THE JOY OF CHRISTIAN LOVE
October 26, 2003 AM
Sermon Outline
2 JOHN 1:5,6
INTRO: So often I have read that John was the apostle of love. There are even traditions of long standing which suggest that as a very old a weak man his greeting to brethren was simply, My little children, love one another. And it is true that two of Johns letters are filled with the subject of Christian love. I wonder, though, if the world generally understands that John was not writing of a sentimental, maudlin love. True, there was emotion in Johns writing, and his emotions did enter into his love for his brothers and sisters. But John went to another level when he wrote of Christian love. In this little letter so filled with his joy we find him referring to that love. And in my thoughts today I want to examine the joy of Christian love. There are two points of emphasis: loving God and loving each other.
I. THE JOY OF CHRISTIAN LOVE IS IN KNOWING
A. Having doubts, wondering, not being sure are things which plague Christians
1. the unknown, the uncertain are things which cause us stress, strain
2. so, if we can know, we can be confident
B. 1 Jno 3:14 - We can know we are alive in Christ by our loving the brethren!
1. notice 1 Jno 7,11,20 for the emphasis on loving one another (2 Jno 1:5)
2. of course, Johns word is agape - this love may certainly include emotional warmth ... but it goes beyond that to seeking the good and welfare of others (even of those who might be enemies)
3. this love for one another is a selfless love
C. 1 Jno 5:3 - We can know we love God by keeping His commandments
1. this was the emphasis at 2 Jno 1:6
2. remember Jno 14:15 - If ye love me, keep my commandments
3. does our world talk about loving God without giving careful concern to conforming to His will? I am very much afraid it does
4. note 1 Jno 2:3-5 - just saying the words I love God is far from loving Him
II. THE JOY OF CHRISTIAN LOVE IS IN HAVING NO FEAR
A. Fear has a great effect on our lives, our minds
1. fear may be associated with the uncertainty, the unknown we mentioned
2. fear may be associated with authority figures
3. and there is a proper fear where God is concerned - Acts 10:35
B. But note 1Jno 4:17,18 - No fear of punishment, of the judgment
1. our fear of God should be awe, etc. - not fright
2. perfect love casts out fear of punishment because it knows it is keeping His commandments, walking as He would have one walk (so, 1 Jno 2:6)
3. Rom 8:16 - yes, we can have confidence because we can compare our lives with the life the Spirit reveals ... and see that we are conforming
III. THE JOY OF CHRISTIAN LOVE IS IN SERVING OTHERS
A. Few joys can compare with that of selfless service
1. contrast? Some of the most miserable people on earth are the I folks
2. Jesus said, ...chiefest, shall be servant of all (Mk 10:44)
3. but service which brings joy must have the proper motivation! No ulterior motives
B. So, Gal 5:13 - by love serve one another
1. and note 1 Jno 3:16-18 - love looks to the needs of others ... and acts
2. unfortunately, the culture of which we are a part does little to encourage this
3. but love simply must take the initiative - seeking nothing in return ... following the loving example of Christ Who laid down his life for us
IV. THE JOY OF CHRISTIAN LOVE IS LETTING GO OF OFFENCES
A. 1 Pet 4:8 - Here is one of the great secrets of strong relationships
1. first, one does not carry the baggage of the past
2. second, one does not demand from, but gives to the relationship
3. third, one values the relationship more than his hurt feelings
B. To what extent would 1 Cor 13:5 & 7 bear on this?
1. love keeps no running account of wrongs - this would certainly help
2. love believes the best about others - bears and endures - that would help
3. I suggest that most relationships are injured by inconsequential things than they are by sin - by the I feel things than by legitimate harm
4. remember Jno 13:35
CLOSE: Oh, there is no doubt so much more which could be said about the joy of Christian love. I certainly suggest that each of us more deeply explore this subject for its practical applications. And I suggest that each of us commit ourselves to a renewal of Christian love in our lives! We may be robbing ourselves of great joy!
Cecil A. Hutson
26 October 2003