Living in God's Love: Overcoming Fear and Division
Summary
In our journey with Christ, we often encounter moments of fear and trepidation, especially when we have strayed from the path of righteousness. However, it is the perfect love of our Heavenly Father that casts out all fear. When we confess our sins, we are cleansed and made new, free from the burden of our transgressions. This love is not only from God but also from our Christian brothers and sisters, whose support and care reflect the love of Christ. Our eternity is secure in Jesus, and we are forever found in Him. Therefore, we must ask ourselves why we harbor fear. Is it because we are not living in the love of God and His children as we ought to?
The essence of our faith is love, as commanded by Jesus in John 13:34-35. This love is not a mere affection but a defining mark of our discipleship. It is not enough to love God; we must also love one another fervently. This love is not just for anyone but specifically for our fellow believers. The church, historically known as "The Way," was characterized by this love. However, with the emergence of numerous denominations, it seems we may have lost sight of this foundational love.
As we mature in faith, we learn that arguing with fellow Christians over doctrinal differences is not fruitful. Instead, we should focus on loving those within the kingdom and resolving conflicts with grace and forgiveness. This love is not passive; it requires action and sometimes involves making difficult choices to align with God's will rather than our own desires.
Baptism is a public declaration of our commitment to Christ and His love. It is an outward expression of an inward change, signifying that we have been marked by Jesus and are dedicated to living out His command to love one another. As we prepare for baptisms, we are reminded of the transformative power of God's love in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Perfect love, which comes from God, has the power to drive out all fear. When we live in the assurance of God's love and forgiveness, we experience a profound peace that transcends our human understanding. This peace is a testament to the transformative power of God's love in our lives. [16:33]
- The command to love one another is not a suggestion but a directive from Jesus Himself. It is by our love for fellow believers that the world recognizes us as disciples of Christ. This love must be active and visible, reflecting the very nature of God, who is love. [18:01]
- Unity within the body of Christ is essential, and while denominational differences exist, they should not lead to division among believers. Our shared love for Christ should supersede any theological disagreements, fostering a spirit of harmony and mutual respect. [19:25]
- Engaging in disputes with fellow Christians over doctrinal issues is not a productive use of our time. Instead, we should prioritize loving and winning souls for Christ, demonstrating the love of God through our actions and interactions with others. [20:04]
- Baptism is a powerful declaration of our identity in Christ. It publicly announces that we have been marked by His love and are committed to living out His commandments, especially the call to love one another as He has loved us. [24:53]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 13:34-35 (NIV): "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
2. 1 John 4:7-21 (NIV): "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 13:34-35, what is the new command Jesus gives to His disciples? How will people recognize His disciples?
2. In 1 John 4:7-21, how does John describe the relationship between love and knowing God? What does he say about those who do not love?
3. What does 1 John 4:18 say about the relationship between love and fear? How does perfect love affect fear?
4. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned that the mark of Jesus on our lives is our love for one another. How does this mark differentiate us from others? [07:53]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize loving one another as the defining mark of His disciples in John 13:34-35? How does this command challenge our natural inclinations? [04:09]
2. In 1 John 4:7-21, John states that "God is love." How does this foundational truth impact our understanding of God's nature and our relationship with Him?
3. The sermon mentioned that arguing over doctrinal differences is not fruitful. How does this align with the command to love one another? What might be the consequences of such arguments within the church? [20:04]
4. The pastor shared personal experiences of both blessings and hurts within the church community. How do these experiences reflect the complexities of living out the command to love one another? [09:22]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt fear in your spiritual journey. How can the understanding of God's perfect love help you overcome that fear? [12:12]
2. Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us. Identify a specific action you can take this week to show love to a fellow believer in a tangible way. [04:09]
3. Think about a recent disagreement you had with another Christian. How can you approach resolving this conflict with grace and forgiveness, prioritizing love over being right? [20:04]
4. The pastor mentioned that baptism is a public declaration of our commitment to Christ and His love. If you have been baptized, how can you continue to live out this commitment daily? If you haven't, what steps can you take to prepare for this declaration? [24:53]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of unity within the body of Christ despite denominational differences. How can you foster a spirit of harmony and mutual respect in your interactions with believers from different denominations? [19:25]
6. Reflect on the pastor's statement that we are marked by Jesus' love. How can you make this mark more visible in your daily life, especially in your interactions with other Christians? [07:53]
7. The pastor shared stories of both receiving and giving love within the church community. How can you contribute to creating a supportive and loving environment in your church? [09:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Perfect Love
Fear often grips our hearts, especially when we are aware of our shortcomings and the times we have wandered away from the path God has set for us. Yet, it is the perfect love of God that dispels all fear. This love is not a temporary reprieve but a complete cleansing, a renewal that frees us from the weight of our sins. When we truly understand and accept this divine love, we find a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that is not of this world. It is a testament to the transformative power of God's love, which not only forgives but also empowers us to live fearlessly in the assurance of His grace and mercy. [16:33]
"But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'" - Isaiah 43:1 ESV
Reflection: How can you let go of a specific fear by trusting in God's perfect love for you today?
Day 2: Love as Christ's Defining Mark
The command to love one another is not optional; it is the very essence of what it means to follow Christ. This love goes beyond mere affection or lip service; it is an active, sacrificial love that should be evident to all. It is by this love that the world will recognize us as disciples of Jesus. This love is not selective; it is to be extended to all, especially those within the body of Christ. When love is the defining mark of our faith, it not only changes us but also has the power to transform the world around us. [18:01]
"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." - 1 Peter 4:8 ESV
Reflection: What is one tangible way you can show Christ's love to a fellow believer this week?
Day 3: Unity Over Division
In a world where denominational lines often divide, it is crucial to remember that our unity in Christ is paramount. While we may have different interpretations and practices, our love for Christ and for each other should be the bridge that unites us. This unity is not about uniformity in thought but rather a harmony of purpose and spirit. It is a call to respect and embrace our diversity while maintaining the bond of peace that Christ himself prayed for. [19:25]
"I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment." - 1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV
Reflection: How can you contribute to unity within your church community despite differences?
Day 4: Love Beyond Doctrinal Disputes
Engaging in endless debates over doctrinal differences does not build up the body of Christ. Instead, we are called to love and serve one another, focusing on the greater mission of winning souls for Christ. This love is not passive; it is an active pursuit of peace, grace, and forgiveness. It is about prioritizing relationships over being right, and it is about demonstrating God's love through our actions and interactions with others. [20:04]
"So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." - Romans 14:19 ESV
Reflection: Can you think of a recent doctrinal disagreement and choose to respond with love and grace instead of argument?
Day 5: Baptism as a Declaration of Love
Baptism is a profound declaration of our faith and commitment to Christ. It is an outward expression of an inward transformation, symbolizing that we have been marked by Jesus' love. As we prepare for baptism or reflect on our own, we are reminded of the commitment we have made to live out His commandments, particularly the call to love one another as He has loved us. This public act is a powerful testimony of our identity in Christ and our dedication to embody His love in every aspect of our lives. [24:53]
"Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:4 ESV
Reflection: How does your life reflect the commitment you made at baptism to love and serve others in the name of Christ?
Quotes
1) "Perfect love, the love of a loving caring father drives that fear away. Confession of sin to a loving God drives that fear away like you're washed clean of your sin when you confess it." [16:33] (Download | )
2) "If Jesus is our top priority and his spirit is within us, our reputation, the church's reputation, followers of Jesus's reputation should be one of incredible love." [18:49] (Download | )
3) "Today there are over 30,000 maybe as many as 45,000 Christian denominations. I think somewhere along the way we maybe forgot to love one another." [19:25] (Download | )
4) "I stopped arguing with Christians... I don't find it profitable to debate with people who are saved anymore... I want to win people who don't know Jesus into the kingdom." [20:45] (Download | )
5) "The mark identifies ownership. Jesus marked you when you gave your life to Jesus he put his Mark upon you... he marked you with love so that you would never be lost again." [07:53] (Download | )
6) "The way people will know that Jesus has written his name on the tag of your life is how you treat your fellow believer... it's your love for those who are in the church, Christians loving Christians." [09:22] (Download | )
7) "Something should be different about you after you come to Jesus... that's what baptism is all about... water baptism says I've been marked by love, marked by Jesus." [24:53] (Download | )
8) "If you're afraid of God punishing you then you're missing out on the love that he has for you... the fear of punishment makes you usually do more bad things." [15:53] (Download | )
9) "We love because he first loved us without Jesus our love is really incomplete for other people." [14:24] (Download | )
10) "If there's someone in my church family in My Kingdom family and I don't have love for them, that I don't even belong to God." [13:40] (Download | )
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