Love Begins With God

Love Begins With God
1 John 4:7-11

A Theology of God’s Love:
• God’s love evident in nature. 

• God's love is evident in the cross.

• God's love is evident in the church.

Statement of Truth:
God does not merely love; He is love itself.  
Love does not define God, God defines love. 


I. THE DEFINING OF GOD’S LOVE 
a. Love (GOD) does not force Himself on anyone.

b. Love (God) does not demand obedience. 


QUESTION to Consider:   What does it mean that God is love?



II. THE MANIFESTATION OF GOD’S LOVE 

Questions for Study:

  • The sermon said that any chain we hold onto will eventually become the end of us. Where have you seen (or are you currently seeing) that principle at work in your own life or in someone close to you?

  • How does the statement “Love does not define God; God defines love” challenge the way our culture (and sometimes the church) talks about love today? What practical difference should that make in how we evaluate relationships, desires, or personal decisions?

  • God’s love is described as a noun that must become a verb. What is one specific, tangible way you can turn the love of God into action toward someone this week—especially someone who may not “deserve” it or who is difficult to love?

  • The message emphasized that radical obedience is where God’s enabling mercy meets us (Prov. 28:13). Is there an area of sin or compromise God has been pressing on that you have been slow to confess and forsake? What would it look like to take a concrete step of obedience this week, and who could walk with you in it?

    • Other Passages for Personal Study:
    Proverbs 28:13; 3 John 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:7,8,13; Luke 6:27-28; Romans 5:5-8; John 14:31;  Matthew 22: 37-39

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