November 2, 2025
Rick Adams, Church Planting America, Northwest
TEXT: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 24
Introduction: VIRTUE is defined as “the quality of being morally good, or Scripturally and spiritually righteous.” What makes Missions Virtuous is our Love for GOD and OTHERS! Matt 22:34-40
New Testament Missions therefore must be fueled by the proper LOVE and WORSHIP of a holy God! John 4:24; John 14:15
When it comes right down to it, Missions is “Love in ACTION!” 1 Cor 13:1-3; Ephesians 5:25
That is exactly what Paul was telling the Christians at Corinth, when he wrote “to prove the SINCERITY of your love.” 2 Cor 8:1-9; 24
The Greek word for “sincerity” is “GNESIOS” meaning legitimate, GENUINE, and sincere! In verse 8 and verse 24 Paul tells them, they must “prove the sincerity of your LOVE!” From God’s Word, let’s consider The Virtues of a MISSIONS Minded Church:
The Virtues of a Mission Minded Church are manifested:
I. NOT BY OUR PAST, BUT BY OUR PRESENT! 2 Cor 8:1; 7-9
If we are saved, we have all enjoyed God’s GRACE! – “Unmerited favor!” Eph 2:8-9 Titus 2:11
“ABOUND” demands each of us to not glory in where we were when we were saved, but where we are “right NOW!” Could it be we have “Left our first LOVE?” Rev 2:1-4
II. NOT BY OUR PROJECTS, BUT BY OUR PRIORITIES! 2 Cor 8:3-5
“Going BEYOND.” There are many Christians that are tied up with all types of religious projects and activities, but what God wants first is “our own SELVES!” Matt 22:37-38
You can’t replace “you” with anything or anyone else! Rom 12:1-2
III. NOT BY OUR PROMISES, BUT BY OUR PERFORMANCE! 2 Cor 8:10-11
The church at Corinth had made enough promises! It is time to stop promising, and to start performing!
IV. NOT BY OUR PROFESSION, BUT BY OUR POSITION! Our love for God is not manifested by our profession, but by our position. Gal 3:26
We must accept Jesus Christ: – PERSONALLY – Rom 10:9-13; John 1:12; – PUBLICLY – Matt 10:32-33; Rom 10:11; POSITIONALLY – Rom 6:1-4; Matt 28:19-20; Acts 2:41
Conclusion: What is true about missions is also true about our love for our Marriage, our Children and our Ministry.
We must all answer the question Jesus asked Peter in John 21:15-19 “Peter, do you love me?” Remember, “We love Him because He first loved us!” 1 Jn 4:19
* Rev. 2:4 gives to us three necessary steps to correct our love grown cold: – 1. Remember – 2. Repent – 3. Repeat.
* If you have never accepted Jesus as your personal Saviour, please do that right now! Rom 10:9-13; John 3:16