AM: “I still believe God Commands us to Love one Another”

Text: John 15:11-21

Introduction:  “… a man lay down his life for his friends…”  Jesus

  • Jesus said this
  • Jesus did this
  • Jesus expects this
  1. Obeying the commands of God brings joy  V 11-14
    1. Having a clear conscience brings joy
    2. Having a loving spirit brings joy
    3. Doing loving actions brings joy
  2. Jesus commands His disciples to love others   V 12-17
    1. Love other disciples in God’s family  John 13:34-35; I john 4:21
    2. Love others in need whom you can help   Luke 10:25-37
    3. Love other humans who are sinners like you
  3. Hatred is more like the world than like God     V 18-21
    1. The Bible declares God’s hatred toward sin, but not toward sinners.  Deut. 12:31; 16:22; Malachi 2:16
    2. The Bible declares God’s love for sinners who are dead in sin.     John 3:16-17; Titus 3:4-7; I john 4:9-11, 19
    3. The Bible declares God’s provision to save sinners from their sin.  Romans 5:8-10; 6:23

Action Points:

  • Have you personally benefited from God’s love offered to you through His Son?
  • How are you genuinely laying down your life in love for others as God commanded?
  • Do you have real joy in your soul by seeking to be right with and obedient to God in your life?
  • What is hindering your experience of God’s joy in your life?