The Law Of Love

THEME: We have seen a lot of hatred and hostility in our country lately; leaders hating other leaders because of their political views; citizens hating other citizens because of the color of their skin. While it may be more noticeable in light of the current chaotic circumstances, it’s really nothing new. Our modern vernacular has a growing number of terms like hate mail, hate crimes, hate speech, hate groups, haters, etc. The opposite of hate is love, and that’s what our world needs now more than anything else because love is the answer to all the problems we are presently facing. In these three verses, Paul makes it clear that if we love others perfectly we will never sin against them. These three verses can be divided into

TWO SECTIONS that outline the basic point Paul was making about the obligation we have as living and holy sacrifices to love others in order to be pleasing and acceptable to God.

1. THE COMPULSION TO LOVE (v. 8a)
2. THE COMPLETION OF LOVE (vv. 8b-10)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” These questions are designed to help you apply today’s message to your life. We encourage you to thoughtfully answer these questions and discuss your answers with others. For more information about joining a Grow Group that uses these questions as the basis for weekly discussion, prayer, and accountability, please call the church office at (936) 582-1977.

1. What are some examples of hatred and hostility you have witnessed recently in our world? How have you seen hatred and hostility manifested in your personal relationships (i.e. spouse, parents, siblings, neighbors, coworkers, etc.)?
2. Read Romans 5:8-10, 8:7, and Colossians 1:21-22. How does God’s love for you make it possible for you to love others (cf. 1 Jn. 4:19-21)?
3. Read Ephesians 5:28-29. Is it really necessary for you to learn to love yourself before you can love others? Why or why not?
4. Are you able to pay all your bills on time and in full? Are there any ways you can better apply the biblical principles about borrowing, lending, and investing to how you manage your finances?
5. Read Matthew 22:40, Galatians 5:14, and James 2:8. How does loving God and loving others fulfill the rest of the law (e.g. 10 Commandments)? How do the law and love serve/support each other?
6. When you sin against someone how is that an evidence of a lack of love for them?
7. Think about the one person in your life who is the most difficult to love (i.e. home, work, school, church, etc.). What would it look like for you to love them this week. Be specific.
8. Thank God for demonstrating His love in your life and for pouring His love into your heart. Ask Him to forgive you for failing to love others like you love yourself. Ask Him to enable you by the power of the Holy Spirit to love others sincerely, selflessly, and sacrificially like He loves you.

“Love is the seeking of the greatest possible good for my neighbor, even at the greatest possible cost to myself.”

Stuart Olyott, Romans: The Gospel As It Really Is, 127