PM Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13.1-8   Brent T. Willey

“ADD TO YOUR FAITH…LOVE!”

2 Peter 1.5-11

(Part Eight)

Introduction:

1. It is no coincidence that inspiration reserved “love” as the final quality to be added to all the other spiritual attributes.
2. The human concept of “love” may be subject to personal desires and feelings, but the biblical principle of agapé is the most comprehensive emotion expressed in Scripture!
3. Agapé love cannot be masked; it is unfeigned, not faked – it is sincere! (Rom. 12.9 – niv, rsv, etc.)

I.AGAPÉ LOVE RISES TO THE OCCASION!

1. Agapé rises to the occasion and then goes beyond what is expected by most minds – incomprehensible!

1. God’s love for humanity. (John 3.16; Rom. 5.6-9)

2. Humanity’s love for God. (1 John 4.19; 5.3)

3. Humanity’s love for one another. (Matt. 22.36-40)

1. Agapé is not dependent on reciprocity. (Matt. 5.43-48)

II.HOW DOES AGAPÉ LOVE MANIFEST ITSELF?

1 Corinthians 13.1-13

A.Agapé is motive for every good deed. (Read vs. 1-3)

B.Agapé has comprehensive applications! (Read vs. 4-6)

1. Selfless “love” in a selfish world! (Vs. 4-5; Phil. 2.1-4)

2. It rejoices in the right things! (V. 6; 3 John 3-4)

1. Agapé is resilient, enduring & great! (Read vs. 7-13)

1. It possesses great resilience! (V. 7)

2. It outlasted the spiritual gifts. (Vs. 8-12)

3. It’s the greatest of all! (V. 13)

Conclusion: Love is the power that moves to respond to God’s will.