The Dwelling Place Of Love Series

"The Dwelling Place of Love"

Introduction:

Today, we delve into the profound words of Jesus recorded in John 14:23 (NLT), where He says, "All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them."

These words are an invitation, a promise, and a revelation of the incredible love of God. Let us explore what it means for the Father and the Son to make their home with us.

Point 1: The Invitation to Love (John 14:23a)

Scripture: John 14:23a (NLT) - "All who love me will do what I say."

Illustration:

Think of a handwritten invitation to a grand celebration. Jesus, through these words, invites us into a deep and intimate relationship with Him. Our love for Him is expressed through obedience to His teachings.

Point 2: The Promise of Divine Presence (John 14:23b)

Scripture: John 14:23b (NLT) - "My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them."

Illustration:

Imagine a loving family moving into a new home, decorating it with care, and making it a place of warmth and comfort. Jesus assures us that when we love Him and obey His word, both He and the Father will come and make their home in our hearts. Our hearts become the dwelling place of divine love.

Point 3: The Dwelling Place of Love (John 14:23c)

Our hearts, when filled with love for Christ and obedience to His commands, become a sacred dwelling place for God.

Illustration:

Think of a beautiful and well-kept garden, where fragrant flowers bloom and provide a sense of tranquility. Our hearts, as the dwelling place of God's love, can be like that garden, radiating the fragrance of His presence and offering a peaceful refuge for those around us.

Point 4: The Impact of God's Dwelling (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) - "So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image."

Illustration:

Consider a mirror that reflects the image before it. As we allow God to dwell in our hearts through love and obedience, we reflect His glory and are transformed into His likeness. This transformation impacts not only us but also those we encounter in our lives.

Conclusion:

Jesus' words in John 14:23 remind us of the profound privilege we have as believers: to be the dwelling place of God's love. It is an invitation to love Him, a promise of His presence, and a revelation of His transforming power.

May we embrace this truth and allow our lives to become radiant with His love, reflecting His glory to the world.

As we leave today, let us carry in our hearts the knowledge that our love for Christ and our obedience to His word makes us a dwelling place of divine love.

Closing Prayer:

Gracious Father, we thank You for the profound truth that You desire to dwell in our hearts through love and obedience to Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to continually open our hearts to Your presence, so that we may be transformed into Your glorious image and reflect Your love to the world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.