LOVE FOR GOD

LOVE FOR GOD

TEXT: “This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments” (1 John 5:3).

INTRODUCTION: This sermon concerns our love for God. His love for us is “broader than the measure of man’s mind.” Contemplating God’s love should call forth from each of us a fullness of love that will mold us according to the divine will. Our love of God is shown in loving obedience to His commandments.

I. This is the love of God—our love of Him.

A. Israel was commanded to love God, because in His love God had brought them out of Egyptian bondage (see Deut. 6:5).

B. Jesus renewed the commandment to love God (see Matt. 22:37–38).

C. God’s love in Christ constrains us to serve (see 2 Cor. 5:14–15).

D. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

II. How do I know that I love God?

A. Negatively—he that hates his brother, cannot love God (see 1 John 4:20).

B. Positively—a forgiving heart is roof that I love God (see Eph. 4:31–5:2).

C. The stewardship commandments (see Mal. 3:10, and others).

D. The missionary commandment (see Matt. 28:18–20).

E. The prayer commandments (see Matt. 7:7–12, and others).

CONCLUSION: Deut. 6:4–9; Phil. 1:9–11.

Eph 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Psalm 69:9 For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; And the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.