Scripture Reading:

1 John 4:16-17 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

Definition of Love: Affection, benevolence, charity, attachment. A choice.

I. God’s Thoughts Toward Man

A. Jeremiah 31:3 Drawn with lovingkindness.
B. Jeremiah 29:11-13 Thoughts of peace.

II. God’s Desire for Relationship

A. Genesis 3:8-9 God desired to commune .
B. Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door.
C. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 Reconciled to God.

III. Whom God Loveth

A. John 3:16 The world.
B. Romans 5:8 Sinners.
C. Ephesians 5:25 The church.

IV. Demonstration of God’s Love

A. 1 John 4:9-10 God sent his only Son.
B. 1 John 3:1,16 Behold what manner of love.

V. Love is the Greatest Commandment

A. Deuteronomy 10:12 Love is required.
B. Matthew 22:36-38 Thou shalt love the Lord.
C. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Without love.

VI. Love is a Divine Gift

A. 1 John 4:7-8 Love is of God.
B. Romans 5:5 Love is given by the Holy Ghost.

VII. Love Is in Deed

A. 1 John 3:18 Let us love in deed and in truth.
B. Matthew 15:8 Some honor with their lips.

VIII. Manifestation of Our Love

A. John 14:15, 23-24 He will keep my words.
B. 1 John 5:3 We keep his commandments.
C. 1 John 4:20-21 We love the brethren.

IX. Impossible to Love God and the World

A. Matthew 6:24 Cannot serve two masters.
B. 1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world.
C. Deuteronomy 13:3 The Lord proves our love.

X. Characteristics of Genuine Love

A. 2 Corinthians 6:6 Unfeigned.
B. 2 Corinthians 8:8 Sincere.
C. 1 Timothy 1:5 Out of a pure heart.

XI. Fulfillment in Love

A. Ephesians 3:17-19 The fulness of God.
B. John 15:10-11 That your joy might be full.

XII. The Power of Love

A. 1 John 4:18 Perfect love casteth out fear.
B. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 Constrained by love.

XIII. What Separates Man from God’s Love?

A. Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us?
B. John 14:23-24 Disobedience.

XIV. Loss of Love

A. Matthew 24:12 Love shall wax cold.
B. Revelation 2:4 Left thy first love.
C. Revelation 3:15-17 Lukewarm.

XV. Reward to Those Who Love God

A. James 2:5 Heirs of the kingdom.
B. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 A crown of righteousness.