Continue Ye in My Love
Christ bids us live in an atmosphere of love, constantly believing that He loves us and claiming His divine approval and tender regard.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of living in an atmosphere of love, contrasting it with other ways of life that focus on thought, animal nature, or duty. He explains that while these other atmospheres may have their merits, they often lack the freedom and joy found in Christ's love. Simpson encourages believers to embrace the love of Christ, which is a constant and nurturing presence in their lives. He reminds us that we are called to live in this divine love, which brings approval and tenderness from God. Ultimately, the sermon invites us to experience the fullness of life that comes from abiding in Christ's love.
Text
There are many different atmospheres in which one may live. Some people live in an atmosphere of thought. Their faces are thoughtful, their minds intellectual. They live in their ideas, their concepts of truth, their tastes and aesthetic nature. Other people live in their animal nature, in the lusts of the flesh and eye, the coarse, low atmosphere of a sensuous life, or worse. Still others live in a world of duty. The predominating feature of their lives is conscience, and it carries with it a certain shadowy fear that takes away the simple freedom and gladness of life. Admittedly, in the latter there is a rectitude, an uprightness, a strictness of purpose and of conduct which cannot be ignored or questioned.
But Christ bids us live in an atmosphere of love.
As my Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. In the original it is, live in my love. Love is the atmosphere in which He would have us constantly live-that is, believing that He ever loves us and claiming His divine approval and tender regard. This is the life of love.
Sermon Outline
- The Atmosphere of Thought
- The Atmosphere of Sensuality
- The Atmosphere of Duty
- The Atmosphere of Love
- Characteristics of each atmosphere
- The limitations of each atmosphere
- The benefits of living in love
Key Quotes
“As my Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.” — A.B. Simpson
“Love is the atmosphere in which He would have us constantly live-that is, believing that He ever loves us and claiming His divine approval and tender regard.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to focus on God's love for you and claim His divine approval and tender regard.
- Recognize the limitations of living in an atmosphere of duty and seek to transition to a life of love.
- Believe that God loves you and live in the freedom and gladness that comes with it.