Transformative Love: The Evidence of a Christian Life
Summary
In a detailed exploration of Christian living, Brad Wicks delves into the concept of the fruit of the spirit, with a particular focus on love. He begins by establishing the importance of expository preaching and its role in understanding the Bible. The discussion transitions into the evidence of a Christian life, emphasizing that beyond rituals and good deeds, the first evidence is making Jesus the Lord of one's life. This involves recognizing Jesus as God, the only way to eternal life, and admitting one's sinful nature.
Wicks explains that declaring faith in Jesus must be accompanied by a transformed life, a process initiated by the Holy Spirit. This transformation should result in a new way of thinking and living, which is evident in one's behavior and relationships. He contrasts the works of the flesh, which should not be present in a Christian's life, with the fruit of the spirit, which should be evident. The works of the flesh include a range of sinful behaviors that are obvious and should be absent from a life led by the Holy Spirit.
The focus then shifts to the fruit of the spirit, with love being the primary attribute under examination. Wicks points out that the works of the flesh are plural, indicating their varied and random nature, while the fruit of the spirit is singular, suggesting a unified and interconnected set of attributes. He likens the works of the flesh to shards of glass that can cause pain and damage, whereas the fruit of the spirit is like a singular gem with multiple facets, each representing an attribute of a sanctified life.
The sermon further explores the concept of love, defining it as an unmerited love that puts others first and is selfless and sacrificial. Wicks uses the crucifixion of Jesus as the ultimate example of this love, emphasizing that it is a love that leads to repentance and transformation. He argues that this kind of love is not humanly possible without divine intervention and that it is the first and greatest evidence of Christ within an individual.
To exhibit this kind of love, Wicks suggests four initial steps: asking God for help to love others as He does, removing hate from one's heart, remembering that people are lost or deceived, and recognizing the unmerited forgiveness one has received from God. He stresses the importance of forgiveness, not as an acceptance of wrongdoing, but as a release from the bondage of bitterness and hatred.
Wicks shares a personal story to illustrate the destructive power of unforgiveness and the freedom that comes with letting go of bitterness and hate. He emphasizes that forgiveness is not dependent on the offender's apology but on the individual's willingness to extend grace, just as God has done for them.
In conclusion, the sermon calls for a reflection on whether the love of God is present within oneself and encourages taking steps to eliminate any barriers to that love, such as pride, hatred, or unforgiveness.
Key Takeaways:
- The evidence of a Christian life goes beyond external practices and is rooted in a transformation led by the Holy Spirit, resulting in a life that reflects the fruit of the spirit, with love being the foremost attribute. This transformation is a continuous process that requires active participation and a willingness to let go of the works of the flesh. [06:27]
- Love, as described in the Bible, is not a feeling but an action—a selfless, sacrificial giving that puts others first. It is the kind of love that God demonstrated through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, and it is the same love that should be evident in the lives of those who follow Christ. This love is the foundation from which all other virtues flow and is the clearest indicator of a genuine Christian life. [18:37]
- Hatred and love cannot coexist in the heart of a believer. To truly love others as God loves, one must actively work to remove any form of hatred, bitterness, or unforgiveness. This often requires divine assistance, as human nature tends toward resentment and retaliation rather than grace and mercy. [25:06]
- Forgiveness is a key component of love and is not contingent upon the offender's acknowledgment of wrongdoing. It is an act of releasing oneself from the desire for retribution and reflects the unmerited forgiveness that God extends to all. Forgiveness is a choice that leads to freedom and healing, not only for the one who forgives but also for the broader community. [32:13]
- The love of God is transformative and should compel believers to extend grace to others, even those who may seem undeserving. This extension of love is not an endorsement of sin but a desire to see individuals come to repentance and experience the same transformative love of God. The practice of this love is a daily commitment that requires constant prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit. [49:37]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 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."
2. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV)
> "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
3. John 13:34-35 (ESV)
> "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the attributes listed as the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23?
2. According to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, what are some characteristics of love?
3. In John 13:34-35, what command does Jesus give to His disciples, and how will people recognize them as His disciples?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul describe the fruit of the Spirit as singular in Galatians 5:22-23, and what does this imply about the nature of these attributes? [09:59]
2. How does the description of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 compare to the love demonstrated by Jesus on the cross, as discussed in the sermon? [14:56]
3. What does it mean to love others as Jesus loved us, according to John 13:34-35, and how does this love serve as evidence of being a disciple of Christ? [16:29]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit. Which one do you find most challenging to exhibit in your daily life, and why? [09:59]
2. Think of a recent situation where you struggled to show love as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. What could you have done differently to align your actions with this biblical definition of love? [15:34]
3. Pastor Brad mentioned the importance of asking God for help to love others as He does. How can you incorporate this prayer into your daily routine? [19:50]
4. Is there someone in your life towards whom you harbor bitterness or unforgiveness? What steps can you take this week to begin the process of forgiveness and letting go of hatred? [23:07]
5. How can you remind yourself of the unmerited forgiveness you have received from God when you find it difficult to forgive others? [30:50]
6. Pastor Brad shared a personal story about the destructive power of unforgiveness. Can you identify a time in your life when holding onto bitterness affected your relationships or well-being? What did you learn from that experience? [34:46]
7. Jesus' love led Him to pray for His executioners, recognizing their lost and deceived state. How can you develop a similar perspective towards those who hurt or offend you? [27:37]
This guide aims to foster deep reflection and practical application of the sermon’s teachings on love, forgiveness, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Devotional
Day 1: Transformation Through the Spirit
True Christian living is marked by a life transformed by the Holy Spirit, showcasing the fruit of love above all. This transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of growth and change, where love becomes the natural expression of one's faith. It is a life that increasingly turns away from selfish desires and aligns with the character of Christ. [06:27]
Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Reflection: In what ways has your life changed since you invited the Holy Spirit to guide you? How is the fruit of the Spirit becoming evident in your daily actions?
Day 2: Love as Action, Not Emotion
Biblical love is an active choice, a commitment to selflessness and sacrifice that mirrors the love God has shown us. It is not merely a feeling but a deliberate act of will, choosing to put others' needs before our own. This love is the bedrock of Christian virtue and the most apparent sign of a life touched by Christ. [18:37]
1 John 3:18 - "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate selfless, sacrificial love in a practical way to someone in your life today?
Day 3: Eradicating Hatred with Divine Love
The heart of a believer is called to be a sanctuary of God's love, where hatred and bitterness have no place. To embody the love of Christ, one must actively seek to remove any feelings of animosity and embrace the challenging work of forgiveness. This often requires God's strength, as it goes against our human inclination towards resentment. [25:06]
James 1:19-20 - "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."
Reflection: Is there any resentment in your heart that you need to surrender to God, and how can you take steps towards reconciliation today?
Day 4: Choosing Forgiveness Freely
Forgiveness is an essential aspect of love that does not depend on the offender's remorse but on our own decision to extend grace. It is a liberating choice that reflects God's forgiveness towards us and leads to personal and communal healing. By forgiving, we free ourselves from the chains of bitterness and step into the freedom Christ offers. [32:13]
Colossians 3:13 - "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Reflection: Who do you need to forgive, and how can you take the first step towards offering them grace today?
Day 5: Living Out Transformative Love
The transformative love of God compels us to extend grace to others, even when it seems undeserved. This love is not an endorsement of sin but a powerful force that can lead others towards repentance and change. Embracing this love requires daily commitment, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide our actions and attitudes. [49:37]
1 Peter 4:8 - "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."
Reflection: How can you show God's transformative love to someone who may not seem deserving, and what might that look like in practical terms today?
Quotes
1) "The greatest evidences of us being Believers is that we would love people like Jesus loved them, love them like this." [17:54]
2) "Love is the gym and as you turn it you should be able to see the other attributes meaning love is the package that all the fruit is wrapped in." [18:37]
3) "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us... you can't love people without God's love working in and through you." [21:15]
4) "Forgiveness is about you and I remembering when we didn't deserve Grace it didn't stop God from extending it to us even before we said we were sorry." [32:13]
5) "Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies because the only person suffering... is you." [26:17]
6) "Jesus recognizes how lost, how deceived, how broken they are and instead of letting hatred build in his heart he has pity on them." [28:18]
7) "To forgive means letting go of the bitterness and the hatred and the right to get even because forgiveness is a choice you either choose to forgive or you don't." [26:17]
8) "The love we need to have for others is a love that only God can give us because it comes from him." [20:30]
9) "To be a Christ's follower all nine [fruits of the spirit] should be present and act in your life because all nine represent who Jesus was." [13:04]
10) "The love of God should be present in your life and if it's not then you might not have been born again." [17:54]
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