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Blessings
Pastor Joe
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Love and Fellowship- Which comes first
Lesson Objective
To deepen our understanding of biblical love—its sacrificial, unconditional, and enduring nature—while encouraging each of us to reflect this love in our fellowship relationships and interactions.
Primary Scripture
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
1. Introduction: The Essential Nature of Love
- We first begin by recalling last week’s discussion on fellowship, noting that genuine fellowship thrives when rooted in love.
True fellowship, rooted in love, is more than just a gathering of people or social connection; it’s a spiritually unified community centered on a deep, abiding love that reflects God’s nature
- Emphasizing that love is foundational in Christian faith and central to the character of God. 1 John 4:8 New International Version 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
2. What Love Is (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
- Patient and Kind: Biblical love requires patience, a willingness to endure challenges with a kind heart.
- Not Envious or Boastful: Love values others without comparison or self-promotion.
- Not Self-Seeking or Easily Angered: True love is sacrificial and selfless, prioritizing others without resentment.
- Keeps No Record of Wrongs: Love forgives freely, mirroring God’s forgiveness (Psalm 103:11-12).
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
3. Jesus as the Model of Perfect Love
- John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.”
- Jesus’ sacrificial love is the ultimate expression of love, both in His life and death. There are many examples from His interactions, showing compassion for the marginalized and forgiveness toward His persecutors.
- 1 John 3:16: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.”
- We must understand to see love as an action, not just a feeling, as Jesus’ love was shown through tangible, sacrificial acts.
4. Practical Examples of Love in the Bible
- The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
Love transcends social and cultural barriers. The Samaritan showed love by caring for someone outside his community.
- Ruth’s Loyalty to Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17)
- Illustrate how love involves loyalty and commitment, as Ruth’s unwavering support for Naomi is a beautiful model of familial love and devotion.
- Jonathan’s Friendship with David (1 Samuel 18:1-4; 20:17)
- Jonathan’s selfless support and protection of David, even at great personal risk, exemplifies love in friendship.
5. Loving Others as Jesus Commanded
- John 13:34-35: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Jesus calls His followers to a love that reflects His own. Challenges each of us to consider what it looks like to “love as Jesus loved” in our daily lives, especially within the church community.
Love and Fellowship
True fellowship isn’t merely about proximity or shared activities; it stems from an active, God-centered love that compels us to care, serve, and invest in each other’s lives.
When we gather as believers, we reflect the love of God to each other, recognizing that our ability to love one another is only possible because of His love for us.
True Fellowship Involves Mutual Support and Accountability
- In a loving fellowship, there’s a sense of mutual accountability, where we encourage and help each other grow in faith.
- Galatians 6:2 instructs believers to, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
- This passage emphasizes the role of community in love: when we support one another, we mirror Christ’s compassion. True fellowship means walking alongside one another in both joyful and difficult seasons.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation as Essential to Loving Fellowship
- No fellowship is immune to conflict, but love drives us to pursue reconciliation.
- Ephesians 4:2-3 reminds us to, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
- Emphasize that in true fellowship, love isn’t just warm feelings—it’s a commitment to work through differences, to forgive, and to pursue unity, all of which testify to the Spirit’s presence among believers.
6. Conclusion: Love as a Reflection of God’s Presence
-Love is not only a command but also a testimony. When we love others, we bear witness to God’s love within us.
- We must reflect God’s love in our lives as a powerful example to the world around them.
This approach connects fellowship and love, showing that true fellowship is a space where believers live out God’s love in tangible ways. By emphasizing sacrificial support, accountability, inclusiveness, and forgiveness, your message can inspire listeners to cultivate a fellowship that actively reflects God’s love
Fellowship as a Product of Divine Love
- 1 John 4:7-12:
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
- A fellowship rooted in love not only strengthens the believers within it but also serves as a powerful witness to those outside it. Jesus said in John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
- Love in fellowship also cultivates an inclusive, welcoming spirit where everyone feels valued and accepted. A fellowship marked by love becomes a safe place for people to be vulnerable and authentic.
- Romans 15:7: “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
- True fellowship isn’t exclusive or judgmental. Instead, it’s a family that invites others in, rooted in the understanding that everyone is welcome in God’s love..
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