Let's Talk About...LOVE!

Larry Dickens

November 2, 2014 PM

 

1 Cor. 13:1-3 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 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. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

 

Intro:   Four Greek Words For “Love”

            A.        “Eros”  Sensual or passionate love.

            B.        “Stergein” Family affection; Rom. 12:10 kindly affectioned.

            C.        “Philia”  Friendly affection.

            D.        “Agape”  An attitude of mind that actively seeks the best interest of the one to whom it is directed, even if self sacrifice is                                                    necessary.

           

“Agape” will be under consideration.

 

I.          The Old Testament Required Love - Deut. 6:5; 10:12

            Jesus Added A New Dimension - John 13:34; 17:23

 

II.        "Agape” describes…

            A.        The Son’s love for the Father.  Jno. 14:31

            B.        God’s love for man.  1 Jno. 3:1

            C.        Jesus love for man.    Eph. 5:1-2

            D.        Man’s love for God.   Matt. 22:37

            E.         The Christian’s love for others. 1 Pet. 1:22

 

III.       “Agape” Is More Than Ordinary!

            A.        It is not necessarily mutual; i.e., the ability to love those who may not love us. - Matt 5:44

            B.        This kind of love may require self-sacrifice. - Gal 2:20

 

IV.       How Is This Love Developed?

            A.        It’s a matter of EDUCATION.  It’s a matter of learning what the Bible says about love and the characteristics of it.  - 1 Thess 4:9

            B.        It’s a matter of DETERMINATION.  Once we learn, we must determine to activate it in our lives.    - James 1:22 

            C.        No One Can Make You Love God.  It Must Come From “Within”. - John 5:42

            D.        Its a matter of IMITATION.  God and Christ serve as the examples. - Matt 5:44; 1 Peter 2:21

 

V.        The Characteristics Of God’s Love

            A.        It Is Giving -  Jn 3:16; James 1:17

            B.        It Is Sacrificial - 1 John 4:9-10

            C.        It Is Universal – Matt 5:45; Jn 3:16

            D.        It is undeserved by man – Eph 2:1-5

            E.         It is Constant   - Rom 8:37-39 

 

Conclusion:     Love Is an Indispensable Quality Of The Christian’s Life. - 1 John 5:3

 

How Much Do You Love Him?  1 Jn 5:3; Mk 16:16