January 26. God is Love
J.R. Miller teaches that God's nature is fundamentally love, revealing His good will toward all humanity and calling believers to respond in faith and service.
In this devotional sermon, J.R. Miller explores the profound truth that God is love, as declared in Luke 2:14. Using a compelling medieval legend, Miller illustrates how God's love challenges skepticism and transforms lives. He invites listeners to embrace God's goodwill and live consecrated lives in response to His love.
Text
"Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:14
Yes! Love is the meaning of it all. It tells of the good will of God toward all men. There is a strange medieval legend which illustrates this truth. An infidel knight, in the wildness of his mad, heaven-defying infidelity, determined to test, by the method to which as a knight he was accustomed — the reality and power of the God whose existence he denied.
So, going out into the field, armed as if for combat, he cast his glove down upon the ground, after the manner of the ancient challengers, and cried out to the heavens: "God! if there is a God, I defy you here and now to mortal combat! If you indeed are, put forth your might, of which your pretended priests make such boasts." As he spoke, his eye was caught by a piece of parchment fluttering in the air just above his head. It fell at his feet. He stooped and picked it up, and found inscribed upon it these words, "God is love!" Overcome by this unexpected response, he broke his sword in token of his surrender, and kneeling upon the fragments, consecrated his life henceforth to the service of that God whom he had just before defied.
Thus to all men\
Sermon Outline
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I
- The declaration of peace and goodwill in Luke 2:14
- The meaning of God's love as the foundation of all
- Introduction of the medieval legend illustrating God's love
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II
- The challenge of the infidel knight to God
- The unexpected response: 'God is love!'
- The knight's surrender and consecration
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III
- The power of God's love to transform hearts
- The call to recognize and respond to God's goodwill
- Living a life consecrated to God's service
Key Quotes
“Love is the meaning of it all. It tells of the good will of God toward all men.” — J.R. Miller
“God is love!" Overcome by this unexpected response, he broke his sword in token of his surrender.” — J.R. Miller
“Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace, good will toward men.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Recognize and embrace the reality of God's love in your daily life.
- Respond to God's love with faith and a willing heart to serve.
- Live a life consecrated to reflecting God's goodwill toward others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of the sermon?
The sermon emphasizes that God's nature is love and that His goodwill extends to all people.
Who was the infidel knight in the story?
He was a skeptic who challenged God's existence but was transformed by the revelation that God is love.
How does the sermon illustrate God's love?
Through a medieval legend where a knight surrenders after encountering the message 'God is love.'
What scripture is central to this sermon?
Luke 2:14, which speaks of peace and goodwill toward men.
What should listeners take away from this sermon?
Listeners are encouraged to recognize God's love and respond with faith and consecrated service.