Love for God
Love for God24
To Know God Is to Love Him
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 22:37JHN 14:15PHP 1:91JN 4:19A.W. Tozer emphasizes that God is the source of all love and commands us to love Him with all our hearts. He explains that our ability to love God originates from His love for us, and that true love involves both willing and feeling. Tozer encourages obedience to God's Word as a means to grow in love for Him, asserting that as our knowledge of God increases, so does our love for Him. He concludes that knowing God deeply leads to a greater capacity to love Him.
1 John 4:21
By John Gill0MAT 22:37JHN 13:34ROM 13:10GAL 5:14EPH 4:32COL 3:141PE 4:81JN 3:231JN 4:71JN 4:20John Gill emphasizes the commandment from God that requires believers to love both Him and their brothers, highlighting that love for God and love for others are inseparable. He points out that this command is not only a directive from God but also a new commandment given by Christ, reinforcing the importance of mutual love among believers. Gill stresses that failing to love one aspect means failing in the other, urging the congregation to recognize the holistic nature of God's command to love.
Out of Gratitude
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 100:4MAT 22:37LUK 7:47ROM 12:12CO 5:14GAL 5:13EPH 2:8COL 3:23HEB 12:281JN 4:19C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that true love and gratitude towards God stem from recognizing the depth of forgiveness one has received. He argues that actions motivated by selfish desires for reward are fundamentally flawed, as they are rooted in self-preservation rather than genuine love for God. The truly virtuous person acts out of love for God, not for personal gain, demonstrating a higher moral standard that transcends selfishness. This gratitude becomes a powerful force for holy living, enabling individuals to rise above their base instincts and live righteously. Spurgeon's message calls believers to reflect on their motivations and to cultivate a love for God that inspires their actions.
1 John 2:5
By John Gill0MAT 7:20JHN 14:21JHN 15:5ROM 5:51CO 1:30GAL 5:22JAS 1:221JN 2:51JN 3:182JN 1:6John Gill emphasizes the significance of keeping God's word as a demonstration of genuine love for Him. He explains that true love for God is perfected in those who embrace and adhere to His commandments, reflecting sincerity rather than mere verbal affirmation. This love is not a result of human effort but is a manifestation of God's grace, leading to obedience as evidence of one's relationship with Christ. Gill clarifies that being in Christ is not just a nominal association but a profound spiritual reality evidenced by one's actions and adherence to God's teachings.
Jesus and the Ephesian Church
By David Wilkerson0EXO 20:3DEU 6:5MAT 22:37LUK 10:27ROM 12:1JAS 4:41PE 4:171JN 2:15REV 2:4REV 3:15David Wilkerson discusses Jesus' judgment of the Ephesian Church as part of His assessment of the seven churches in Revelation. He emphasizes that while Jesus acknowledges the good in each church, He is deeply grieved by their loss of exclusive love for Him, particularly highlighting the Ephesians' departure from their 'first love.' This message serves as a warning not only to the Ephesians but to all believers, reminding them of the importance of prioritizing their relationship with Christ above all else. Wilkerson stresses that God desires an exclusive and passionate love from His followers, as He will not tolerate anything that takes His place in our hearts.
The Necessity of Waiting on God
By Phil Beach Jr.511:16:20PSA 25:5PSA 37:7PSA 40:1PSA 62:1ISA 30:18LAM 3:25MIC 7:7HAB 2:3JHN 14:211CO 2:9Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of waiting on God, urging the congregation to cultivate a posture of stillness and silence in His presence. He highlights that true waiting is not about presenting our agendas to God but about allowing Him to speak and reveal Himself to us. Through various scriptures, he illustrates that waiting is an expression of love for God and a necessary discipline for spiritual growth. The sermon calls for a collective commitment to waiting on the Lord, encouraging families to engage in this practice together. Ultimately, Beach Jr. reassures that in waiting, we will experience God's grace and revelation in profound ways.
Adoring Worship
By A.W. Tozer02CO 5:13A.W. Tozer emphasizes the profound nature of adoration in worship, noting that while the term may not appear in the King James Bible, the essence of loving God is vividly present. He reflects on the passionate love that biblical figures like David and Paul exhibited towards God, suggesting that true love for Christ can lead to actions that may seem irrational to outsiders. Tozer critiques modern Christianity for lacking this deep, personal love for Christ, arguing that much of the worship in conservative circles is often insincere and lacks genuine fervor. He calls for a revival of heartfelt adoration that transcends mere ritualistic praise.
Xv. Three Steps in Loving the Lord
By John Sung0LUK 10:38John Sung emphasizes the importance of loving the Lord through three key steps: knowing His love, experiencing His love, and being filled with His love. He illustrates these points through the story of Mary, who chose to sit at Jesus' feet and learn from Him, contrasting her devotion with Martha's busyness. Sung highlights that true love for Christ is remembered and celebrated, as seen in Mary's anointing of Jesus, which symbolizes total devotion. He encourages believers to embrace the transformative power of Christ's love in their lives and families. Ultimately, Sung calls for a deeper understanding and experience of Jesus' love, which leads to a more profound love for Him.
Psalm 23 Series (Session 3)
By Joseph Carroll2334:34MAT 22:37Joseph Carroll emphasizes that the Christian life is fundamentally a love relationship with Jesus Christ, which is essential for spiritual growth and harmony. He illustrates that just as a musician must learn scales to create harmony, Christians must cultivate their love for God to truly love others. The sermon highlights the importance of quiet time for intimacy with God, and how this love leads to faith, hope, and obedience. Carroll shares personal anecdotes to demonstrate how God provides for our needs when we trust Him and prioritize our relationship with Him. Ultimately, he urges believers to focus on cultivating their love for Christ to experience the fullness of life and guidance from the Shepherd.
The Relationship of the First Commandment to the Second
By Mike Bickle2252:57MAT 22:36Mike Bickle emphasizes the inseparable relationship between the first commandment, to love God, and the second commandment, to love our neighbor. He explains that true love for God naturally overflows into love for others, and that prioritizing ministry to people over our relationship with God can lead to spiritual burnout. Bickle highlights that all of God's purposes hinge on these two commandments, and that genuine love requires the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. He encourages believers to pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus to effectively love others, as love is the ultimate fulfillment of the law and the essence of God's heart.
Is Your Love Alive?
By David Wilkerson0PSA 27:4SNG 5:6MAT 22:37JHN 15:15PHP 3:8JAS 4:81JN 4:19REV 3:20David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of spending quality time in God's presence to keep our love for Him alive. He draws parallels between romantic love and our relationship with Jesus, highlighting how neglecting time with God can lead to a dying love. Wilkerson illustrates this with the example of the bride in the Song of Solomon, who desperately seeks her beloved, reflecting the longing we should have for Christ. He challenges Christians to consider how they prioritize their time and the implications of neglecting their relationship with Jesus. Ultimately, he calls for a rekindling of our love for God, urging us to make Him our top priority.
1 John 5:3
By John Gill0PSA 119:47MAT 11:30JHN 14:15ROM 7:222CO 5:14GAL 5:22PHP 4:131JN 3:231JN 4:191JN 5:3John Gill emphasizes that true love for God is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments, which should not be seen as burdensome but rather as a joyful expression of faith. He explains that love is not merely a verbal profession but is shown in actions and truth, reflecting a deep sense of God's love in our lives. Gill reassures believers that, despite the challenges of the moral law, those who are in Christ find delight in following His commands, experiencing peace and communion with God.
Neither Will I Offer Burnt Offerings . . . of That
By F.B. Meyer02SA 24:24ROM 12:1PHP 3:7F.B. Meyer emphasizes that true love for God requires sacrifice, as demonstrated by God's own costly love for us through Jesus Christ. He explains that loving Christ involves self-denial, the relinquishing of personal desires, and the willingness to face social and financial costs. Meyer encourages believers to embrace the joy of giving everything to God, just as Mary did with her precious ointment, and to recognize that what we give up for Christ is ultimately regained in a transformed way. He reminds us that while sacrifices may lead to loss in the eyes of the world, they result in a deeper relationship with Christ and eternal rewards.
Total Depravity
By Charles Finney0JHN 5:42ROM 3:10Charles Finney delivers a powerful sermon on 'Total Depravity,' emphasizing that true love for God is absent in impenitent sinners. He clarifies that total depravity does not stem from a lack of moral faculties or physical pollution, but rather from a complete absence of love for God, which is evident in the actions and desires of individuals. Finney argues that if one truly loves God, they would naturally seek to please Him, find joy in His presence, and be grieved by sin. He challenges listeners to reflect on their own experiences and the authenticity of their professed love for God, ultimately warning that without a genuine transformation of heart, they cannot enter the kingdom of God.
Wherefore Wilt Thou Run? . . . Come What May, Said He,
By F.B. Meyer02SA 18:22F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of serving God out of love rather than for reward, using the story of Ahimaaz, who eagerly ran to deliver news to King David despite the lack of recognition. He contrasts Ahimaaz's selfless motivation with Cushi's duty-driven service, illustrating that true devotion is driven by love for God. Meyer encourages believers to embody this spirit of disinterested service, which reflects the love of Christ and inspires others. The sermon highlights that genuine service, regardless of the outcome, is what truly honors God and fulfills His will.
1 John 5:2
By John Gill0MAT 22:37JHN 14:15GAL 5:141JN 4:201JN 5:2John Gill emphasizes that true love for others is rooted in our love for God, as expressed in 1 John 5:2. He explains that while people may show kindness to others for various reasons, genuine brotherly love arises from a sincere love for God and obedience to His commandments. This love is not based on external factors or personal gain but is a reflection of God's grace and image in others. Gill highlights that our relationship with God directly influences our relationships with fellow believers, affirming that loving the saints is an expression of our love for God.
Out of Their Minds
By David Wilkerson0MAT 7:26David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of building one's life on a solid foundation of love and obedience to God rather than mere adherence to laws. He contrasts two types of believers: those who seek to please God out of love and those who live superficially, ignoring the reality of judgment and eternity. The true follower of Christ is motivated by a desire to know God's heart and act accordingly, while the one who builds on sand is focused on appearances and temporary gains. Wilkerson warns against the complacency of ignoring the coming storms of life and the need for a genuine relationship with Jesus. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper commitment to living out one's faith authentically and with purpose.
Love, Authority, and War
By Phil Beach Jr.241:34:17MAT 22:34Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the significance of loving God with all our heart, mind, and soul, as taught by Jesus in Matthew 22:34-40. He explains that true love for God requires a transformation of the heart through the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to act in obedience to God's Word rather than being led by feelings. The sermon also warns against the spirit of rebellion that is prevalent in society, urging Christians to remain humble and accountable to God's authority. Ultimately, Beach encourages the congregation to rely on the strength of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome life's challenges and to live a life that reflects their love for God.
1 John 2:15
By John Gill01JN 2:15John Gill emphasizes the importance of not loving the world or its ways, as true believers are merely sojourners on earth, destined for a heavenly home. He explains that while we should love our fellow humans and seek their good, we must avoid the company of those who embody worldly values and practices that lead us away from God. Gill warns that an inordinate love for worldly things can hinder our relationship with God, as one cannot serve both God and mammon. He addresses the tendencies of both the elderly and the youth to become attached to worldly desires, urging them to prioritize their love for God above all else. Ultimately, Gill calls for a heart that is drawn to God, rather than to the fleeting pleasures of this world.
Mark 12:28
By Chuck Smith0MRK 12:30Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of the Great Commandments in Mark 12:28, focusing on the necessity of recognizing and establishing a relationship with the true God. He explains that understanding God's purpose for our lives is crucial, as many live unfulfilled lives by prioritizing personal ambitions over their relationship with God. Smith highlights that loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength is foundational, and this love must be developed through an intimate knowledge of Him. Furthermore, he stresses that loving our neighbor is a natural extension of our love for God, and one cannot truly love others without first having a right relationship with God.
Worshiping God With All We Are
By A.W. Tozer0DEU 6:5PSA 95:6PSA 100:2MAT 22:37JHN 4:24ROM 5:52CO 5:13COL 3:23HEB 12:281JN 4:19A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true worship encompasses love, admiration, wonder, and adoration, with love being the essence of worship as taught in both the Old and New Testaments. He highlights that loving God with all our heart, soul, and might is the foundation of worship, as stated in Scripture. Tozer explains that love is both a principle and an emotion, capable of growing from a small spark to an overwhelming force, much like the experience of the apostle Paul. He asserts that genuine worship cannot exist without love for God, and that God desires our complete devotion. Through deeper experiences with God and the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can learn to offer Him our fullest love in worship.
To Love God Is to Trust Him
By David Wilkerson0MAT 22:37David Wilkerson emphasizes that to truly love God is to trust Him and allow His presence to work through us. He explains that love for God is not merely about our actions like worship or holiness, but about letting God be God in our lives. Many believers struggle with understanding how to love God, often viewing it as a one-sided effort, but Wilkerson encourages us to recognize that God desires to love us and empower us. By embracing God's promises and drawing on His strength, we can experience a victorious life free from burdens and despair. Ultimately, love for God is about entering into a relationship where we rely on His power and grace.
Worshiping the Giver
By A.W. Tozer01CH 16:29PSA 96:9PSA 100:4PSA 145:3ISA 6:3MAT 22:37JHN 4:24ROM 12:1HEB 13:15REV 4:11A.W. Tozer explores the profound mystery of loving God, suggesting that our love for Him often stems from a deep, inexplicable connection facilitated by the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that while gratitude for God's goodness is a valid reason for love, it represents a lower form of worship compared to the love that arises from recognizing God's inherent excellence. Tozer argues that true worship transcends gratitude and moves towards admiration of God's holy nature, enhancing the quality of our worship experience.
The Motive of Our Consecration
By Zac Poonen0LUK 15:11Zac Poonen emphasizes that the true measure of our service to God lies not in the actions we take but in the motives behind them. At the judgment seat of Christ, the critical question will be 'Why did you do it?' rather than 'What did you do?' He illustrates this with the parable of the prodigal son, highlighting how both the younger son's selfishness and the elder son's legalism reflect flawed motives in serving God. Poonen urges believers to examine their hearts and serve out of love for God rather than for personal gain or obligation, encouraging a joyful and genuine relationship with the Lord.