction

Have you ever had something captivate you to the degree that there was no possible way you could ever blot it out of your memory? Something so captivating that it has truly become a huge part of who you are today? We have all had experiences like that in our lives (through people and circumstances). We have come to understand the power of people and circumstances.

John however is speaking of something similar, but far greater; GOD’S LOVE. John will unfold

1) The Placement of God’s Love (vv13-16)

When Jesus saved me, I knew I had experienced His love, and I would have assurance of it, but after 21 years post conversion, ASSURANCE IS A CONTINUAL DIVINE WORK!

What an amazing experience it is to never cease to have the testimony within you that you are a child of the loving Father above!

We all know that money can add a lot of valuable things into your life. Unfortunately, those things are temporary and do nothing for the spiritual warfare you face every day nor the eternal future that soon approaches.

ILLUSTRATION: I can wake up in any kind of circumstance and know God abides faithfully in me and I in Him.

You might ask, “Where does this assurance come from?”

FIRST, it does NOT come from...............unchanging circumstances, your ability to remember, not your higher education.

It comes only from the HOLY SPIRIT!

His witness in you.

The believer has been given the earnest of God’s Spirit — Eph. 1:13-14 “13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

Ephesians 1:13–14 KJV 1900

13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

“And we have known (come to know) and believed (to believe)

ILLUSTRATION: It is like moving into a new house. The rooms, furnishings, the furniture at first seem foreign, but you come to “KNOW” and “BELIEVE” them to now be what makes up your new home (dwelling place).

What is a “dwelling place?”

QUESTION: Have you heard the phrase, “Putting your roots down?”

ILLUSTRATION: It is not like a hotel (temporary lodging), but more like you home. The place where “ALL OF YOU” dwell.

2) The Perfection Of God’s Love (vv18-21)

We understand due to the inner witness of the Holy Spirit and external practice of God’s love in our life, God abides in us.

Let’s ask the question, “What is the great benefit of God abiding in the believer?”

That God’s love may be perfected in us!

How could any love be at a level of perfection?

FRIST - it’s source (God)

SECOND - it’s value (beyond human value)

THIRD - it’s nature (pure, holy, sacrificial, eternal, stronger)

FOURTH - it’s equipping (destroys your fear of circumstance and judgement)

What kind of love could God possibly give that could captivate all of who we are today and arrest all our fears?

The personal sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ!!!

ILLUSTRATION: Consider why the heroes of 9/11 captivated the hearts and minds of people this weekend. They have ALL of themselves!!!; selfless LOVE

John concludes by reminding us that those who truly have this love in them will live it out.

First and foremost toward God’s children.

You cannot say, “I have the life of God in me and not live out His love.”

His love is NOT a suggestion. It is a COMMANDMENT.

If your heart rests in the actions of bitterness, hatred, arrogance, begrudging, avoiding, criticizing, complaining about brothers and sisters “in the faith,” you have NOT been born again!!!!!

Conclusion

What we desperately need today in the local church and the body of Christ is to be captivated by the fact that GOD IS LOVE; to love like Jesus.

Here is not only my suggestion to you, but also to myself: The only way a believer can continue to be captivated by God’s love and continually practice it is by doing this:

Walk up and observe the whipping post.

Walk the treck up to Mount Calvary and gaze upon where Jesus took your punishment.

Look inside the garden tomb and witness the fact that Jesus is alive with all authority in Heaven and earth.

Step back into your present circumstance of fear and praise God for the VICTORY HE HAS GIVEN YOU!!!