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Scripture: John 14:12-15

On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your love for God?

 

Intro: There can be no doubt in any Christian’s mind of the extent to which God love him (I Jn. 4:10) but there must also be a love for God in the Christian’s life that can be measured. (Jn. 15:13; Ro. 5:8)

1.      God’s love is measured by what He did and who He sent. (Jn. 3:16)

2.      Our love is measured by what we do and what we give. (II Tim. 3:14; Jn. 13:34-35; I Jn. 4:19)

“Love may not make the world go round but it sure makes the trip worthwhile.”

“Those who love deep never grow old, they may die of old age, but they die young.”

         

I.                  How much do you love God? (Mk. 12:30-31; Gal. 5:22)

A.  Definition of love: dictionary. (I Jn. 4:8)

1.      To God = reverence and esteem springing from just views of His attributes or excellencies of character. (Mt. 22:27:38)

2.      To people = regard with strong affection so as to be pleased with them. (Mt. 22:39)

3.     To things = whatever contributes to our pleasure (amusements, books, money, etc.)

B.  Determination of love: disclosure. (Jn. 15:14; Ps. 116:1-2)

1.      Settled in love. (Eph. 3:17)

2.      Secured in love. (Ro. 8:38-39)

3.      Serving in love. (II Tim. 1:7; Jn. 14:15; I Jn. 5:1-2)

a)     Discipleship love. (Jn. 13:34-35) you will want to meet regularly with them, you will want to help them. Not me first. (Ro. 5:5; II Cor. 5:14)

b)     Fellowship love. (I Jn. 4:20-21; 3:14)

II.               How much do you love God’s church? (Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25)

A.     God placed you in it. (Acts 2:47; I Cor. 12:18, 27; 11:22)

1.      You are His body: Living union. (Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:22-23)

2.      You are His bride: Loving union. (Rev. 21:9-10)

3.      You are His building: Lasting union. (I Cor. 3:9)

B.     God expects you in it. (Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 16:2)

1.      He loves you enough to show up and you should love Him enough to show up. (Mt. 18:20; Rev. 2:1; Heb. 2:12)

2.      He loves you enough to give you His blessings and you should love Him enough to give Him your substance: Time. Tithe. Talent. (Heb. 8:8; Mt. 23:23)

Illustration: Peter returned after denying: he saw the Lord after denial and went and went bitterly. The he met the Lord who confronted his cherished best by “lovest thou Me more than these” three times he was told “feed my sheep”. 

 

III.           How much do you love God’s work? (Heb. 6:10; I Jn. 2:15-16)

A.     Do you love it enough to be there: dependability. (Pr. 25:19)

1.      If you knew the Lord were coming this week would it make a difference?

2.      If you knew your testimony alone would determine Hell or Heaven for your family would it make a difference?

B.     Do you love it enough to do it: devotedness. (Jn. 14:15)

1.      Do you love Him enough to give: ministry, missions

2.      Do you love Him enough to go: involve, invite

3.      Do you love Him enough to grow: look, listen

4.      Do you love Him enough to glow: testimony, telling

 

“The loneliest place in the world is the human heart when love is absent.”

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