The Lord Forbids Certain Types of Love (Romans 12:9)
Introduction:
1. This verse contains some helpful guidelines that relate to "love." a. Love is to be without "dissimulation" [hypocrisy]. b. We are to "abhor that which is evil" [we must not love certain things]. c. We are to "cleave to that which is good" [we must love that which is good]. 2. The last 2 weeks we have shown how the Lord's people are to love God, our neighbors, and one another. 3. In this lesson we are studying passages that show how "the Lord forbids certain types of love." 4. Let us begin by pointing out that . . .
Discussion:
I. THE LORD FORBIDS LOVING ANYONE MORE THAN HIM
A. Jesus dealt with this in Matthew 10:37. B. The Lord was giving instructions to the disciples concerning the limited commission. C. He let them know that their loved ones could oppose them (vs.34-36). D. While we have responsibilities to our loved ones, the Lord is to be loved more than anyone.
II. THE LORD FORBIDS LOVING THE PRAISE OF MEN MORE THAN THE PRAISE OF GOD
A. The Pharisees had this problem (John 12:42-43). B. In Matthew 6 they demonstrated their love for the praise of men when they: 1. practiced benevolence (vs.1-2) 2. prayed (vs.5) 3. fasted (vs.16). C. Their love for the praise of men prevented them from confessing the Lord. D. If we want Jesus to confess us we must confess Him (Matthew 10:32-33).
III. THE LORD FORBIDS THE LOVE OF MONEY
A. This problem is addressed in 1 Timothy 6:10; Ecclesiastes 5:10. B. The love of money: 1. prevented the rich young ruler from following Jesus (Matthew 19:16-22) 2. caused the first scandal in the church (Acts 5:1-11). C. In I Timothy 6:17-19, Paul showed us what God wants.
IV. THE LORD FORBIDS THE LOVE OF SELF
A. This problem is mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:1-2a. B. This means that we must not think too highly of ourselves. C. Romans 12:3 is a helpful passage.
V. THE LORD FORBIDS THE LOVE OF PLEASURE
A. God has given us many good things that we can enjoy with His approval. B. However, being "lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God" is warned against in 2 Timothy 3:4; Proverbs 21:17. C. "The pleasures of sin" only last "for a season" (Hebrews 11:24-25).
VI. THE LORD FORBIDS THE LOVE OF THE WORLD
A. John, the man who wrote so much about love, said that we must not love "the world" (1 John 2:15-17). B. Demas showed why we must heed this warning (2 Timothy 4:10a).
VII. THE LORD FORBIDS THE LOVE OF PREEMINENCE
A. A man named Diotrephes had this problem (3 John 9-10). B. Christ has all preeminence in the church (Colossians 1:18). C. Jesus revealed His plan for His followers in Matthew 20:25-28.
Conclusion:
1. Recently, we have shown how important love is in Christianity. 2. Let us follow the Lord's instructions to love God, our neighbors, and one another. 3. Let us also avoid the types of love that the Lord forbids. 4. What do our love and the objects of our love say about us?
