THE LOVESICK CHURCH
II CORINTHIANS 12:20
INTRODUCTION: Reihold Niebuhr once compared the church to Noah’s Ark. He said, “If it wasn’t for the storm on the outside one could not stand the stink on the inside.”
The one verse before us speaks volumes of what the church at Corinth was like. These problems spring from one common cause – a lack of love! They’re not lovesick because of an overabundance but they are sick because of their lack of love. That’s why Paul spoke more about love to Corinth than any other church.
We see the same today. The church suffers. Take another look at John 13:35. Look at a couple of things.
I. Churches Can Lose Their First Love
See Rev. 2:1-7. Look at this church in Corinth. They were lovesick when it came to:
A. Other Christians: Look at what was going on.
B. Christians and Church Leaders: Often times problems exist between pulpit and pew, laity and leaders. It has been said most churches are looking for another preacher and most preachers are looking for another church. One preacher was asked why he left his previous church, he replied, “Sickness – I was sick of them and they were sick of me!”
C. Christless Humanity: We don’t take seriously the great commission. The church as been described as a “boat full of self-satisfied snobs sailing to Heaven in an ocean of drowning men.”
D. Christ Himself: See I Cor. 16:22; John 14:15
II. Churches Should Strive to Love
We’ve noted the problem. What’s the solution?
A. Love Jesus More: How? Spend more time with Him. Live at the foot of the cross. Worship, praise and exalt Him (Gal. 5:22). Ask Him to help you love Him more.
B. Love the Lost More: How? Try being a Good Samaritan.
C. Love Between Pulpit and Pew More: Accept each other’s humanity. Learn to forgive.
D. Love Each Other More: This comes with understanding and fellowship. Communicate. Ask God to help you love.
CONCLUSION: Let’s be a “lovesick church” in a positive way!
