behavior in god's house includes love (1 Timothy 3:14-15)
Introduction:
1. When Paul wrote this letter he was hoping to visit Timothy in the near future. 2. However, if Paul was delayed he wanted Timothy and others to know how to behave in God's house [the church]. 3. In our lesson we are covering passages that emphasize how "behavior in God's house includes love." 4. We are primarily studying the writings of the apostle John in his letter we call 1 John.
Discussion:
I. WE LEARN FROM 1 JOHN THAT BEHAVIOR IN GOD'S HOUSE IS BASED ON "THE LOVE OF GOD"
A. A powerful statement about God's love is found in 1 John 3:1. B. According to 1 John 3:16, we are able to perceive God's love. C. The way in which God demonstrated His love is revealed in 1 John 4:9-10 (Romans 5:6-10).
II. WE LEARN FROM 1 JOHN THAT BEHAVIOR IN GOD'S HOUSE INCLUDES "LOVING GOD" A. God's love leads us to love Him (1 John 4:16, 19). B. True love for God includes obeying His will (1 John 2:5; 5:3).
III. WE LEARN FROM 1 JOHN THAT BEHAVIOR IN GOD'S HOUSE INCLUDES CHRISTIANS "LOVING ONE ANOTHER"
A. John emphasized the fact that God's children are to love one another. 1. 1 John 3:11, 23 2. 1 John 4:11-12, 21 3. 1 John 5:1-2 B. John showed that love is to be active (1 John 3:17-19). C. John removed the possibility of misunderstanding his instructions by contrasting "love" and "hatred." 1. 1 John 2:9-11 2. 1 John 3:10, 14-15 3. 1 John 4:20
Conclusion:
1. During His ministry Jesus had much to say about "love." a. He taught His followers about "the love of God" (John 3:16). b. He taught His followers about "loving God" (Matthew 22:37). c. He taught His followers about "loving one another" (John 13:34-35). 2. How grateful we need to be that John and the other inspired writers recorded the things that Jesus taught (Matthew 28:19-20). 3. We learn from 1 John 4:17 that a special blessing is in store for those who practice the instructions we have studied: "boldness in the Day of Judgment."
