Title: Love:%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20What%20it%20does%20not%20do%20--%20%20%20%20%20%20%20What%20it%20does%20do%20
1Love What it does not
do -- What it does do John 1334,
35
2Love What it does and does not do
- Introduction. John 1334, 35 (1512, 17).
- A. Jesus would soon leave His apostles and for
them to carry out their work they needed to get
over their rivalry and be united (Jn. 1721, 23). - B. Why say new when Lev. 1918 taught love
(Mark 1230)? - C. New because they are to love each other as I
have loved you. 1 Jn. 316, He laid down His
life for us. And we also ought to lay down our
lives for the brethren.
3Love What it does and does not do
- D. This was a love that caused Christ to leave
heaven, come to earth, suffer and die for them.
His love was genuine constant sacrificial. - E. V. 35, By this shall all men know that you
are my disciples. Recognized distinguished
this would be their badge, their uniform. - F. Col. 314, And beyond all these things put on
love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
4Love What it does and does not do
- G. This would not merely cause the world to
marvel at them. By this they would exert strong
influence on the world (like salt, light). - H. Even pagans would say, See how the Christians
love each other. They are ready to lay down their
lives for each other.
5Love What it does and does not do
- I. Jn. 1335, By this all will know that you are
My disciples, if you have love for one another. - Not just by profession. Not just by insisting on
Christian only, church of Christ, right
doctrine, worship, organization.
6Love What it does and does not do
- I. Love (agapao).
- A. Vine Agape and agapao are used in the N.T.
(a) to describe the attitude of God toward His
Son, Jn. 1726 the human race, generally, Jn.
316 and to such as believe on the Lord Jesus
Christ, particularly, Jn. 1421
7Love What it does and does not do
- (b) to convey His will to His children
concerning their attitude one toward another, Jn.
1334, and toward all men, 1 Thess. 312.. (c) to
express the essential nature of God, 1 Jn. 48
8Love What it does and does not do
- Love can be known only from the actions it
prompts. Gods love is seen in the gift of His
Son, 1 Jn. 49, 10 - Christian love, whether exercised toward the
brethren, or toward men generally, is not an
impulse from the feelings, it does not always run
with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend
itself only upon those for whom some affinity is
discovered (doesnt mean like)
9Love What it does and does not do
- Love seeks the welfare of all, Rom. 152, and
works no ill to any, 138-10 love seeks
opportunity to do good to all men, and
especially toward them that are of the household
of the faith, Gal. 610. (End of quote). - This love is not blind. Phil. 19, And this I
pray, that your love may abound still more and
more in knowledge and all discernment.
10Love What it does and does not do
- So this love (agapao) is the love of
intelligence and purpose (not emotional,
sentimental love). - Love God implies that we know the one, true,
living God in all His greatness. - Love with all our heart, soul, mind and strength,
means turn to Him with our whole being... - Love man for who he is, made in image of God
and love brethren for who they are.
11Love What it does and does not do
- B. Thayer agapao, to love, to be full of
good-will and exhibit the same Luke 747 1 Jn.
47 sq. with acc. of the person, to have a
preference for, wish well to, regard the welfare
of Mt. 543 - Even the welfare of our enemies. Mat. 544, love
your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good
to those who hate you, and pray for those who
spitefully use you and persecute you.
12Love What it does and does not do
- C. So, again, we are not talking about an emotion
or sentiment, but rather constructive
indestructible invincible good will toward all. - Eph. 52, walk in love This is the very
environment in which we live. - Col. 314, put on love, which is the perfect
bond of unity. This is our UNIFORM that
identifies us as Christians. (Jn. 1335, By
this)
13Love What it does and does not do
- D. This is not to minimize phileo, love in the
sense of affection (Titus 24) brotherly love
even kiss (philema) Rom. 1210 (twice), be
affectionate toward each other in brotherly
love. - Agapao love can produce phileo love. Be super
good to your wife and youll be increasingly
affectionate to her.
14Love What it does and does not do
- II. What love does NOT do
- A. Titus 33, For we ourselves were also once
- -- foolish house on sand bigger barnsvirgins
- -- disobedient 116, profess to know God but are
disobedient Paul thought he was serving God. - -- deceived (all sinners are), by our own lusts
and appetites, false religion.
15Love What it does and does not do
- -- serving various lusts and pleasures. When they
were slaves to such. But now slaves of God. - -- malice and envy go together, ill will,
jealous, resentful of the blessings others
receive. - -- hateful and hating one another. Despises not
only other people but even himself. Miserable
existence. - -- this is the way we WERE, but not now!
16Love What it does and does not do
- B. Gal. 514, For all the law is fulfilled in
one word, even in this You shall love your
neighbor as yourself. 15. But if you bite and
devour one another, beware lest you be consumed
by one another! - Like animals (but these only have two legs).
- You mean there are BRETHREN who bite and devour
each other? And this is brotherly love?
17Love What it does and does not do
- Spiteful criticisms, judging hearts and motives,
derogatory remarks, snide observations. - The Gingham Dog and the Calico Cat The truth
about the cat and the pup is this they ate each
other up.
18Love What it does and does not do
- C. Gal. 526, Let us not become conceited,
provoking one another, envying one another. - Conceit and jealousy are two of the fundamental
fleshly lusts. Very degrading. Very unbecoming in
the church. Cause constant provocation. - Whats the connection? 2 Tim. 32 Rom. 123. 1
Cor. 47. Nothing one is or has is of himself.
Have nothing that we havent received.
19Love What it does and does not do
- D. Eph. 431, put away bitterness, the settled
disposition of one who is resentful anger,
strong, sudden antagonism, explosive, potential
murder wrath, like a roaring furnace, settled
indignation clamor, yelling at others railing,
blasphemy, speaking against God or man malice,
takes delight in inflicting hurt or injury
(Hendriksen)
20Love What it does and does not do
- E. James 411, Do not speak evil of one another.
59, Brethren, do not grumble against one
another, that you yourselves may not be judged. - He who speaks evil of a brother (to his back of
course, so he cant defend himself) and judges
his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges
the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a
doer of the law but a judge.
21Love What it does and does not do
- Of course, this admonition is not in conflict
with Matt. 715 1 Tim. 120 3 Jn. 9, 10, etc. - We have to judge a brother in the sense of
recognizing his fault in order to restore him
(Gal. 61, 2) - Or to withdraw from him if he wont repent (Rom.
1617, mark 1 Cor. 5 2 Thess. 3).
22Love What it does and does not do
- This is not what James means, but speaking evil
and judging in the sense of 126 39 Matt. 71. - Running him down, when he isnt present to defend
himself. Judging by appearance, Jn. 724. - Why is this judging the law? In disobeying the
royal law (28) one sets aside this law and
puts himself above it and in effect implies that
the law isnt good, isnt worthy to be obeyed.
23Love What it does and does not do
- Why do we do it? Do we complain, groan, grumble
against someone we really love? Your wife or
husband? - Do we really love our brethren?
- By this all men shall know that you are my
disciples if you have love for one another.
24Love What it does and does not do
- F. Matt. 186, whoever causes one of these
little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it is
better for him that a heavy millstone be hung
around his neck, and that he be drowned in the
depth of the sea. - Should do our best to convert and save people
(difficult, few obey), but we must be sure to not
cause any brother/sister to stumble.
25Love What it does and does not do
- III. What love DOES (remember it is only known
but its ACTIONS). - A. Rom. 12 9, Let love (agape) be without
hypocrisy 10. In love of brethren (philadelphia)
be kindly affectionate to one another
(philostor-gio, family love our love for each
other in the church should rival the love we have
for family).
26Love What it does and does not do
- We should show strong, warm affection for
brethren. The idea is loving dearly (Phil. 18). - We dont go in for showing emotion. No certain
way bound. At that time and with many today, the
kiss or embrace. Now, here, handshake - Rom. 1616, holy kiss (philema). Emphasize
holy (1 Pet. 514, love). - But in some manner warm affection to be shown.
27Love What it does and does not do
- in honor giving preference to one another.
- Not grasping honor for ourselves, nor even
waiting for brethren to honor us. - But rather be an example (take the lead) in
honoring them, desire to exalt them, not self.
Deferential, not grasping.
28Love What it does and does not do
- B. Rom. 1514, Now I myself am confident
concerning you, my brethren, that you also are
full of goodness (uprightness of heart), filled
with all knowledge, able also to admonish one
another. - Not saying there was no room for growth in
goodness and knowledge, but they had the maturity
they needed to handle problems. - Love demands that we admonish each other.
29Love What it does and does not do
- Heb. 313, exhort one another daily
- Do we love enough to exhort, admonish?
- Dont want to embarrass, hurt his/her feelings?
- Is that more important than saving the soul?
30Love What it does and does not do
- C. 1 Cor. 1225, the members should have the
same care (concern, anxiety) for one another. 26
And if one member suffers (misfortune, sorrow,
loss) all the members suffer with it (share their
sorrow) or if one member is honored
(prosper-ity, success, promotion), all the
members (instead of envy) rejoice with it. - We are NOT in competition with each other.
- Avoid strife, division, but also avoid
indifference.
31Love What it does and does not do
- We are Christs body. Think of how the eyes,
hands minister to an injured member of the
physical body! The whole body responds. - Also think of how proud parents are of their
childrens accomplishments (here, school, etc.). - We dont envy those we love.
32Love What it does and does not do
- D. Gal. 513, through love serve one another.
This is to be our habitual conduct. Like Jesus
(Jn. 1315) like Paul, (1 Cor. 919-22). - Love is unselfish wants to serve others. Does
not do so grudgingly (I guess I ought to
visit) - Phil. 24, Let each of you look out not only for
his own interests, but also for the interests of
others. 220, Timothy, sincerely concerned for
your welfare
33Love What it does and does not do
- E. Gal. 61-2, Bear one anothers burdens
- What burdens? V. 1, if a man is overtaken in any
trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a
one in a spirit of gentleness, considering
yourself lest you also be tempted. - Love does not overlook sin, but works to restore
the erring to usefulness. Restore - same word
used for mending nets, Matt. 421.
34Love What it does and does not do
- -- you who are spiritual (522, 23), filled
with and governed by spiritwalk in Spirit, 525. - Certainly elders, but should include every
member. Either spiritual or carnal (1 Cor. 33). - Of course, if not spiritual, how can he restore
someone else? Hes in need of restoration himself
- This is not just a suggestion, not optional. Its
a commandment and love requires it. To disobey
this is to show lack of love.
35Love What it does and does not do
- Even withdrawing is an act of love, 1 Cor.
55. - But first, every effort should be made by the
congregation (all the spiritual) to restore. - Some brethren trigger happy, a member miss for
a time, we should withdraw from him. - Withdraw what? Yourselves, company, social
contact (1 Cor. 511). But if there has been no
association with him, what do we withdraw?
36Love What it does and does not do
- F. Eph. 42, with all humility, lowliness of
mind, aware of Gods greatness, therefore,
submissive. - -- and gentleness, meekness, strong but gentle,
not docile, much less weak. - -- with longsuffering, 2 Pet. 315, the
longsuffering of our Lord is salvation. If God
had been a man, he would long since have wiped
out the world for all its disobedience.
37Love What it does and does not do
- -- forbearing (bearing with) one another in
love, accepting and seeking best for each other. - -- endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in
the bond of peace. (Then follow 7 ones). - Church made up of all kinds of people
Jew-Gentile rich-poor educated-uneducated
different race, color BUT ONLY ONE BODY.
38Love What it does and does not do
- G. Eph. 432, And be kind to one another (just
plain, ordinary human kindness, great blessing). - -- tender-hearted, genuine pity, compassion.
Pagan philosophy If one is in affliction, you
may say that you have pity on him, but take care
not to feel any pity. - 1 Thess. 514, comfort the fainthearted, uphold
the weak, be patient with all.
39Love What it does and does not do
- -- forgiving each other, just as God in Christ
also has forgiven you. - Well, Ill forgive you but Ill never forget.
Heb. 812, their sins I will remember no more. - Worst possible description of a person he or
she is not like God. - Forgive or forfeit forgiveness! James 213.
40Love What it does and does not do
- H. Eph. 618, praying always with all prayer and
supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to
this end with all perseverance and supplication
for all the saints - Col. 412, Epaphras, who is one of you, a
bondservant of Christ, greets you, always
laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you
may stand perfect and complete in all the will of
God.
41Love What it does and does not do
- I. 1 Thess. 418, comfort one another with these
words 511 encourage one another, and build up
one another Everyone says comfort but! - Love not only encourages (never discourages
brethren), also takes positive steps to build up. - Anyone can tear down takes love, spiritual
maturity, effort to build up.
42Love What it does and does not do
- J. Philemon 7, the hearts of the saints have
been refreshed by you, brother. - Hes a pain. She makes me tired. Oh, here
comes Hes always so down in the mouth. - How sad when we only get discouragement from
fellow-members of the church.
43Love What it does and does not do
- K. Heb. 1024, And let us consider one another
in order to stir up love and good works - How? V. 25, not forsaking the assembling of
ourselves together, as is the manner of some - Are we inconsiderate of our brethren? Do we
fail to stir up love and good works? - Nothing more discouraging than an empty pew.
44Love What it does and does not do
- Conclusion
- Identify of the true church, true disciples.
- Sign important. Profession important. Emphasis on
Founder, Foundation, doctrine, worship,
organization very important. - However, remember FIRST COMMANDMENT and a second
like unto it. This is our life. - And John 1335. By THIS shall they know!
45Love What it does and does not do
- This we must do to be like Christ, transformed
into His image, Rom. 829 2 Cor. 318. - This we must do to be partakers of the divine
nature (2 Pet. 14). - Without this we will not go to Heaven!
- Now abide faith, hope, love, these three but
the greatest of these is love (1 Cor. 1313).
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