| “A More
Excellent Way” Lesson 8: Three Abiding
Things (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Intro: 1. In a world that is
temporary, it is comforting to know that there are some things that are
abiding. 2. With the various challenges families and churches face, we must
learn to rely on faith, hope, and love.
3. All three are beneficial with the “greatest of these” being
love. I. Faith and our families. 1. No greater obligation to my family than
to guide them in faith toward the Creator.
a. Trusting our God as a provider. (Deuteronomy 8:1-11) b. We look forward together to the home of
God. (Hebrews 11:9-10) 2. Encourage
our brethren to be people of substance. (Hebrews 11:1, 6) II. Hope and our families. 1. Hope is a principle God shares in the
early history of man. (Genesis 3:15)
2. Hope is not a wish. With hope there is a legitimate expectancy to
receive. 3. We should strengthen our
families in the hope that God provides. (Romans 8:28) 4. Christians share in “one hope.”
(Ephesians 4:4) a. We wear the same
helmet (reminder). (1 Thessalonians 5:8)
b. We are assured of this hope through an authoritative source.
(Colossians 1:23) c. That message
carries with it the hope that we will live eternally. (1 Corinthians
15:50-58) d. Benefit comes to our
spiritual family when we will encourage one another in this great hope. III. “But the greatest of these is
love.” 1. Faith and hope are vital.
Yet nothing is greater or more powerful than love. 2. Love for God motivates our faith in him.
Love for his promises anchors us as we longingly hope for the fulfillment of
those promises. 3. Love is
victorious… a. When challenges mount.
(Psalm 113) b. When I am in need of
spiritual cleansing. (Psalm 103:10-12)
c. When patience is needed. (2 Peter 3:9) d. When I need encouraged. (1 Thessalonians
2:5-8) (1) In the depths of despair it
is good to see ourselves through the eyes of those that love us. (2) You are not unlovable! Conclusion:
1. Love is the “more excellent way” in all things. 2. It is “more excellent” because GOD IS
LOVE!! |
