The Greatest of These Is Love (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Introduction:
1. In this verse three important Bible subjects are listed: faith, hope, and love. 2. Faith is important because we cannot please God without it (Hebrews 11:6). 3. Hope is important because we are saved by it (Romans 8:24). 4. Even though faith and hope are extremely important, love is the greatest. 5. In our lesson we are pointing out 7 reasons 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, LOVE IS A COMPREHENSIVE COMMAND (Romans 13:8-10)
III. THIRD, LOVE NEVER FAILS (1 Corinthians 13:8)
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. The Bible states that love is the greatest, and it shows why this is the case. 2. We have considered 7 of the many reasons why love is so great. 3. Because love is the greatest, we must fulfill our responsibilities that relate to it -- we will consider 7 of them this evening, Lord willing.
