Intro: Loving one another - the banner of Love

Transcription

1 Last week we looked at the need of having Christ first in everything He is to be our first love Today let s look at The Church community love one another When we are filled by the Spirit of God, Christ s love through us will be a testimony of His grace to the world See ppt slides The One Another s - Love one another Intro: Loving one another - the banner of Love 13x s in the NT of which 9 are in John s writings John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 15:17 This I command you, that you love one another. I. Evidences of Christ s love All of this flows out of the Spirit the fruit of Whom is love - Gal ) Unified with one another 2) Humility toward one another 3) Encouraging one another

2 4) Serving one another 5) Forgiving one another 1) Unified with one another a) Aligned with the will of Christ Romans 15:5 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, b) Functional together 1 Corinthians 12:22 27 On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary; 23 and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable, 24 whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, 25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are Christ s body, and individually members of it. 2) Humility toward one another a) Valuing each ones significance Romans 12:16 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.

3 b) Others interests first Philippians 2:3 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; c) Clothed with humility 1 Peter 5:5 5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. 3) Encouraging one another a) Building on another up Romans 14:19 19 So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. (setting aside our rights for a weaker brother ) 1 Thessalonians 5:11 11 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. (our future hope of being with Christ and all those who are believers) b) In faith Hebrews 3:13 13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called Today, so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

4 c) In love and good deeds Hebrews 10: and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. 4) Serving one another 1 Peter 4:10 10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Serve same root as deacon diakonia a gift given for the service of others not the benefit of the gifted 5) Forgiving one another: Colossians 3:13 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Bearing means to hold back Forgive to show favor/grace toward with the idea of forgiveness II. Threats to the Community 1) Legalism/Merit based systems Anti Grace 2) Spiritual Pride Galatians 5:26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.

5 James 4:16 But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. 3) Elevation of my rights Entitlement Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. The antithesis to Phil. 2 the humility of Christ 4) Judging James 4:11 Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. James 5:9 Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. 5) Vicious Speech Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, Proverbs 6:16 19 There are six things which the Lord hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: 17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And

6 hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, 19 A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.