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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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