OUTLINE:
1Co 13:8
“Love never ends” [ESV]
…or…
”Love never fails” [NASB]
Living in Christ’s Love
We should be taking care of one another, calling on the sick and praying for them, helping our family members who are in financial need, and using our gifts to encourage them, per the love and grace of God. Php 2:1-5
Gal 6:2
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Point #1 Regarding Love
A person who abuses the word “love” is seeking personal profit.
Point #2 Regarding Love
A person who abuses the word “love” is diluting its value.
True Religion
Christians who understand the Word of God – starting with the definitions of the words it uses to communicate to us – and abide in it are the godly ones. They understand true religion and practice it (James).
Point #1 Regarding Love
A person who abuses the word “love” is seeking personal profit.
Point #2 Regarding Love
A person who abuses the word “love” is diluting its value.
Jas 1:26
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.
Jas 2:14
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?
True Religion
The works of the faith are grounded in actions of love.
Expressing love in speech pales in comparison to expressing it in action.
Godliness looks more like a fortress than a rose.
Eph 1:4c-8
In love he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight
Encouragement
The end goal of worldly encouragement is benefit to self, whereas the end goal of Biblical encouragement is benefit to God.
The greatest thing I can EVER encourage you to do is to OBEY God.
Obedience precedes both salvation and sanctification.
1Ti 1:5
The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
Ecc 12:13-14
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
1Ti 1:17
To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen