(Christian Living Sermon) Hillside 6/95
Filename: Actions of Love
ACTIONS OF LOVE

TEXT: 1 John 4:7-21

INTRODUCTION--

1. "No man has seen God at any time...if we love one another, God abides in us."
   
   1. Many believe in the "personal indwelling" of the Spirit of God, with many of the manifestations of the apostolic period.
      
   2. This passage in 1 John explains: If an attribute of God is in us, such as LOVE, it shows that we are of God, and others see God dwelling in us.
      
      1. Love is one of the "fruits of the Spirit," Galatians 5:22a
         
      2. But, love is also a commandment. John 13:34
         
2. In our text, also, is an action of love: "Perfect love CASTS OUT fear." (Vs. 18)
   
   1. With perfect love, we have "boldness in the day of judgment."
      
   2. This boldness and confidence imitates that of Christ.
      
   3. "There is no fear in love...he that fears is NOT MADE PERFECT in love."

IDENTIFY--- How can I keep dread of God and his wrath from my sub-conscious? I see the severity of God, as well as His goodness, but I fervently hope to serve Him well enough to escape hell. But then I read, "Fear has punishment,"The very fact that I fear threatens punishment. I MUST attain that "perfect love."

LESSON-- The actions of love are shown in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, when Paul wrote to that church to help them with a number of problems.

1. He wrote...
   
   1. "Love suffers long." The Christian bears unkind reproaches patiently.
      
   2. "Love is kind." The Christian returns unkindness with kindness.
      
   3. "Love does not envy." The gifts and blessings of those who may supersede the lover does not cause him to be jealous.
      
   4. "Love does not show arrogance or pride." The lover is humble and does not dare to assume superiority over others, either for show or for a personal agenda.
      
   5. "Love shows true courtesy." Spiritual sympathy toward brethren makes us respectful toward them, and helpful in service.
      
   6. "Love seeks no selfish end." Love has a levelling power in brotherhood.
      
   7. "Love is not provoked." The Christian must be even-tempered and cool.
      
   8. "Love does not store up resentment." Hurts are not allowed to ferment or fester in the heart of the Christian.
      
   9. "Love does find joy in unrighteousness." The lover finds no secret satisfaction in seeing a brother fall in sin.
      
   10. "Love rejoices with the truth." When truth is victorious, the Christian is rejuvenated and gratified.
       
   11. "Love bears, believes, hopes and endures all." A positive Christian life.
       
2. Paul sums up every obligation of human relationships in Romans 13:8-10
   
3. Peter reveals a similar truth in 1 Peter 4:8

APPLICATION--

1. When times are evil, love runs cold. Matthew 24:9-14
   
2. God desires better things of us.
   
   1. We should be inspired by the love of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
      
   2. From the beginning of love, we should develop its fulness. Ephesians 3:14-19, 5:1-2
      
   3. The very purpose of our salvation is to go immediately to"unfeigned love of the brethren." 1 Peter 1:22-25