"The Love of God"
TEXT: 1 John 3:1-10; Matt. 15:21-28; John 4:39; Luke 19:7
TRUTHS:
1. How should one define what the Bible refers to as ‘lawlessness’? Lawlessness can/should be defined as the following: doing whatever you want to do whenever you want to do it.
2. The Bible boldly declares and reveals God's love for humanity. It is important that we do not limit God's love to merely a theoretical concept that we accept intellectually. The love of God is meant to be something that humanity can and should personally encounter.
3. The voice of God leads us away from sin while simultaneously leading us towards the presence of God.
4. Zaccheus, once a dishonest tax collector, experienced a profound transformation through the love and person of Christ. This encounter deeply influenced his behavior. Previously consumed by unethically acquiring wealth and possessions, Zaccheus was so moved by Christ's love that he went above and beyond in repaying those he had wronged and taken advantage of.
5. The love of God does not come cheaply. It is so valuable and precious that God does require some degree of sacrifice in order for His love to be poured out upon a people. This helps us understand that the love of Christ is not something we can dishonor, dismiss, or take for granted.
6. When considering what is important concerning the worship of God, Jesus helps us understand an important distinction through His conversation with the woman at the well in John 4. Jesus is not primarily concerned with where we worship, but rather how we worship (in spirit and truth).
TALK TO EACH OTHER:
1. What does it mean and look like to personally encounter and experience the love of God?
2. How does the voice of God lead us away from sin in our routine and daily lives?
3. What does the biblical account of Zaccheus teach us about the love of Christ?
4. Why does God require such sacrifice in order for His love to be significantly poured out (into the souls of humanity)? How should this shape the way we approach personal spiritual growth? Also, do you see this truth reflected anywhere else in our world?
5. What does it mean to worship God in spirit and truth?
TALK TO GOD:
Pray into the following areas:
A willingness (and empowerment) to lead sacrificial lives
That the love of Christ would transform us like it transformed Zaccheus
That we would worship in spirit and truth
To be sensitive to the voice of God
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