1. In 1 Corinthians 13:13, 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 from the Bible: a. 7 reasons why love is so great b. 7 of our responsibilities that relate to love. 6. Let us begin by considering . . .
Discussion:
I. 7 REASONS WHY LOVE IS SO GREAT
A. First, Jesus emphasized love in His teaching. 1. According to Jesus,: a. the first and second commandments involve love (Matthew 22:35-40) b. His new commandment involves love (John 13:34) c. His followers are to be recognized by their love for one other (John 13:35). 2. The Christians in Jerusalem illustrate what is involved in practicing the Lord's teaching about loving God and each other (Acts 2:41-47). B. Second, love is a comprehensive commandment (Romans 13:8-10). C. Third, love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). D. Fourth, love is the first of nine characteristics that make up the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). E. Fifth, love is "the bond of perfectness" (Colossians 3:14). F. Sixth, love is the last of seven characteristics that are known as "the Christian graces" (2 Peter 1:7). G. Seventh, love is "of God," and "God is love" (1 John 4:7-8).
II. 7 RESPONSIBILITIES THAT RELATE TO LOVE
A. First, we are to do everything with love (1 Corinthians 16:14). B. Second, love is to be the motivation for our service (Galatians 5:13-14). C. Third, love is to be found in the home. 1. Husbands are to love their wives (Ephesians 5:25-28). 2. Wives are to love their husbands and children (Titus 2:4). D. Fourth, we must think on things that are "lovely" (Philippians 4:8; Proverbs 23:7). E. Fifth, we are to "let brotherly love continue" (Hebrews 13:1). F. Sixth, we are to "love one another with a pure heart fervently" (1 Peter 1:22). G. Seventh, our love is to be active (1 John 3:18).
Conclusion:
1. In addition to stating that love is the greatest, the Bible 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. 4. Although the Lord has given us many responsibilities involving love, we have examined 7 of them. 5. Let us: a. appreciate the greatness of love b. fulfill our responsibilities that relate to love.