Preaching on Loving Christ - A Deep Dive

Introduction:

The concept of loving Christ is central to Christian faith. It's not merely an emotion, but a lived reality expressed through obedience, devotion, and a deep connection with Him. This study will explore various passages, focusing on John 14 and related verses, to understand what it means to truly love Christ.

Key Passages:

• John 14:15: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments."

◦ This verse establishes a direct link between love for Christ and obedience to His teachings. Love is not passive; it manifests in action.

• John 14:16: "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever."

◦ Christ's love is demonstrated by His provision of the Holy Spirit, the Helper, who empowers believers to live out their love for Him.

• John 14:22-23: "Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”"

◦ This passage reveals the intimate relationship that comes from loving Christ. It speaks of a dwelling, a constant presence of God with those who obey.

• John 16:27: "for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God."

◦ This highlights the Father's love for those who love Christ, reinforcing the Trinitarian nature of this love.

• Ephesians 6:24: "Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible."

◦ This verse shows that loving Christ should be done with a pure and sincere love.

• 2 Timothy 1:13: "Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus."

◦ This verse links the love for christ with faith, and following the teachings of Jesus.

• Philemon 5: "because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints,"

◦ This shows that love for Christ is demonstrated by the love shown to all of the saints.

• 1 Peter 1:8: "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory."

◦ This speaks to the love of believers who have not physically seen Christ, emphasizing the power of faith and spiritual connection.

Examples of Loving Christ:

• The Sinful Woman (Luke 7:47): Her extravagant display of affection demonstrated a profound love and gratitude for Christ's forgiveness.

• Thomas (John 11:16): Even with his doubts, Thomas's willingness to follow Jesus into danger showed a deep loyalty.

• Mary of Bethany (John 12:3): Her anointing of Jesus with expensive perfume was an act of sacrificial love and devotion.

• Mary Magdalene (John 20:11): Her persistent search for Jesus at the tomb reveals a love that wouldn't give up.

• Peter (John 21:16): Jesus’s repeated questioning of Peter’s love, and Peters responces, highlights the importance of genuine affection and dedication.

• Paul (Acts 21:13): Paul's willingness to suffer and even die for Christ exemplifies a radical love.

Further Exploration:

• Matthew 10:37: "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." This shows that love for Christ must be a priority above all other loves.

• Song of Solomon: The passionate language used in this book provides a poetic illustration of the intense love between Christ and His church.

• The women at the tomb (Matthew 28:1, Mark 15:41, John 19:25, John 20:14): Their devotion and presence during Christ's crucifixion and resurrection testify to their unwavering love.

• John 8:42: "Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here." This shows the connection between the love of the father, and the love of the son.

• John 14:21: "Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”" This also highlights the connection between obedience and love.

• John 19:38, Mark 15:46, Matthew 27:58: The actions of Joseph of Arimathea, showing love for the body of Christ after the crucifiction.

• John 21:7: The reaction of the beloved disciple, when he recognized Jesus after the ressurection.

• Matthew 26:7, Mark 14:3: The woman who anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, showing a great act of love.

• Matthew 27:61, Luke 8:38: The reactions of those who followed Jesus, and mourned his death.

Key Themes:

• Love as Obedience: True love for Christ is demonstrated by a commitment to His teachings.

• Love as Relationship: Loving Christ involves an intimate connection, a dwelling of God within the believer.

• Love as Sacrifice: Genuine love often requires selflessness and a willingness to give up personal desires.

• Love as Devotion: It involves a heartfelt dedication to Christ, expressed through worship, service, and loyalty.

• Love as Priority: Love for Christ should be the central and most significant love in a believer's life.

Application:

• Reflect on your own love for Christ. How does it manifest in your daily life?

• Examine your obedience to His commandments. Are there areas where you need to grow?

• Seek a deeper connection with Christ through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship.

• Consider acts of sacrificial love and service that demonstrate your devotion.

• Consider how you show love to other believers.

• Ask yourself if Christ is truly the center of your life.

Preaching on Loving Christ - A Deep Dive

Conclusion:

Loving Christ is a lifelong journey, marked by obedience, devotion, and an intimate relationship with Him. By studying these passages and examples, we can gain a clearer understanding of what it means to truly love Christ and strive to live out that love in our lives.

Preaching on Loving Christ - A Deep Dive