The Lord's People Are to Love One Another (John 13:34-35)
Introduction:
1. In John 13-16 Jesus spoke to His apostles about some important matters. 2. In these verses He commanded the apostles to "love one another." 3. Later (Matthew 28:19-20), Jesus instructed the apostles to teach His followers to "observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." 4. In their writings the apostles emphasized the Lord's command. 5. In our lesson we are examining the writings of John, Paul, and Peter. 6. Let us begin by considering how . . .
Discussion:
I. THE APOSTLE JOHN WROTE ABOUT LOVE
A. John is often called "the apostle of love." 1. In his Gospel (13:23) John referred to himself as the disciple "whom Jesus loved." 2. Also, John wrote at length about God's love as well as the love that the Lord's people are to have for one another. B. John referred to the instruction for the Lord's people to love one another as: 1. God's "commandment" (1 John 3:23) 2. "an old commandment" taught "from the beginning" (1 John 2:7; 3:11) 3. "a new commandment" (John 13:34). C. John explained how our response to this commandment determines whether: 1. we are disciples of the Lord (John 13:35) 2. we are in light or darkness (1 John 2:9-10) 3. we are children of God or Satan (1 John 3:10) 4. we are in life or death (1 John 3:14) 5. we know God (1 John 4:7-8) 6. God dwells in us (1 John 4:11-12) 7. we love God (1 John 4:20-21).
II. THE APOSTLE PAUL WROTE ABOUT LOVE
A. (Romans 12:10) "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love." B. (1 Corinthians 16:14) All things are to be done "with charity [love]." C. (Galatians 5:22-23) The 9 characteristics known as the fruit of the Spirit begin with "love." D. (Ephesians 5:1-2) The Lord's people are to "walk in love." E. (Philippians 2:1-2) The Lord's people are to have "the same love." F. (Colossians 3:14) The Lord's people are to put on love above all things. G. (Hebrews 13:1) Brotherly love is to continue.
III. THE APOSTLE PETER WROTE ABOUT LOVE
A. (1 Peter 1:22) The Lord's people are to "love one another with a pure heart fervently." B. (2 Peter 1:5-7) The 7 characteristics known as the Christian graces conclude with love.
Conclusion:
1. 2 weeks ago we studied the 1st and 2nd commandments, and we showed how Jesus practiced these commands. 2. Last Sunday morning we showed how love is essential in Christianity. 3. Today we have seen how the apostles included the Lord's teaching for His people to love one another in their writings. 4. The Lord has plainly revealed His will concerning love. 5. Let us comply with His will, knowing that we will one day be judged by it.