The Nature of Love – Part I

Posted on June 6, 2011 in Blog, Congregational Resources, Sunday Sermons

In continuing with our sermon series through 1 Corinthians, Pastor Jay Jesuroga preached from 1 Corinthians 13:4, a message entitled “The Nature of Love – Part I“.

 

Last time we looked at the necessity of love and love being patient, this week we look at more attributes of love.

The Nature of Love (1 Cor. 13:4-7)

  • These are attributes of God (1 John 4:8)
  • These characterize God’s people (1 John 4:7-8, 11-12; 5:1-3 | 1 Thes. 4:9 | 1 Cor. 16:22)
    • (3 minute clip on the two points above):

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  • Love acts kindly (1 Cor. 13:4)
    • God shows His kindness in saving wretches like us (Titus 3:4-5 | Eph. 1:5, 2:7 | Rom. 2:4)
    • We can reflect this by being merciful, compassionate, tenderhearted, having empathy, sympathy, to care, to be concerned for others, like God did for us (Eph. 4:32)
    • (3 minute clip on this):

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  • Love does NOT envy (1 Cor. 13:4)
    • Intense negative feelings over another’s achievement or successes, filled with jealousy
    • Envy leads to strife (James 4:1-3)
    • We need to be content with God’s providence (1 Tim. 6:8 | Heb 13:5)
    • (3 minute clip on this):

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  • Love does NOT boast or brag (1 Cor. 13:4)
    • Making much of ones self
    • All we have is from God, so why boast? (1 Cor. 1:26-31; 3:21-23; 4:7)
      • Let another praise you (Prov 27:2)
      • Boast only in the cross (Gal. 6:14)
      • Without Him we are nothing (John 15:6)
  • Love does NOT act arrogantly (1 Cor. 13:4)
    • Puffed up, conceded, prideful, proud
    • Sadly, the Corinthians portrayed this (1 Cor. 4:6; 5:1-2; 8:1)
  • Love does NOT behave disgracefully/rudely (1 Cor. 13:4)
    • Any act that is not in keeping with normal standards of decency. Being shameful, indecent, outburst of wrath, crude, tolerating immorality.
    • Sadly, the Corinthians portrayed this (1 Cor. 11:4-16; 11:17-22)
  • Love does NOT seek its own (1 Cor. 13:4)
    • Self-serving, selfish, self-centered

Jay summed up all these points (3 minutes):

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Listen or download “The Nature of Love – Part I” from 1 Corinthians 13:4 by Pastor Jay Jesuroga (from our sermon series through 1 Corinthians):