THE LOVE LIFE – 2021 FIRST FRUIT FASTING EXERCISE (Day 17 OUTLINE)

Text: Acts 20:20 Love is one of the most controversial topics that can be placed on the discussion table. The people of the word have their view, the carnal Christians have theirs, and the scriptures have the truth. Yesterday, we looked at the lavished love displayed by Christ on The earthly redemption mission that makes it pertinent to live for Him. Today, we shall be looking at the life of love that the believer should undertake. Our message shall come under (A) Christian love, described (B) Christian love prescribed. (A) CHRISTIAN LOVE, DESCRIBED A Christian is simply an individual that has enrolled as a scholar of Jesus Christ, who believes and wholly practices His teachings (Matt.28:19-20) such is first born again and so saved from sin (Rom.6:14, 1Jn.3:8,9), and thus have the Spirit of Christ (Rom.8:9). Such is required to manifest Christian love (Jn.13:34,35, 1Jn.2:4-11). Christian love is that kind (quality) of love manifested by Jesus which the Father possesses called AGAPE. It is superior to natural love which is affection drawn out towards an object by natural factors like family attachment, acquaintanceship, good deeds, appearance, or some other credits possessed by the object. On the other hand, AGAPE which is the kind of love possessed by the Father and Son, and required of the Christian, is not natural but supernatural. It is the essential nature of God which was expressed by the Lord Jesus, the express Image of God (1Jn.4:8, Rom.5:8, Jn.3:16). When present, the believer has God as his primary Object of affection latched to implicit obedience to God’s commandments (Jn.14:15,21, 15:10). It is not a natural impulse from the feeling nor does it necessarily follow natural attraction (Rom.5:8). It does not have room for selfishness, suspicion, or rashness but rather seeks opportunity to do good especially to them of the household of faith (1Cor.13:4-7, Gal.6:9,10). Christian love is affection powered by divine life (Zoe) which runs on the principle of obedience to God’s commandments (Matt.7L12, Jn.13:34,35, 1Jn.3:16). (B) CHRISTIAN LOVE PRESCRIBED Christian love which is divine love (agape), is the only kind of love commanded by God to all believers, as one does not need to be commanded to manifest affection to persons with affection-generating credits (Jn.13:34,35, Eph.5:25, 1Pt.1:22, 1Jn.3:11,14,23, 4:7,11,12). It is a cardinal quality of a disciple, and so every Christian home should grow it to maturation (1Jn.4:13). It is the evidence of completeness (Col.3:14). The Christian is committed to primarily pleasing God by loving righteousness and hating iniquity. This will make for the keeping God’s commandments and hating the world. The love life, therefore, is the life of implicit obedience to the commandments of God emanating from affection for the Lord. It is the life of the cross; it is the crucified life (Lk.14:25-30, Gal.2:20). WATCHMAN CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL MOVEMENT 2021 FIRST FRUIT FASTING EXERCISE Jan.20 – Feb.9, 2021 (Day 17) Theme: IDYLLIC ERA OF CONCEPTION AND PARTURITION Topic: THE LOVE LIFE