And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. 1 John 2:3-6
11. A Loving Walk: 1 Cor. 13:13
a. Principles in the walk of love commanded by the Lord of Love
1. The life of love is not optional: John 13:34-35
– From creation prior to the fall of humanity into sin: Genesis 1:28, Genesis 2:15-17
– From re-creation after new birth through the Gospel: 1 Peter 1:13-21
2. The life of love is not partial in its expressions: John 13:34-35, Romans 13:8, 1 Thess. 4:9-10
3. The life of love is measured by one standard only: John 13:34-35, Heb. 12:1-2, John 21:20-22
4. The life of love is the validation of our truly being in Christ: John 13:34-35, 1 John 3:14, 1 John 4:7-8, 1 John 4:11-12
b. Qualities in the walk of love modeled by the Lord of Love
1. A decisive love placing others ahead of self: John 13:1-4, Matt. 20:25-28
2. A condescending love knowing no limits of sacrifice: John 13:4-5, John 10:11; 14-17, John 15:13, 1 John 3:16
3. A patient love recognizing the sheep-like tendencies in others: John 13:6-10, 1 Cor. 13:4-8
4. A comprehensive love extending beyond affirming inner circles: John 13:10-12, Matt. 5:38-39, Matt. 5:43-44
5. A doable love of action: John 13:12-17, John 15:5, Matt. 28:18-20, Acts 1:8
Attitudes & Steps for a life of God-honoring Obedience
– Be serious about obedience: One life to live
– Be intentional about obedience: Avoid the sin of procrastination
– Be properly motivated about obedience: Controlled by Christ’s love
– Be faithful about obedience: Face-to-face with Jesus