March 3, 2019

Love In Action
March 3, 2019
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

Sometimes projects or DIY items that need to be assembled seem like they should be easy! We look for the beginning logical steps, and soon find ourselves in a mess, needing instructions. Can anyone relate?

The past two weeks we have looked at the word “love” from God’s perspective and studied what it is—and what it is not. We have learned that God sees love as the highest priority for us who are called believers: love God, love your neighbor, and love your enemy. That may seem easy, but today we will see how to put love into action by taking the steps God’s word gives us.

Key Verses: 1 Corinthians 16:13-14: Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love. (NKJV)

 

Discuss:

Be Ready:

  • Read 1 Cor. 16:13a. What does God want us to watch for? The word watch can be translated “be on your guard.” Are you able to add additional situations that would compel you to be more watchful than you at first thought? Read 1 Pet. 5:8 and 2 Pet. 2:1. Were these possibilities mentioned?
  • What is the reason we should be watchful? How will that change the way you live your life in front of others?
  • Read 1 Thess. 5:6. What type of sleep does God mean? How does apathy or selfishness reflect a “sleepy” attitude?

Be Right

  • Read verse 13b. How do we “stand fast” in the faith?
  • If you have decided to follow Jesus, what are some of the mental disciplines or commitments that you are pledging your life to carry out?
  • Read Phil. 4:1. How do these two verses go hand in hand?

Be Tough

  • Read verse 13c. When we think of bravery or strength, it appears this context applies more to a man than to a woman, although there are many times a woman must be brave or strong as well! What are some possible situations when a man needs to be strong?
  • Does anyone recall the original meaning of the word “brave” as used in the text? Perhaps a quote from Matthew Henry would be helpful: “ ‘Act the manly, firm, and resolved part: behave strenuously, in opposition to the bad men who would divide and corrupt you, those who would split you into factions or seduce you from the faith: be not terrified nor inveigled [lured, ensnared] by them; but show yourselves men in Christ, by your steadiness, by your sound judgment and firm resolution.’  Note, Christians should be manly and firm in all their contests with their enemies, in defending their faith, and maintaining their integrity. They should, in a special manner, be so in those points of faith that lie at the foundation of sound and practical religion, such as were attacked among the Corinthians: these must be maintained with solid judgment and strong resolution.” (Matthew Henry Commentary to the Corinthians.) Why do we want Christian men to step up to the plate and be godly in their leading and loving?
  • Read 2 Sam. 10:12. When a soldier fights, who is he fighting for?
  • How does today’s society portray men, husbands and fathers? If you accept yourself as the world sees you—either a bully or spineless—where will your family be when you are old?

Be Tender

  • Read verse 14. How will a genuine and godly love manifest itself in your life?
  • Read 1 Pet. 4:8. What are some things you can do as people cross your path during the day that will show them you truly care for—or love—them?

 

Close:

You’re probably just like the rest of us—you have heard people justifying their disgust with Christianity, saying it’s “just a bunch of dos and don’ts!” The more you read the Bible and learn God’s heart, the more you see, as Jesus said in Matthew 22:34-40, that love is the summation of all the rules: love the Lord with all your heart, and love your neighbor as much as you love yourself. If you do these, you will be a person after God’s own heart.

That is so easy to say, and yet within minutes of committing ourselves to this lifestyle, we are besieged with attacks to make us lose the promise we have made. We almost immediately have a choice to react with love, or react with intolerance, anger, or any other response that would be the antithesis of what we know to be correct. Is it something outside of our ability? Not at all! God promises that the more scripture we commit to memory, the more it will prevent us from sinning (Psa.119:11). He also promises that if we are tempted to sin (in this case, to act outside of a loving response), He will make a way out—whether it’s biting our tongue, ignoring the provocation, or turning around and leaving (1 Cor. 10:13). We are also told we can do all things through His power, for He will give us strength (Phil. 4:13), which means we can react in love, no matter the vexation. Most of the time, it’s just easier to give in to the frustration we feel and react in like anger—but that is not God’s way. Man’s anger will never achieve the righteousness of God (Jas. 1:20), that righteousness that we should so desperately want to emulate. May we say with Job, “I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” (Job 23:12).

/by