When you think about your relationship to God, what motivates you? Dr. Stanley explains how powerful a life of love for the believer can be and that our obedience to God should be based out of our love for who He is, not fear.
Sermon Outline
First Corinthians 13 contains a description of love that reminds us, line by line, what this abstract word really means. Pay attention today as Dr. Stanley takes us on a wonderful journey through this beloved passage of Scripture.
Key Passage: 1 Corinthians 13:4-6; 1 Corinthians 13:8
Supporting Passages: John 13:35; 1 Corinthians 6:6-8
What is the strongest motivating force in your life?
Love …
Is not just a response but an action we choose.
Is possible for those in Christ to experience in a fuller way.
Allows us to put ourselves aside and focus on others.
► “When there is love in a person’s life, it is an awesomely powerful force.”
What does 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 teach us about love? It …
Is patient (v. 4).
Love enables us to wait on God’s timing and purposes.
It gives us the power to wait, even in moments when we feel frustrated or helpless.
Is kind (v. 4).
Even when we’re criticized or falsely accused, love enables us to respond with kindness.
Love reaches out to heal when it senses another person is hurting, discouraged, or despairing.
Love allows us to forget ourselves so we can help others.
Is not jealous (v. 4).
It enables us to share in the joys and celebrations of others without being hard-hearted.
Genuine love is not concerned with what I will receive or might lose out on.
Does not brag or act arrogantly (v. 4).
It enables us to be humble.
Love can be quiet and listen to others because God provides our sense of satisfaction.
Does not act unbecomingly (v. 5).
It enables us to be polite, well-mannered, and at our best—both publicly and privately.
► “God doesn’t talk about our rights. He talks about us loving our enemies.”
Does not seek its own (v. 5).
Love enables us to surrender our rights and lay down our demands. This is the behavior of disciples (John 13:35; 1 Cor. 6:6-8).
Is not provoked (13:5).
It enables us to have a quiet spirit that can’t be ruffled.
Does not take into account a wrong suffered (v. 5).
Being forgiven children of God allows us to forgive without keeping score of offenses.
Does not rejoice in unrighteousness (v. 6).
Love enables us to move beyond ourselves and empathize with the pain of others.
It allows us to overcome our need to be right.
It helps us look past the wrong that people do and enables us to see their needs.
Rejoices with the truth (v. 6).
Because we want to become the people God created us to be, we pursue and celebrate the truth about ourselves, situations, and other people.
Never fails (v. 8).
It enables us to have an unending response of sacrificial care.
When we have God’s love in our heart, we do not reach a limit. Our love “never fails” because it comes from an inexhaustible supply.
After Watching
Of all the things that love “does,” which do you find come naturally for you? Which do you struggle with?
How does learning that love is a choice—something we must actively strive for time and again—change your understanding of this vital component of life in Christ? What does it require of you?
