Sermon Notes 02-17-08

Today’s scripture is I John 4:7-8 "Values That Should Last"
"Everyday Should Be Valentine’s Day"

I. “L” is for Learning.
What lessons do we need to learn about love?
In verse seven love is translated in the Greek as “agape”.
How would you describe agape love?
What are its characteristics?
God showed us the full dimension of His love when He gave His Son to die for us. (John 3:16).
How does this sacrificial demonstration of God’s love apply to the kind of love God calls us to practice?
Why does God place such emphasis on love? Matthew 22:37-39
Can a person call himself a Christian and not have a love for his neighbors? Why not?
How does this apply to those who reject us and God?

II. “O” is for Overlooking.
Ephesians 4:2 tells us to “bear with one another in love”.
What does this mean?
Why is it so difficult to overlook another’s offenses, especially toward us?
Why do you think love is the first named element in the composite ”fruit of the Spirit”? Galatians 5:22-23

III. “V” is for Voice it.
What are some of the things that make it so difficult for us to verbally express our love to others?
How do you “voice” your love to your spouse, children, friends, neighbors, and strangers?

IV. “E” is for Elevate.
What is the main thought in I Corinthians 13:1-3?
Verses four through seven describe some of the things love does.
Give an example of what these applications of love do.