Abide: Loving Others

Last week: Obedient Love

We obey because we love God. Not because we have to.

We focus our love toward God to give him glory.

READ (JOHN 15:12-17)

The laundry-mat at Disneyworld.

My actions of love toward my family were not emotional. They were dedicated.

In God’s kingdom, love is more than being emotionally attached or placing conditions on others.

“Love is the decision to compassionately, righteously, responsibly, and sacrificially seek the well-being of another.” - Tony Evans

1. A Position of Obedience.

“Command” - order, charge

The command for the people of God to love one another was not a new concept.

“Do not take revenge or bear a grudge against members of your community, but love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.” - (Leviticus 19:18)

There is a difference in this commandment.

Jesus instructed the disciples to love people the way that he would.

Sacrificial. Taking the position of slave to a master.

With the intent to bear fruit.

“lay” - take off

An attitude of self-sacrifice.

An offensive lineman is tasked to sacrifice his own body so the ball carrier can be successful.

Laying down our lives for the sake of others is the most powerful expression of live we can show.

It’s where we find communion with Jesus.

2. As Friends of Jesus.

In the Old Testament, Abraham (James 2:23) and Moses (Exodus 33:7-11) were called “friends of God”.

They aquanted their lives ot God in friendship through their obedience to his will.

Jesus spoke of his disciples in the same manner.

“Hold yourself in complete subjection to me.”

From slaves to friends.

A master doesn’t reveal things to a servant, but friends do.

Jesus made known to his disciples everything he had heard from his Father.

No secretes. No longer under the law, they had free and unrestrainted fellowship.

Isn’t it annoying when someone asks you do something they wouldn’t do themselves?

Jesus set the example for all disciples...

READ (Philippians 2:3-11)

Before Jesus ascended to his throne, he descended to the earth and took the lowest posture of servanthood.

Because of his humility, the church has received an inheritance of grace.

We belong to the kingdom of God through an act of servanthood. We are called to assume this posture.

3. As God’s Chosen People.

Jesus chose his disciples so that they would bear fruit.

To love people and tell them about Christ’s ability to save sinners.

Live and walk according to his purposes.

The fruit produced will last forever.

Set in order by a holy God.

“Get saved, join our church, and find a seat.”

Salvation is accompanied by a mission.

Chosen by God.

Biblically, a case can be made that we don’t get to choose our own community of believers.

No a cliquish circle.

The church is exclusive in loyalty to Christ, but not excluding in the outreach to others.

Is our view of church community centered on obedience to God or for our personal preferences?

“I give you a new command: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one anothers.” - (John 13:34-35)