BUILDING TO LAST (BIBLE STUDY) GUIDELINES
THEME: UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES AND SEASONS (1 CHRONICLE 12:32)
TOPIC: BECOMING AN ADDICTED LOVER OF GOD (PART 1)
BIBLE TEXT: John 21:15-17
INTRODUCTION
As we go deeper into our subject matter of understanding the times and the seasons we are in this present age. Jesus told the disciples some of the things that will be before the end of this world in Matthew 24:12; He said specifically, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” There is a great attack launched at getting the believers out of the love of God in these last days. We hope to examine a few things that are responsible for this and thereby learn the way out of this as we continue on the journey to meeting with our Lord and saviour; Jesus Christ.
FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF GOD’S LOVE
- God is love and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7-12)
When we talk about love, we are referring to our [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for us] - The basis of our love for others is rooted in his love for us. Anything contrary to the characteristics of love as stated in (1 Cor. 13) is not God’s love. It states what God’s love is not before telling us what the characteristics of God’s love are:
a. God’s Love is not jealous or envious.
b. Love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant.
c. It is not rude;
d. It is not self-seeking,
e. It is not easily provoked and angered]
f. It does not take into account a wrong endured
g. It does not rejoice at injustice,
h. Love never fails [it never fades nor ends].
The genuine love of God is rooted in the heart of believers:
a. Endures with patience and serenity,
b. God’s love is kind and thoughtful,
c. Rejoices with the truth,
d. Bears all things,
e. Believes all things [looking for the best in each one],
f. Hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times],
g. Endures all things.
3. God’s love is unconditional. (John 3:16, Rom. 5:8)
4. Genuine love is exhibited in overcoming evil with good. Loving God and loving the people is a proof of growing into maturity in the knowledge of God. Because, the more we imitate Him, the more we become like Him. (Matthew 5:43-48)
In Conclusion, we shall be described by the virtues we display. The believers were first called christians (christ-like) in Antioch as they saw them display the characters of Christ. The basis of God’s relationship with us all is Love. And He wants us to win the world doing the same. Let love reign!
Jesus is Lord!
