The Foundation of Love

1st John 4:7-16

What God Is: “God Is Love” (1 John 4:7-8)

“Holiness is not the way to Christ. Christ is the way to holiness.” -- Adrian Rogers

“Human love, however noble and however highly motivated, falls short if it refuses to include the Father and Son as the supreme objects of its affections.” - Howard Marshall

What God Did: “He Sent His Son” (1 John 4:9-11)

“It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 7:7-8)

“But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

“The gospel is that Jesus lived the life you should have lived and died the death you should have died, in your place, so God can receive you not for your record and sake but for his record and sake.” - Tim Keller

What God Is Doing: “God Abides in Us” (1st John 4:12-16)

“God does something in us! We are not merely students reading a book, or spectators watching a deeply moving event. We are participants in the great drama of God’s love!” - Warren Weirsbe

Application:

· Are you increasing in humility?
· Are you actively pursuing holiness?

“It’s not pietism, legalism, or fundamentalism to take holiness seriously.” - Kevin DeYoung

· Are you inspired by God’s love to love others?