Created to Love

Sermon Outline

There’s a song that says, “Love is all you need,” which isn’t far off. After all, it is God’s greatest goal for all of us, and we can learn to embrace it more each day. In this week’s message, Dr. Stanley explores love in the New Testament and what it means for us.

Key Passage: Luke 10:25-28

Supporting Passages: John 3:16; John 13:34-35; John 15:12; John 15:17; Romans 5:8; Romans 8:29; Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 5:2

God created mankind so He could love us and be loved by us. When sin entered the world, it hindered our ability to love as the Lord calls us to. But in Christ, we can overcome that obstacle.

► “God’s love knows no limitations; it is absolutely complete.”

Here are two kinds of love in the New Testament:

1. Agape—This is Scripture’s most common word for “love.” It refers to sacrificial love—a love that asks, What is best for the other person? Jesus confirmed we were created for agape love (Luke 10:25-28).

2. Phileo—This appears rarely in the New Testament and refers to brotherly love or friendship.

► “If we miss learning to love God and being loved by Him, we miss the whole purpose for living.”

We were created to love God:

• He is a “jealous” God. He knows that substitutes (idols) will always disappoint us.

• An idol is anyone or anything that grabs our attention, thoughts, or affections and dominates our life.

► “If God says there’s great value in me, then it must be true.”

We were created to love ourselves:

• The way we love ourselves determines the way we love others (v. 27).

• Without loving ourselves, we can’t love others.

• Self-love isn’t arrogance or pride. It’s healthy self-worth and awareness that God values us.

• We know we are worthy of love because God sacrificed His Son out of love for us (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8).

• God wants us to have godly, holy, high respect for ourselves because we’re His creations. As believers, we are also part of His family (5:8).

► “Ask others, ‘How can I help you become what God wants you to be? How can I give myself away to serve you?’”

We were created to love our neighbor:

• Jesus gave this command repeatedly before He was crucified (John 13:34-35; John 15:12; John 15:17).

• God understands that following the command can be difficult for us at times.

• We love (agape) others by serving them (Gal. 5:13) and by letting love characterize us (Eph. 5:2).

• We are to love our enemies as well as our friends (Luke 10:30-37).

When we love others …

• We act the most like God.

• God grows us in Christlikeness.

• The Spirit of God works within us to release the love of God through us (Gal. 5:22).

• Unbelievers are attracted to Christ.

• Needs are met.

• The church functions best.

After Watching

• Dr. Stanley stated that none of us come into the world knowing how to love. It is something we must learn. Where do you think you are with regards to loving God? Loving yourself? Loving others? Which is most comfortable for you, and where do you have room to grow?

• With whom can you share God’s love this week? Make a plan to serve someone by meeting a need, offering support, or doing what is best for him or her.