God and Love

INTRODUCTION.

A.        Within the religious world, there is much talk about God’s love for man. While man may speculate about whom God loves and how God shows His love, we can turn to the Bible to learn the truth.

B.        With this simple lesson, we will examine God’s love as explained in His holy word.

I.         GOD IS LOVE.

            A.        In order to have the proper concept of love, one must study the love that God has for His children. The love of God is an unconditional love which always acts in the best interest of those whom He loves.

            B.        To illustrate the love of God, let us consider the death of Jesus.

                        1.         Romans 5:8

                        2.         Ephesians 2:4-6

                        3.         1 John 4:7-10

            C.        Since God has loved us, we are to love one another. (1 John 4:11-21)

II.       GOD LOVES THOSE WHO OBEY HIS COMMANDS.

            A.        In John 14:21, Jesus said, “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” (NKJV) (John 14:21-23)

            B.        Jesus also said, “for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.” (John 16:27, NKJV)

            C.        Even David acknowledged that the Lord loves the righteous. (Psalms 146:8)

III.      GOD GIVES US SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS BECAUSE HE LOVES US.

            A.        The heavenly Father has given His children forgiveness, redemption, and adoption. (Ephesians 1:3-8)

            B.        God has promised us the gift of everlasting life. (John 3:16; Romans 6:23)

            C.        God has given us “everlasting consolation and good hope through grace.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

IV.      BECAUSE OF GOD’S LOVE FOR US, WE ARE “MORE THAN CONQUERORS.”

            A.        The world cannot defeat us as long as we are serving God. (Romans 8:31-39)

            B.        Paul also wrote, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57, NKJV) (1 Corinthians 15:54-58)

V.        GOD DISCIPLINES THOSE WHOM HE LOVES.

            A.        In Hebrews 12:6, the writer of Hebrews wrote, “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” (NKJV) (Hebrews 12:4-11)

            B.        In Revelation 3:19, Jesus said, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”

CONCLUSION.

A.        Remember:

1.         Our God is Love

2.         God Loves Those Who Obey His Commands

3.         God Gives Spiritual Blessings Because He Loves

4.         Because of God's Love, We are “More Than Conquerors”

5.         God Disciplines Those Whom He Loves

God and Love - April 25, 2004 - File # 271

by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK