Why God is More Than Love
I John 4:7-12
1. A different way to think, v. 7-8
When the Bible says “God is love” it means two things…
a) it is the essence of who God is but not the summation of who He is
b) it means that anytime God expresses any attribute of his character that He is being motivated by love
“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”
-Romans 3:21-26
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
- John 3:16
2. A different way to live, v. 9
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.”
-Galatians 2:20-21
3. A different God, v. 10
"In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
Two things that make God different…
a) it is not based on our efforts- “not that we have loved God"
b) it is based on His accomplishment- “he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
The question: "Hypothetically, if God and heaven are real, on what basis do you believe God will or will not accept you into Heaven?”
Consensus: Acceptance in heaven depends on performance on earth.
Common questions from people:
a) Do you believe all paths lead to God?
b) How can one persons death enable another person’s forgiveness?
Similarities in all religions:
a) living a moral life equals peace
b) living an immoral life equals chaos
Differences in all religions:
a) religions lead to different mountain tops
b) religions claim different ways of restoring peace from chaos
4. A different outcome, v. 11-12
Mental worship…
1. Given how you actually live, who or what would people say you have faith in?
2. What did you learn today about God and his character?
3. On what basis do you believe God will or will not accept you into heaven?
4. How would you describe the difference in a religion about God and a relationship with God?
5. What questions stir in your mind as a result of what you heard this morning?
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