The Third of Three Abiding Subjects (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Introduction:
1. In this verse three abiding subjects are listed. 2. Faith is the first abiding subject -- it is so important that we cannot please God without it (Hebrews 11:6). 3. Hope is the second abiding subject -- it is so important that we are saved by it (Romans 8:24-25). 4. Even though faith and hope are extremely important, the third abiding subject [love] is the greatest. 5. In our lesson we are pointing out 7 reasons from the Bible why love is so great.
Discussion:
I. FIRST, JESUS EMPHASIZED LOVE IN HIS TEACHING
A. According to Jesus,: 1. the first and second commandments involve love (Matthew 22:35-40) 2. His new commandment involves love (John 13:34) 3. His followers are to be recognized by their love for one other (John 13:35). B. The Christians in Jerusalem illustrate what is involved in practicing the Lord's teaching about loving God and each other (Acts 2:41-47).
II. SECOND, ACCORDING TO ROMANS 13:8-10, LOVE IS A COMPREHENSIVE COMMANDMENT
III. THIRD, WE LEARN FROM 1 CORINTHIANS 13:8 THAT LOVE NEVER FAILS
IV. FOURTH, LOVE IS THE FIRST OF 9 CHARACTERISTICS THAT MAKE UP THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT (GALATIANS 5:22-23)
V. FIFTH, LOVE IS "THE BOND OF PERFECTNESS" (COLOSSIANS 3:12-14)
VI. SIXTH, LOVE IS THE LAST OF 7 CHARACTERISTICS THAT ARE KNOWN AS "THE CHRISTIAN GRACES" (2 PETER 1:5-7)
VII. SEVENTH, LOVE IS "OF GOD" AND "GOD IS LOVE" (1 JOHN 4:7-8)
Conclusion:
1. Although 3 abiding subjects are listed in 1 Corinthians 13:13, "love" is the greatest. 2. We have considered 7 of the many reasons why love is so great. 3. In addition to showing why love is the greatest, the Bible reveals our responsibilities that relate to it. 4. Lord willing, we will consider 7 of them this evening.
