Transformative Power of Love in the Church
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we continue our series, "A New Life Under Construction," focusing on the transformative power of God's love. We've previously discussed the Holy Spirit's role in our lives and the importance of trusting God. Today, we delve into love, a core element of our faith and community. A church without love is broken, but our church thrives on love, reflecting God's nature. To truly understand love, we must know God, as 1 John 4 teaches us that love is from God and God is love. This divine love was manifested through Jesus Christ, who was sent so we might live through Him. This love initiates our new life in Christ and propels our spiritual growth.
In Ephesians, Paul illustrates the church as a temple, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. This temple symbolizes the unity and peace Jesus brought between Jews and Gentiles, making us all members of God's household. Paul emphasizes that this unity is an ongoing process, requiring our active participation. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, building us up together in love and unity.
Paul prays for the Ephesians to be strengthened by the Spirit, rooted and grounded in love, so they may comprehend the vastness of Christ's love. This love surpasses knowledge, filling us with the fullness of God and leading to spiritual maturity. Paul urges us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, characterized by humility, gentleness, patience, and love, preserving the unity of the Spirit.
Unity was a challenge for the Ephesian church, as it is for us today. Paul reminds us that we are one body, sharing one Spirit, one faith, and one baptism. Church leaders are given to equip the saints for ministry, building up the body of Christ in unity, knowledge, and maturity. This stability protects us from false teachings and deceit.
Paul calls us to speak the truth in love, using the truth of the gospel to build each other up. Love without truth is sentimentality, and truth without love is harshness. We must wield truth like a scalpel, carefully exposing issues for healing, not like a sword to harm others. The church is a place where the wounded can find healing through the loving truth of Christ.
God's love compels us to share the gospel and be truthful about our flaws and situations. Our culture often uses truth to harm, but in Christ's body, truth and love must coexist. We are being built up in maturity, rooted and grounded in love, growing together in unity. Let us continue to grow in God's love, allowing it to transform us and our community.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding God's Love: To truly know love, we must know God, as love originates from Him. God's love was made real to us through Jesus Christ, who was sent so we might live through Him. This divine love initiates our new life in Christ and propels our spiritual growth. [02:58]
2. Unity in the Church: Paul illustrates the church as a temple, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. This temple symbolizes the unity and peace Jesus brought between Jews and Gentiles, making us all members of God's household. Unity is an ongoing process, requiring our active participation. [08:18]
3. Spiritual Maturity: Paul prays for the Ephesians to be strengthened by the Spirit, rooted and grounded in love, so they may comprehend the vastness of Christ's love. This love surpasses knowledge, filling us with the fullness of God and leading to spiritual maturity. Spiritual maturity is measured by love and demonstrated through our actions. [12:39]
4. Equipping the Saints: Church leaders are given to equip the saints for ministry, building up the body of Christ in unity, knowledge, and maturity. This stability protects us from false teachings and deceit. Each of us has a role in this process, contributing to the growth and unity of the church. [26:12]
5. Speaking the Truth in Love: We must wield truth like a scalpel, carefully exposing issues for healing, not like a sword to harm others. Love without truth is sentimentality, and truth without love is harshness. The church is a place where the wounded can find healing through the loving truth of Christ. [32:06]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:59] - The Importance of Love in the Church
[02:00] - Understanding God's Love
[02:58] - God's Love Manifested Through Jesus
[04:54] - The Church as a Temple
[06:06] - Unity Between Jews and Gentiles
[08:18] - Building on the Foundation of Christ
[11:28] - Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians
[14:53] - Living Through Christ
[16:26] - Rooted and Grounded in Love
[18:25] - Comprehending Christ's Love
[21:30] - Walking Worthy of Our Calling
[23:20] - The Challenge of Unity
[25:34] - Equipping the Saints for Ministry
[27:51] - Speaking the Truth in Love
[30:53] - The Truth of the Gospel
[32:06] - Love and Truth in Harmony
[34:20] - The Church as a Hospital
[36:11] - Using Truth for Healing
[37:38] - Growing in Maturity
[39:34] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[41:21] - Final Encouragement and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 John 4:7-9: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him."
2. Ephesians 2:17-22: "And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."
3. Ephesians 3:14-19: "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 John 4:7-9, what is the relationship between knowing God and loving others?
2. In Ephesians 2:17-22, what does Paul say about the unity between Jews and Gentiles in Christ?
3. What does Paul pray for the Ephesians in Ephesians 3:14-19, and how does he describe the love of Christ?
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in building up the church in unity and love? ([09:23])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean that "God is love" according to 1 John 4:7-9, and how does this shape our understanding of love?
2. How does the metaphor of the church as a temple in Ephesians 2:17-22 help us understand our role in the church community?
3. Why does Paul emphasize being "rooted and grounded in love" in Ephesians 3:14-19, and how does this contribute to spiritual maturity?
4. How does the sermon explain the balance between speaking the truth and doing so in love? ([32:06])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal understanding of God's love. How has knowing God changed the way you love others? ([02:00])
2. In what ways can you actively participate in building unity within your church community, especially among diverse groups? ([08:18])
3. Paul prays for the Ephesians to be strengthened by the Spirit. How can you seek the Holy Spirit's strength in your daily life? ([12:39])
4. Think of a recent situation where you had to speak the truth to someone. How did you balance truth and love in that conversation? ([32:06])
5. How can you contribute to the spiritual growth and maturity of your church community? What specific actions can you take this week? ([26:12])
6. Identify a person in your life who needs to hear the truth of the gospel. How can you share this truth with them in a loving and compassionate way? ([33:18])
7. Reflect on the metaphor of the church as a hospital. How can you be a source of healing and support for those who are wounded by the world? ([36:48])
Devotional
Day 1: Understanding God's Love
God's love is the foundation of our spiritual growth. To truly know love, we must know God, as love originates from Him. This divine love was made real to us through Jesus Christ, who was sent so we might live through Him. This love initiates our new life in Christ and propels our spiritual growth. Understanding God's love is essential for our faith and community, as it reflects God's nature and transforms us from within. By embracing this love, we can experience a profound change in our lives and relationships.
1 John 4:7-9 (ESV): "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him."
Reflection: Think of a moment when you felt God's love profoundly. How did it change your perspective or actions? How can you share that love with someone today? [02:58]
Day 2: Unity in the Church
Unity in the church is an ongoing process that requires our active participation. Paul illustrates the church as a temple, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. This temple symbolizes the unity and peace Jesus brought between Jews and Gentiles, making us all members of God's household. As members of this household, we are called to work together in love and unity, reflecting the peace and harmony that Christ has established.
Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."
Reflection: Consider a relationship within your church community that needs reconciliation. What steps can you take to promote unity and peace in that relationship today? [08:18]
Day 3: Spiritual Maturity
Spiritual maturity is measured by love and demonstrated through our actions. Paul prays for the Ephesians to be strengthened by the Spirit, rooted and grounded in love, so they may comprehend the vastness of Christ's love. This love surpasses knowledge, filling us with the fullness of God and leading to spiritual maturity. As we grow in love, we become more like Christ, reflecting His character in our daily lives and interactions with others.
Ephesians 3:16-19 (ESV): "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you need to grow in love. How can you actively demonstrate Christ's love in that area today? [12:39]
Day 4: Equipping the Saints
Church leaders are given to equip the saints for ministry, building up the body of Christ in unity, knowledge, and maturity. This stability protects us from false teachings and deceit. Each of us has a role in this process, contributing to the growth and unity of the church. By using our gifts and talents, we can support and strengthen one another, ensuring that the church remains a place of truth and love.
Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on your unique gifts and talents. How can you use them to serve and build up your church community this week? [26:12]
Day 5: Speaking the Truth in Love
We must wield truth like a scalpel, carefully exposing issues for healing, not like a sword to harm others. Love without truth is sentimentality, and truth without love is harshness. The church is a place where the wounded can find healing through the loving truth of Christ. By speaking the truth in love, we can help one another grow and mature in our faith, creating a supportive and nurturing environment.
Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
Reflection: Think of a difficult truth you need to share with someone. How can you approach the conversation with love and compassion, ensuring it leads to healing and growth? [32:06]
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "To know what love is, is you have to know who God is, right? To know love and to be able to love, you've got to know God. At the same time, if you know God, you are going to love others. Knowing God will compel you to love other people." [01:30] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The love of God doesn't just leave us the same when he found us. The love of God is what gives us a new life. And the love of God is what gives us the ability to grow and to build on it. God's love is what started this whole thing. And God's love is what's going to keep it going." [03:57] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Anybody can come to the Father through Jesus. Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Anybody can come because Jesus has preached peace to those who were both far away and to those who were near." [07:14] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Without God, we are weak. Without God, we're confused. Without God, we're stressed. Without God, we're helpless. Without God, we're unable to face the consequences of our sin, the complexity of life. Without God's help, we can't even trust him." [14:10] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We aren't Christians because we know all about God's love. Because I can name all the books of the Bible. That's not what makes us Christians. We become Christians because we know and feel and experience and enjoy the love of God which is given to us." [20:53] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "Paul is making it very clear for the church that a new life in Christ means that the Holy Spirit is dwelling within you and is building all of us up together in unity. Unity is a key component in the church, especially when there are two strong groups who are fighting. And so Paul reminds them who they are and who they're growing into." [11:28] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Unity can be very difficult to maintain when we are not rooted and grounded in the love of God. If we are not sharing this same soil it is really easy to cut someone off. It is really easy to talk about someone to someone else when we are not both planted and rooted in God's love." [24:27] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The body of Christ the church is built up together by Christians who love really well. There's another key statement in here that you've probably heard before. It's speaking the truth in love. Now, speaking the truth in love is that like saying something really brutally honest in just a really sweet voice? Man, I just I hate your face. That haircut is you know, really not good. No, that is not speaking the truth in love." [30:16] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Truth and love are two sides of the same coin. People will not be ready to receive the truth of God until they receive the love of God. And how they receive the love of God is through you. It's through your life. It's through the church being built together in love." [32:39] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God's love, when we are rooted and grounded in love, God's love will compel us to share the gospel. God's love will compel us to be truthful about ourselves, to be truthful about our situations, to be truthful about God and what he's done for us." [34:20] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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