Living Out Christ's Love: A Call to Action

 

Summary

In our journey with Christ, we are called to a love that transcends the ordinary, a love that mirrors the selfless, sacrificial love of Jesus. This love is not merely an emotion or a sentiment; it is an active, living testament to our faith. It is a love that compels us to know God, to obey His commandments, and to love others as He has loved us. This love is not passive; it requires action, commitment, and sometimes, the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to love those who are different from us or difficult to love.

We are reminded that our sins are forgiven, not by our merit, but by the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. This forgiveness is complete, wiping away every transgression and allowing us to walk in the freedom of God's grace. Knowing God is not an elusive concept; He desires an intimate relationship with each of us, and we can know Him through His Word and daily communion with Him.

Moreover, we have overcome the world by the power of God within us. The enemy may attempt to sow seeds of guilt, shame, and insecurity, but we are more than conquerors through Christ who strengthens us. We must embrace this truth and live in the victory that is already ours.

As we respond to the gospel, we engage in worship, take communion, and give of our tithes and offerings. These acts of worship are not mere rituals; they are expressions of our love and commitment to God. They are opportunities to draw closer to Him and to align our hearts with His purposes.

Finally, we are called to be a multi-generational church, valuing the wisdom of those who have walked with Christ for many years, the fervency of those who are maturing in their faith, and the zeal of new believers. Each person, regardless of their spiritual age, plays a vital role in the body of Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- True love, as demonstrated by Jesus, is selfless and sacrificial. It is not dependent on reciprocation or life circumstances. We are called to love others with this same standard, reflecting the gospel in our relationships. [01:04:22]

- Forgiveness through Christ is complete and transformative. It allows us to live unburdened by the past, walking in the freedom of God's grace. This forgiveness is a gift we must embrace and share with others. [01:18:28]

- Knowing God is an active pursuit, not a passive state. Through His Word and daily communion with Him, we can grow in intimacy with our Creator. This relationship is foundational to our faith and informs how we live out the gospel. [01:19:06]

- Overcoming the world is not by our strength but by the power of God within us. We must reject the lies of the enemy and live confidently in the victory Christ has secured for us. This empowers us to love God and others more fully. [01:19:44]

- Multi-generational unity within the church is essential. Each generation brings unique gifts and perspectives that enrich our community. We must honor and learn from one another, fostering a church culture that reflects the diversity of God's kingdom. [01:15:08]

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. 1 John 2:3-6 (ESV)
> "And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says 'I know him' but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked."

2. 1 John 2:7-11 (ESV)
> "Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes."

3. 1 John 2:15-17 (ESV)
> "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."

### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 John 2:3-6, what is the evidence that someone truly knows God?
2. In 1 John 2:7-11, what is the relationship between loving one's brother and walking in the light?
3. What does 1 John 2:15-17 say about the love of the world and the love of the Father?
4. How does the sermon describe the nature of true love as demonstrated by Jesus? [01:04:22]

### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "walk in the same way in which he walked" as mentioned in 1 John 2:6? How can this be practically applied in our daily lives?
2. How does the command to love one another in 1 John 2:7-11 challenge our natural inclinations and societal norms? [01:01:03]
3. In what ways can the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16) distract us from loving God and others? [01:22:16]
4. How does understanding that our sins are forgiven (1 John 2:12) empower us to live out the commandments to love God and others? [01:18:28]

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily actions. Are there specific areas where you struggle to keep God's commandments? How can you take steps to align your actions with your faith? [01:04:22]
2. Think of a person in your life who is difficult to love. What practical steps can you take this week to show them the selfless, sacrificial love of Jesus? [01:07:01]
3. Identify one way you have been influenced by the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, or the pride of life. What changes can you make to prioritize your love for God over these worldly desires? [01:22:16]
4. How can you actively pursue knowing God more intimately through His Word and daily communion with Him? What specific practices can you incorporate into your routine? [01:19:06]
5. In what ways can you contribute to fostering multi-generational unity within the church? How can you honor and learn from those who are at different stages in their spiritual journey? [01:15:08]
6. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt insecure or burdened by guilt. How can embracing the truth that you have overcome the world through Christ change your perspective and actions in similar situations? [01:19:44]
7. Consider your current acts of worship, such as taking communion or giving tithes and offerings. How can you deepen these practices to make them more meaningful expressions of your love and commitment to God? [01:26:46]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Sacrificial Love
True love is selfless and requires us to act beyond our own interests, reflecting the sacrificial nature of Christ's love for us. This love is not contingent on feelings or convenience but is a deliberate choice to put others first, even when it is challenging. It is a love that does not seek its own benefit but looks to the welfare of others, just as Jesus laid down His life for us. This kind of love is transformative, both for the giver and the receiver, and it is a powerful witness to the world of the love of Christ within us. It is a love that endures through difficulties and differences, a testament to the strength and depth of our commitment to follow Christ's example. [01:04:22]

"But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." - Luke 6:27-28 ESV

Reflection: Consider a relationship where it is difficult for you to show love. What is one selfless act you can do this week to demonstrate Christ-like love to that person?

Day 2: The Freedom of Forgiveness
Forgiveness through Jesus is a profound gift that liberates us from the weight of our past mistakes. It is not something we earn but is freely given through the grace and mercy of Christ. This forgiveness is complete, allowing us to move forward without the burden of guilt or shame. It is a reminder that our value is not based on our perfection but on God's love for us. As we embrace this forgiveness, we are called to extend it to others, offering the same grace we have received. This cycle of forgiveness reflects the heart of the gospel and has the power to heal and restore broken relationships and communities. [01:18:28]

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace," - Ephesians 1:7 ESV

Reflection: Is there a past mistake that you find difficult to forgive yourself for? How can you accept God's complete forgiveness and begin to see yourself as He sees you?

Day 3: Pursuing Intimacy with God
Knowing God is an intentional pursuit that involves engaging with His Word and spending time in His presence. It is through these daily practices that we cultivate a deep and personal relationship with our Creator. This relationship is the cornerstone of our faith, shaping how we understand ourselves and the world around us. As we grow in our knowledge of God, we find that His wisdom and love permeate every aspect of our lives, guiding our decisions and strengthening our resolve to live in a manner worthy of the gospel. This pursuit is not a solitary endeavor but one that we share with the community of believers, encouraging and supporting one another as we seek to know God more fully. [01:19:06]

"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." - John 17:3 ESV

Reflection: What is one step you can take today to deepen your relationship with God? How can you incorporate this step into your daily routine?

Day 4: Living in Victory
The victory over the world and its challenges is not something we achieve on our own but is a result of the power of God working within us. We are equipped to overcome the lies and accusations of the enemy because of Christ's triumph on the cross. This victory is not just a future hope but a present reality that we are called to live out each day. As we embrace this truth, we find the strength to resist temptation, the courage to face adversity, and the confidence to love and serve others without fear. Living in this victory allows us to be beacons of hope and light in a world that often feels dark and overwhelming. [01:19:44]

"To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." - Revelation 1:5b-6 ESV

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to claim the victory that Christ has already won for you? How can you remind yourself of this truth daily?

Day 5: Celebrating Generational Diversity
The church is a tapestry of generations, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences that enrich the body of Christ. We are called to honor and learn from each other, recognizing that every person, regardless of age, has something valuable to contribute. This multi-generational unity is a reflection of the kingdom of God, where diversity is celebrated and every voice is valued. By fostering relationships across generational lines, we build a stronger, more vibrant community that is capable of reaching the world with the message of Christ's love and grace. [01:15:08]

"So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other." - 1 Corinthians 12:25 ESV

Reflection: How can you engage with a different generation within your church community this week? What can you do to learn from their experiences and perspectives?

Quotes

"The world tells us to focus on ourselves, but God tells us to focus on Him. The world tells you to make as much money as possible; Jesus tells you to give it all away." [01:22:55] (Download | )

"Once we know these things are true in our life—that we have been forgiven, that we want to know God, and we can overcome by His strength alone—now we are compelled to love God more than the things of this world." [01:20:20] (Download | )

"Love is selfless. It goes against every fiber I'm created with because it's all about me. But our standard is that Jesus was selfless. Our standard is that Jesus died for us without us reciprocating His love." [01:04:22] (Download | )

"Jesus loved regardless of life circumstances. He loved people in all walks of life. If our love is dependent on someone having it all together, then our love is not gospel-centered." [01:07:01] (Download | )

"True followers of Jesus love God more than they love the world. We have to love God more than the things of this world. The world is selling you a cheap lifestyle that's going to pass away." [01:14:30] (Download | )

"By this all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another. He didn't say by the size of your building or by doing good things; he said they will know you are my disciples by the way you love each other." [01:11:58] (Download | )

"True followers of Jesus love one another and live in the light. If we're walking around saying we follow Jesus but there's always rifts between us and our brothers and sisters, the Bible actually says we're in darkness." [59:13] (Download | )

"Study the Bible to know about God; obey the Bible to truly know God. There's a difference in knowing about God and truly knowing God." [46:17] (Download | )

"God wants you to be assured of your salvation. Relationships are so much healthier when you have an assurance. God doesn't want you walking around every time you go to church wondering if you're saved." [48:47] (Download | )

"True followers of Jesus know, love, and obey Him. If you're not following Jesus, that's okay, that's where you're at, and we'll meet you there. But joining a church may not be your next step." [54:24] (Download | )

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Transcript
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