Embodying Agape Love in a Self-Centered World
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the theme of love, particularly the agape love that Jesus exemplifies and commands us to practice. We began by reflecting on the current state of our nation and the need for more love, especially in light of recent tragic events. The sermon then took an unexpected turn as we delved into the world of Garfield the Cat, a character known for his laziness, gluttony, and cynicism. Despite Garfield's negative traits, his popularity highlights a human tendency to find humor and comfort in flawed characters, perhaps because they reflect aspects of our own nature.
We contrasted Garfield's self-centered behavior with the selfless, sacrificial love that Jesus calls us to embody. The key scripture from John 15:12-13 emphasizes that the greatest love is to lay down one's life for friends, a love that Jesus demonstrated through His crucifixion. This agape love is unconditional and sacrificial, far removed from the self-serving attitudes often depicted in popular media.
We also examined the Greek words for love, particularly "agape" and "philos," to understand the depth of the love Jesus speaks of. While "philos" denotes a deep affection, "agape" signifies a higher, self-giving love. Jesus challenges us to move beyond mere affection to a love that is willing to sacrifice for others.
In practical terms, this means developing genuine friendships within our congregation and extending love to those outside our immediate circles, including non-Christians. By doing so, we can reflect Christ's love and potentially lead others to Him. Our good works, inspired by the Holy Spirit, should flow naturally from our faith, even though they do not earn our salvation.
### Key Takeaways
1. Agape Love vs. Self-Centeredness: Agape love is unconditional and sacrificial, contrasting sharply with the self-centeredness often depicted in popular media, like Garfield the Cat. This love motivates us to help others without expecting anything in return, reflecting the love Jesus showed us. [49:51]
2. The Depth of True Friendship: The Greek word "philos" denotes a deep affection, but Jesus calls us to a higher form of love—agape. This love goes beyond mere friendship and requires self-sacrifice, as demonstrated by Jesus laying down His life for us. [59:05]
3. Practical Application of Agape Love: We are encouraged to develop genuine friendships within our congregation and extend love to those outside our immediate circles. This practice not only strengthens our community but also serves as a witness to Christ's love. [01:03:29]
4. The Role of the Holy Spirit: Our good works of love do not save us; only Jesus' sacrifice does. However, the Holy Spirit moves us toward agape love, helping us to leave behind self-centered attitudes and embrace a more sacrificial way of living. [01:05:03]
5. Reflecting Christ's Love: By embodying agape love, we can add more friends to our community and reflect the love of Christ to others. This love is not just for our immediate circle but extends to everyone, potentially leading them to know Jesus as their Savior. [01:04:30]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[34:03] - Introduction and Current Events
[35:09] - Garfield the Cat and Popular Media
[42:16] - Characteristics of Garfield
[48:11] - The Commandment of Love
[49:51] - Agape Love Explained
[59:05] - The Meaning of Friendship
[01:03:29] - Practical Application of Love
[01:05:03] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[01:06:10] - Reflecting Christ's Love
[01:07:18] - Closing Prayer and Communion
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 15:12-13 (ESV) - "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the key characteristics of agape love as described in John 15:12-13? How does this type of love differ from other forms of love mentioned in the sermon? [49:51]
2. How does the sermon use Garfield the Cat to illustrate the contrast between self-centeredness and agape love? [42:16]
3. What examples from the sermon highlight the practical application of agape love within the congregation and beyond? [01:03:29]
4. According to the sermon, what role does the Holy Spirit play in helping us move towards agape love? [01:05:03]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of laying down one's life for friends in John 15:12-13? How does this relate to the concept of agape love? [48:11]
2. How can the characteristics of Garfield the Cat serve as a mirror to our own behaviors and attitudes? What lessons can we learn from this comparison? [42:46]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that developing genuine friendships within the congregation can serve as a witness to Christ's love? [01:04:00]
4. How does the sermon explain the difference between philos and agape love? Why is it important to move beyond philos to agape in our relationships? [59:05]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you acted out of self-centeredness rather than agape love. What could you have done differently to embody the sacrificial love Jesus calls us to? [42:46]
2. Think about your current friendships within the congregation. How can you deepen these relationships to reflect agape love more fully? [01:03:29]
3. Identify one person outside your immediate circle, possibly a non-Christian, whom you can show agape love to this week. What specific actions will you take to demonstrate this love? [01:04:00]
4. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to help you overcome self-centered attitudes and embrace a more sacrificial way of living? Share a specific area in your life where you need the Holy Spirit's guidance. [01:05:03]
5. Jesus laid down His life for His friends. What does laying down your life for others look like in your daily context? How can you practice this kind of love in your family, workplace, or community? [48:11]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of moving from philos to agape love. What steps can you take to ensure your love for others is more self-giving and sacrificial? [59:05]
7. How can you use your good works, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to reflect Christ's love to others without expecting anything in return? Share a specific example of how you plan to do this. [01:05:03]
Devotional
### Day 1: Agape Love vs. Self-Centeredness
Agape love is unconditional and sacrificial, contrasting sharply with the self-centeredness often depicted in popular media, like Garfield the Cat. This love motivates us to help others without expecting anything in return, reflecting the love Jesus showed us. [49:51]
Agape love, as demonstrated by Jesus, is a love that is unconditional and sacrificial. It stands in stark contrast to the self-centeredness often glorified in popular media, such as the character of Garfield the Cat. Garfield is known for his laziness, gluttony, and cynicism, traits that many find humorous and relatable. However, these traits also reflect a self-centered attitude that is far removed from the love Jesus calls us to embody. Agape love is about putting others before ourselves, helping without expecting anything in return, and loving unconditionally, just as Jesus loved us.
In a world where self-centeredness is often celebrated, practicing agape love can be challenging. It requires us to go against the grain, to love those who may not love us back, and to serve without seeking recognition. This kind of love is not just a feeling but an action, a commitment to live out the love of Christ in our daily lives. By embracing agape love, we can become beacons of light in a world that desperately needs more love and compassion.
1 John 4:10-11 (ESV): "In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you acted out of self-interest. How could you have approached it differently with agape love?
### Day 2: The Depth of True Friendship
The Greek word "philos" denotes a deep affection, but Jesus calls us to a higher form of love—agape. This love goes beyond mere friendship and requires self-sacrifice, as demonstrated by Jesus laying down His life for us. [59:05]
True friendship, as described by the Greek word "philos," involves a deep affection and bond between individuals. However, Jesus calls us to a higher form of love—agape. While "philos" is important and valuable, agape love goes beyond mere friendship. It is a self-sacrificial love that puts the needs of others before our own, even to the point of laying down one's life, as Jesus did for us. This kind of love is rare and challenging but is the ultimate expression of what it means to love others as Jesus loved us.
Agape love in friendships means being there for each other in times of need, offering support without expecting anything in return, and being willing to make sacrifices for the well-being of our friends. It is a love that is not based on what we can get out of the relationship but on what we can give. By striving to embody agape love in our friendships, we can build deeper, more meaningful relationships that reflect the love of Christ.
John 15:12-13 (ESV): "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
Reflection: Think of a friend who might need your support right now. How can you show them agape love today?
### Day 3: Practical Application of Agape Love
We are encouraged to develop genuine friendships within our congregation and extend love to those outside our immediate circles. This practice not only strengthens our community but also serves as a witness to Christ's love. [01:03:29]
Practicing agape love involves more than just loving those who are close to us; it means extending that love to those outside our immediate circles, including non-Christians. Developing genuine friendships within our congregation is important, but we are also called to reach out and show love to others in our community. This kind of love can strengthen our church community and serve as a powerful witness to the love of Christ.
By actively seeking to build relationships with those outside our usual circles, we can demonstrate the inclusive and unconditional nature of agape love. This might involve reaching out to a neighbor, volunteering in community service, or simply being kind and compassionate to those we encounter in our daily lives. When we practice agape love in this way, we not only reflect Christ's love but also open the door for others to experience His love through us.
Matthew 5:46-47 (ESV): "For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?"
Reflection: Identify someone outside your immediate circle who could use a friend. How can you reach out to them this week?
### Day 4: The Role of the Holy Spirit
Our good works of love do not save us; only Jesus' sacrifice does. However, the Holy Spirit moves us toward agape love, helping us to leave behind self-centered attitudes and embrace a more sacrificial way of living. [01:05:03]
While our good works of love do not earn our salvation, they are a natural outflow of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit works within us to move us toward agape love, helping us to leave behind self-centered attitudes and embrace a more sacrificial way of living. This transformation is not something we can achieve on our own; it is the work of the Holy Spirit within us, guiding and empowering us to love as Jesus loved.
As we yield to the Holy Spirit, we find ourselves more inclined to act in love, to serve others, and to put their needs before our own. This process of transformation is ongoing and requires our cooperation with the Holy Spirit. By staying connected to God through prayer, reading Scripture, and being part of a faith community, we can be more attuned to the Holy Spirit's leading and more capable of living out agape love in our daily lives.
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need the Holy Spirit's help to practice agape love? How can you invite Him to work in those areas today?
### Day 5: Reflecting Christ's Love
By embodying agape love, we can add more friends to our community and reflect the love of Christ to others. This love is not just for our immediate circle but extends to everyone, potentially leading them to know Jesus as their Savior. [01:04:30]
Embodying agape love is a powerful way to reflect the love of Christ to others. This love is not limited to our immediate circle of friends and family but extends to everyone we encounter. By showing unconditional and sacrificial love, we can draw others into our community and potentially lead them to know Jesus as their Savior. Agape love is a witness to the transformative power of Christ's love and can open hearts to the message of the Gospel.
When we live out agape love, we become living testimonies of Christ's love. Our actions and attitudes can speak volumes to those who may not yet know Jesus. By being intentional in our love for others, we can create opportunities for meaningful conversations about faith and share the hope we have in Christ. Reflecting Christ's love in this way is not just about words but about living a life that exemplifies the love of Jesus.
1 Peter 4:8-9 (ESV): "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling."
Reflection: Think of someone who does not know Jesus. How can you show them Christ's love in a tangible way this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "During periods of anxiety or depression watching a light hearted kids cartoon is a great way to cope with the negative feelings that was going on in his life." [45:28] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "This is love this is sacrificial love for the well being of others and the kind of love that Garfield shows in most of his cartoons is not that it's the me myself and I mode the M I usually say what did I say capital M E yeah that's his mode life is for me and I capitalized the M E with Jeremy's help Pastor Jeremy excuse me help so that's what Garfield and you know." [53:00] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So I encourage this congregation to use that agape and reach out to as many people as you can be friends with as many outsiders as you can even those who are not Christians because your influence could be something to lead them to know Jesus as their savior just be friends with them love them as best you can and in the way that you can and they will know Jesus said by this all people will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." [01:04:00] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Let us move from that just mere affection for Christ that we all have as Christians to that deeper love that's willing to sacrifice in our life if we need to in order to bring other people into the kingdom of God and their salvation." [01:04:30] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "May God help us all to develop that in this congregation and as we do we'll be adding more and more friends to our whole family of life here at Desert Foot Hills Lutheran Church." [01:05:33] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Agape love is defined as unconditional and sacrificial love this is the kind of love that motivates a person to do anything in love to help another person who is in need and without expecting anything in return that's what agape love is it's a sacrificial thing." [50:22] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus wants us to go beyond just philos for love of our family love of our country love of one another he wants us to practice that agape love self giving love for one another so in this congregation it's well that all of you develop friendships with one another." [01:02:56] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our good works don't merit anything but they are things that flow from our life which the Holy Spirit gives us when we come to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior the Holy Spirit resides there and He moves us toward ever toward going more toward that agape love and leaving behind that philos love that only sees just around an immediate circle of friends or family." [01:05:03] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When he went the way of the cross he who had no sin took into his own person your sins and mine and the sins of the whole wide world just think about that that 2000 years plus years ago on that cross your sins were being nailed there with the crucified Jesus Christ that makes me so sad to think about that when I think of my life and the sins I have committed that some of them that still haunt me today you know in a dream or something but I know that he paid it in full for me when he was on the cross." [57:19] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So whenever he died there I always say the words written across the clouds of heaven were paid in full all of your transgressions were paid in full by that Lord when he went the way of the cross so that first key word there is agape I don't guess I have it's not coming up but the next key word that I want to look at in this text is the word friends." [57:50] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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