THE POWER OF LOVE IN THE CHURCH

MAIN IDEA:  The love born-again children of God should have among themselves should be “Agape” love which Christ showed on the Cross by His death for us,

STUDY TEXTS: “John 13:34-35, 1 John 4:7-21”

LESSON OBJECTIVE:       To show the extend God demonstrated His love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)

INTRODUCTION:

Love is vital amongst brethren in the church because it is the proof of Christian discipleship. Love is one of the virtues that convince the world that we belong to Christ. Unbelievers don’t understand the reason for fellowship and regular meetings in the church. In the same way they understand little or nothing about Bible doctrines. But the life of love, giving sacrificially, care and concern among brethren is needful.

Love is the test of a genuine salvation experience. The love that prevails especially in the smallest church. Love will makes some unbelievers to proclaim “these are actually Christians indeed!” love makes for fruitful service for there is no obedience. “If ye love me, says Christ, keep my commandments” (John 14:15) The real test of love is obedience to Chris, submission to His will and a readiness to spend eternity with Him.

SUBJECT MATTERS:

1.                 Practical love among the brethren will naturally result in unity. This is so because as new creatures in Christ, they have the capacity to demonstrate agape love. (Acts 2:1, 44, 46-47)

2.                 God’s love is the standard of the believer’s love for fellow brethren (Romans 5:8)

3.                 This love is unconditional, eternal, sacrificial and enduring (Matt. 5:46-48)

4.                 We are to love one another the way Christ loved us. (1 John 4:10)

5.                 Christ loved us so much  that He gave His life for us. (John 15:13)

6.                 Every born-again child of God has to carry out his responsibilities of love towards other brethren in the local church. (Rom. 13:8)

7.                 Many complain that there is no unity in the church. They often forget that love is interactive; as they expect others to love, so they should themselves. (Luke 6:31)

PRACTICAL LESSON:

All the various issues raised during subject analysis can serve as practical lessons.

MEMORY VERSE:     “John 13:34”

          A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

CLASS DISCUSSION:

1.                             Why is love as exemplified by Christ needed in the church?

2.                             Why did Jesus Christ in (John 13:34) refer to His kind of love as a new commandment?