| “A More Excellent Way” Lesson 7: Love Never Fails (1 Corinthians
13:8) Intro: 1. It is one thing to claim that we are
loving, it is yet another to trust in love during every circumstance. 2. At times we have decided that love is
only beneficial and useful in certain circumstances. (Luke 6:27-33) 3. Part of strengthening our family
relationships in love is trusting that love to lead us to what is right and
good in every moment. 4. God has
declared that “love never fails.” The question is, “do I believe it?” I. Love never fails in building
friendships. 1. A friend “loveth at all times.” (Proverb 17:17) a. The Bible declares that friendship can
be stronger than family. There are many things that may make it difficult to
express the kind of love toward our physical families that we would like.
Even simple geographical problems can make it difficult. b. Our friends may be the strongest form
of family we have. c. If that be
true, we must be cautious as to whom we choose as our friends. (Galatians
6:10) 2. Within friendships, love
never fails when… a. Resolving
challenges (Proverb 17:9) b. Knowing
when to give space (Proverb 25:17)
c. Avoiding the temptation to meddle (Proverb 26:17) d. Acting with sincerity (Proverb
27:14) II. “For we know in part” (1
Corinthians 13:9) 1. Prophecies, tongues,
and knowledge only gives a partial view of what is needful. 2. Love will not fail to guide us into
the fullness of what we need in every relationship. 3. We may not always like what we know
and hear concerning our family but love must not cease. 4. Love is reliable when… a. Leading an erring brother away from
sin. (Galatians 6:1) (1) Even when the
sins are deplorable. (Acts 9:10-17)
(2) Even when we believe they are unworthy of repentance. (Jonah
4:1-2) b. When sharing the message of
the Gospel. (1 John 5:3) (1) “Fully
preach the gospel” (Romans 15:19) (2)
“Gladly receive” (Acts 2:41) (3) Trusting
in the purity, simplicity, and effectiveness of the message. (1 Corinthians
15:1-4) Conclusion: 1. Do you and I trust love? 2. Love is the great equalizer in
difficult times. 3. We cannot say it
any better than the apostle Paul, “love never fails!” |
