The Foundation Of Love Series

Series: PURSUING THE LOVE OF GOD

Topic: THE FOUNDATION OF LOVE

I. Introductory Remarks.

We begin a new series on love entitled “ pursuing the love of God” It is such a simple topic but there is so much in the Word of God on the topic of love. I just want us to see how important love is in the Word of God. If you can set a firm foundation of the love of God it is going to profit you down here and profit you in heaven.

Ephesians 3:17-18 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height; to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

1 Corinthians 14:1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

This message is the first in the series "Pursuing the Love of God." As we will see in this message love is the primary quality or fruit that is to be preeminent about all else. It is something God wants us to pursue in every relationship we are involved in.

In everything we do we have to learn. We have to be taught how to love. Love is not something that is automatic. We have to be taught how to love. We have to pursue love.People love not because they are not taught. Just as people don’t function in the gifts of the Holy Spirit because they are not taught to function in that area. So people don’t know how to move into the love of God and don’t know how to relate in the love of God because they are not taught about God’s love.

The Greek word for pursue is "DIOKO", which is the same word Paul used in Philippians where he said, "I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me". It is a strong word that denotes to pursue without hostility and to seek eagerly after. In the next few weeks we will see how God wants us to pursue love in our marriages, our relationships with our children, the household of God and with unbelievers as well.

In this message will begin by defining the various Greek words that are used for love and how love is to be the preeminent quality or fruit in all that we do as Christians. These definitions will help us to understand the foundation for which love is pursued with God and in all of our other relationships. Love for God and one another must be at the very foundation of all that we do as Christians. Without it we are only making noise and commotion and we are nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:1-2 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become as sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

Paul is emphasizing that love is the firm foundation of our whole New Testament Christian life. The love of God is far above prophecy; is far above understanding mysteries; its far above knowledge; its far above power and faith to move mountains. All of our prophesying; all of our faith; all of our understanding and knowledge is based upon God’s love. How can I exercise faith in God? If I know that God loves me and I know in my heart that I am dedicated to God and I love God, my faith is on a firm ground. Do you know that if you have strong love, you have strong faith? Your faith comes forth from the source of love.

II. Defining Love.

Before we can really fully understand what it means to pursue love with God and all the other relationships He has established in our lives, we must first have some good working definitions as to what love is. It’s important to understand that the Greek language has more than one word for love.

1. The Agape or Christian Love.

Agape and agapao are used to describe the attitude of God toward His Son; the human race and to all those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the most important type of love, because all other expressions of love should flow out of true Christian love or agape love. Therefore we will discuss this in detail and just briefly discuss the other expressions of love that are involved in our relationship to God.