CORE STRENGTH - PART THREE

WE WALK IN LOVE

I. Introduction

a. Series introduction and recap

b. Foundation scripture (Habakkuk 2:2)

Habakkuk 2:2 (ESV)

2 And the Lord answered me:

“Write the vision;

make it plain on tablets,

so he may run who reads it.

c. What does a young adult at the Bridge look like? What sets us apart? Who has God called us to be?

II. We Walk in Love

a. What is love?

The expression of God’s heart for His children

1 John 4:8 (ESV)

8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

ii. Love is the most important thing.

1 Corinthians 13:1–3 (ESV)

1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

iii. Story of Saint John in Ephesus

b. Walking in love is being Christlike

Ephesians 5:1–2 (ESV)

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

c. Walking in love is walking in forgiveness

Colossians 3:12–14 (ESV)

12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

d. Walking in love identifies us as His disciples

John 13:35 (ESV)

35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

III. Five Steps to a Successful Love Walk

a. Receive His love as your source

John 13:34 (ESV)

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

b. Decide to be free of offense

Proverbs 19:11 (ESV)

11 Good sense makes one slow to anger,

and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

c. Stay humble

Ephesians 4:1–3 (ESV)

1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

d. Mine the gold

Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

e. Call out the spirit and ignore the flesh

2 Corinthians 5:16 (ESV)

16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.

IV. Conclusion

a. Walking in love puts the Word first place

b. Walking in love is living by faith

c. Walking in love makes way for the Spirit to move

d. Call to action

i. Apply love to a conflict

ii. Apply love to a friendship

iii. Be intentional

iv. Be sincere

Romans 12:9 (ESV)

9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.