Sermon outline

The Call to Love (1Jn 4:7)

1. 1. The Call to love is an invitation.
   2. The Call to love is a command (Mt 5:44, Lk 6:27, Eph 5:25, 33, Titus 2:4, 1Pt 1:22, Dt 6:5, Mt 22:37)
   3. It is the fulfillment of the Law of God (Mk 12:30-31)

Love originates in God (1Jn 4:7, 12)

1. 1. Love is from God
   2. Love is Sacrifice (1Jn 4:9-10)
   3. Love is proof one ‘has been born of God’ (1Jn 4:7)
   4. Love is proof one ‘knows God’ (1Jn 4:7)
   5. Love is proof that God ‘abides in us’ (1Jn 4:12)
   6. God is love (1Jn 4:8)

Defining Love

1. 1. Easy to conclude that if one ‘loves’ then they must be redeemed based upon what has been said so far.
   2. BUT What really is love?
      1. Fulfillment of the Law (Gal 5:14)
      2. Servanthood (Jn 13)
      3. Not revenge or grudge (Lev 19:17-19), biting or devouring (Gal 5:15), hating (1Jn 4:20), harming (Rom 13:10).
      4. Not self-focused

How can we cultivate sacrificial Love?

1. 1. First – Getting to know Christ and reflecting on his gift to us (1Jn 4:19)
      1. Prayer
      2. Scripture Study
      3. Obedience to the World
   2. Second – Opening our eyes and focusing on the person in front of us

Conclusion (1Jn 4:12)