Walking in Love: Embracing Community and Truth

Summary

We are all deeply aware of our need for God, especially in times of suffering, confusion, or pain. God, in His kindness, uses these moments to awaken us to our dependence on Him and to draw us closer to Himself and to one another. The call to love one another is the most repeated command in Scripture, and it is especially vital within the family of faith. This love is not a generic kindness, but a familial, sacrificial love that mirrors the love Christ has for us.

Reflecting on the dangers facing the church, it is clear that the enemy’s strategy is to undermine the authority of Scripture, promote self-centeredness, and isolate believers from one another. If the devil could have his way, he would make the Bible seem irrelevant, fill pulpits with self-serving leaders, distort the gospel into a message of self-help and prosperity, and attack the very fabric of the home and the church. He would encourage division, confusion, and a focus on individualism rather than the unity and love that Christ calls us to embody.

Scripture warns us that in the last days, people will be lovers of self, proud, and isolated, having a form of godliness but denying its power. The antidote to this is to walk in the light and to walk in love. Walking in the light means living in agreement with God’s character and truth, not in perfection, but in honest pursuit of holiness by the Spirit’s power. Walking in love means embracing vulnerability, accountability, and sacrificial kindness toward one another, even when it is inconvenient or costly.

True Christian love is not just a feeling but a commitment to bear with one another, to be patient, kind, and humble, and to refuse to give up on each other. Isolation is the enemy’s tool; togetherness is God’s design. We are called to intentionally associate with other believers, to know and be known, to share our lives, and to allow God’s love to flow through us. This is only possible through surrender to Christ as Lord, feeding on the Scriptures, continual prayer, and active participation in the life of the church. In doing so, we walk in the light, avoid stumbling, and display to the world the reality of Christ’s love.

Key Takeaways

- The Subtlety of Spiritual Deception
The enemy’s most effective strategy is not always open opposition, but subtle distortion—downplaying the authority of Scripture, promoting self-help over self-denial, and encouraging a form of godliness without its transformative power. We must be vigilant to recognize these deceptions and hold fast to the truth of God’s Word, allowing it to shape our lives and our community. [04:17]

- The Costliness and Necessity of Christian Love
True love, as Christ demonstrated, is always costly. It requires vulnerability, patience, and a willingness to bear with others’ messiness. This kind of love cannot be lived out in isolation; it demands proximity, authenticity, and a commitment to walk alongside others, even when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable. [19:42]

- The Danger of Isolation and the Power of Community
Isolation is a breeding ground for spiritual stagnation and stumbling. God designed us to grow, be sanctified, and experience joy in the context of community. Accountability, encouragement, and mutual care are essential for walking in the light and avoiding the pitfalls of self-centeredness and spiritual blindness. [12:26]

- Walking in the Light Requires Both Grace and Obedience
Holiness is not optional for the believer, but it is not achieved by human effort alone. We walk in the light by the Spirit’s power, relying on God’s grace while earnestly pursuing obedience. This balance keeps us humble, dependent, and continually growing in Christlikeness. [16:41]

- Intentional Engagement with Scripture, Prayer, and Fellowship
Consistent growth in love and holiness comes from feeding on the Scriptures, maintaining unceasing prayer, and intentionally associating with other believers. These practices are not mere religious duties, but the means by which God shapes us, sustains us, and enables us to love as He loves. [33:37]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:12] - Opening Prayer and Our Need for God
[02:12] - “If I Were the Devil”: Exposing the Enemy’s Tactics
[04:17] - Undermining Scripture and the Rise of False Teachers
[05:06] - The False Gospel of Prosperity and Self-Help
[06:05] - Attacks on the Home and God’s Design
[08:18] - Confusion of Gender and Downplaying the Church
[10:42] - Emotion-Driven Experience vs. True Worship
[11:31] - The Dangers of Isolation in the Christian Life
[12:52] - The Enemy’s Goal: Making Love Fail
[14:40] - Paul’s Warning: The Last Days and Self-Love
[15:51] - Light vs. Darkness; Love vs. Hatred
[18:38] - The Necessity of Christian Community
[20:52] - The Old and New Commandment to Love
[23:59] - The Fruit of Love and the Danger of Hatred
[26:17] - 1 Corinthians 13: The Nature of Love
[28:03] - The Inversion: What Hatred Looks Like
[30:00] - Practical Applications: Walking in Love
[32:39] - Receiving Christ as Lord and Savior
[33:37] - Feeding on Scripture and Unceasing Prayer
[36:39] - The Call to Intentional Fellowship
[38:23] - The Joy of Sharing Life Together
[39:06] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

1 John 2:6-11 (ESV)
> Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. 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.

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.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (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. Love never ends.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to 1 John 2:9-11, what is the relationship between loving others and walking in the light?
2. In John 13:34-35, what does Jesus say will show the world that we are His disciples?
3. How does 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 describe the kind of love Christians are called to show?
4. The sermon described several ways the enemy tries to undermine the church. What are some of the specific tactics mentioned? ([04:17])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does John say the command to love one another is both “old” and “new”? What does this mean for how we live out our faith? ([20:52])
2. The sermon warns that isolation is dangerous for Christians. Why is being alone spiritually risky, according to both the Bible and the sermon? ([12:26])
3. In 1 Corinthians 13, love is described as patient, kind, and not self-seeking. Why do you think these qualities are so important for Christian community? ([26:17])
4. The sermon says that “walking in the light” is not about perfection, but about honest pursuit of holiness. How does this balance of grace and obedience help us grow? ([16:41])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon said, “True love, as Christ demonstrated, is always costly. It requires vulnerability, patience, and a willingness to bear with others’ messiness.” Who in your life is hard to love right now? What would it look like to love them sacrificially this week? ([19:42])
2. Isolation was described as a tool of the enemy. Are there ways you have been isolating yourself from Christian community? What is one step you could take to intentionally connect with others this month? ([12:26])
3. The sermon challenged us to “feed on the Scriptures” and “maintain unceasing prayer.” What is one practical change you could make to your daily or weekly routine to grow in these areas? ([33:37])
4. The enemy’s strategy includes making the Bible seem irrelevant and promoting self-centeredness. Are there areas in your life where you have started to drift from the authority of Scripture or focused more on yourself than on God and others? What needs to change? ([04:17])
5. The sermon described love as “knowing and being known.” Is there someone in your church or small group you need to open up to, or someone you need to get to know better? What’s a first step you could take? ([25:18])
6. 1 Corinthians 13 says love “does not insist on its own way.” Can you think of a recent situation where you insisted on your own way? How could you respond differently next time? ([26:17])
7. The sermon encouraged us to “intentionally associate with other Christ followers.” What is one way you can be more intentional about building relationships in the church this season? ([36:39])

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Close in prayer, asking God to help you walk in the light and love others as Christ has loved you.

Devotional

Day 1: Love One Another as Christ Loved Us
The call to love one another is not just a suggestion but a command from Jesus Himself, who modeled the ultimate love by laying down His life for us. This love is not based on convenience or comfort, but on a willingness to be vulnerable, to bear with one another’s messiness, and to seek the good of others even when it costs us something. True Christian love is the distinguishing mark of Christ’s disciples, and it is through this love that the world will know we belong to Him. If you find it difficult to connect with others, remember that everyone starts somewhere—take the first step to know and be known, and let Christ’s love flow through you. [19:42]

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."

Reflection: Who is one person in your church family you can reach out to this week with a simple act of Christlike love, even if it feels inconvenient or vulnerable?


Day 2: Walking in the Light Means Walking in Love
To walk in the light is to live in agreement with God’s character and truth, which is inseparable from loving others. The apostle John teaches that anyone who claims to walk in the light but harbors hatred or indifference toward a brother or sister is still in darkness. Loving others brings us into the light, keeps us from stumbling, and allows us to experience authentic community where we are both known and loved. This kind of love requires honesty, accountability, and a willingness to share our lives with others, even when it feels risky. [23:59]

1 John 2:6-11 (ESV)
"Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. 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."

Reflection: Is there any relationship in your life where you are withholding love or holding onto resentment? What step can you take today to move toward reconciliation and walk in the light?


Day 3: Love Is Costly, But It Never Fails
True love, as described in Scripture, is patient, kind, humble, and selfless—it bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things. This love is not just for weddings or special occasions; it is the daily calling of every believer. Love always involves a cost, whether it’s time, energy, or emotional vulnerability, but it is through this costly love that we reflect Christ to the world. When we choose love over selfishness, we find greater joy and stumble less in our walk with God. [26:17]

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (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. Love never ends."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can show patient, selfless love to someone close to you today, especially if it requires a personal sacrifice?


Day 4: Feed on the Scriptures and Stay in Prayer
A life of love and light is sustained by feeding on God’s Word and maintaining constant communication with Him through prayer. Without the Scriptures, our understanding of God becomes shaped by our own imagination rather than His truth, and without prayer, we lose touch with the source of our strength and love. Make it a habit to read the Bible daily, starting with the Gospels, and ask God to help you live out what you read. Let prayer become as natural as breathing, keeping you connected to God’s heart throughout your day. [33:37]

Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Reflection: When and where can you set aside time today to read a passage from the Gospels and pray, asking God to shape your heart and actions by His Word?


Day 5: Intentionally Share Life with Other Believers
Christianity is not meant to be lived in isolation; we are called to intentionally associate with other believers for encouragement, accountability, and growth. Being part of a church, small group, or mentoring relationship allows us to practice real love, to know and be known, and to help each other walk in the light. Isolation leads to stumbling and loneliness, but sharing life with others brings joy and helps us become more like Christ. Take the initiative to join a group, reach out to a fellow believer, or open up about your own struggles—you will find that iron truly sharpens iron. [36:39]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to intentionally connect with other believers—whether by joining a group, reaching out to a friend, or sharing honestly with someone you trust?

Quotes

``If I were the devil, I would fleece the flock by promising prosperity proportionate to dollars donated. That's what I would do. I would fill the church with prosperous and important people desiring to be noticed. And then I would coach and teach and promise them things the Bible doesn't promise. Do you know what the Bible promises? Trouble. [00:04:57] (25 seconds)  #ProsperityIsNotThePromise Edit Clip

If I were the devil, I would confuse gender thereby attacking creation order. I would make parents think well I won't even define the gender of my child I'll let them pick for themselves that's what I would do in the very beginning of god's work in men he said be fruitful and multiply to spread my glory upon the earth be fruitful and multiply the confusion of gender is an attack of the evil and upon society and the church is so afraid to get canceled they won't even say that. [00:09:11] (36 seconds)  #DefendCreationOrder Edit Clip

If I were the devil, I would attack the church by making life all about the individual. If I were the devil, I would isolate Christians so they have no mentoring, fellowship, or accountability. If I were the devil, I would take people out of the local church, I would put them at home alone with their devotion books that they select in order to feel according to whatever they want to feel at the moment they're reading them. That's what I would do. I would isolate the believer. [00:11:24] (30 seconds)  #CommunityOverIsolation Edit Clip

Most of all, I would fight to make love fail. That's what I would do. No greater love has any man known than a man would give his life for the brethren. I'd do everything I could to stop that message. I would do everything I could to make love fail. [00:12:39] (19 seconds)  #LoveIsOurCalling Edit Clip

Brothers and sisters, our calling is not to fill our minds with theological and doctrinal facts. Our calling is to love God and to love each other. To love the neighbor, yes, and to love each other, the Christian brothers and sisters, in a special way. This is what we're supposed to do. [00:18:21] (20 seconds)  #TogetherInSanctification Edit Clip

We want to have our problems solved. And what we are called to is a person, not a position. We're called to Jesus Christ who gave His blood for us and died for us and called us into His family and considers us not enemies, but friends. This is the life of faith. This is what true Christianity is. [00:22:51] (23 seconds)  #WalkInLoveNotStumble Edit Clip

Without the scriptures, applied by the spirit of God to awaken your mind to understand them, your God will just be a deity of your own imagination. That's what you'll have. Feed on the scriptures. The Bible calls it milk and the Bible calls it meat. Feed on the scriptures. [00:34:03] (18 seconds)  #ShareLifeWalkInLight Edit Clip

Iron sharpens iron. We make each other better. And I get to, with those people I talk to, I get to share me. If I'm sad, if I'm lonely, if I'm worried, I get to have a brother to hear my needs and pray for me. Stop with the long range of business. It's not helping you. Let Jesus cause you to love. You can't do it on your own. You've been trying that. Look at where it's got you. You're as mean as ever. Brethren, love one another. [00:38:35] (36 seconds) Edit Clip