More Excellent Love - Santosh Poonen - November 17, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/more-excellent-love River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message emphasizes that the 'more excellent way' is found in sacrificial, all-encompassing love, which is a two-sided truth. The speaker urges the congregation to see Jesus and His church as the most precious pearl, giving up all other worldly values for it. True growth in this love is not instantaneous but a gradual, day-by-day process of pressing on to perfection.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Pressing on to perfection in the way of lovePaul teaches a more excellent way of love, and just as we see dimly now, we must press on day by day to grow in this love rather than expecting a magical transformation.
Running the race of love with real knowledge and discernmentBeing saved means we are athletes in a race, and Paul prays that our love will abound through real knowledge and all discernment.
Love without wisdom does more harm than goodLove without knowledge and discernment is like a car with a full tank of gas and a stuck accelerator; it will cause more destruction than good without a driver in control.
Understanding the motivation of Jesus' loveReal knowledge is understanding that Jesus loved others because He loved the Father supremely and obeyed Him entirely.
The need must never be our primary motivationMeeting human needs around us must not be our chief motivation; our acts of love must flow from our love for the Father, just as Jesus waited for the Father's timing.
Abiding in the vine to love genuinelyA branch cannot love by itself unless it abides in the vine, meaning true love only flows from constant fellowship with God.
Loving well over loving muchDiscernment is about loving well and focusing on the quality of love, like a single living seed producing more fruit than a barrel of pebbles.
Unconscious obedience in caring for othersThose commended in Matthew 25 served others out of obedience to God's voice without realizing they were keeping a scorecard of good deeds.
Learning from the father of the prodigal sonThe father in the parable waited until the prodigal son came to the end of himself, demonstrating wisdom rather than enabling ongoing rebellion.Luke 15:19
The commission to make disciplesThe primary commission given to the church is to make disciples of all nations, anchored in abiding in the vine.Matthew 28:19
Standing firm against emotional blackmailWhen living by God's approval rather than human demands, believers must expect criticism and accusations of unloving behavior.
Proving God's perfect willPractical scriptural questions help believers evaluate decisions, ensure spiritual sharpness, and prove God's perfect will.2 Timothy 3:16
