SERMON OUTLINE FOR FURTHER STUDY / REFLECTION
KEY VERSES:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” – 1 John 4:10
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
INTRODUCTION
• Understanding Love
• How Does God Feel About You?
GOD’S LOVE BEGAN FROM ETERNITY
• Chosen in Christ before Creation of the World
• Creation Reveals God’s Love & Goodness
SIN ESTRANGED US FROM GOD’S LOVE
• Sin Defiled & Redefined Love
• Sin Nature & God’s Righteousness
GOD’S LOVE CAME DOWN
• God-in-man (Incarnate, Immanuel – God with Us)
• God’s Love Personified in Christ’s Life & Sacrifice
GOD’S LOVE EXPERIENCED IN HIS CHILDREN
• Beyond Knowing to Experiencing
• Transforming in Godly Character
• Loving others Selflessly & Sacrificially
Additional References:
• Surrender to Love, David G. Benner
• The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God, D. A. Carson
• www.fathersloveletter.com
GROWING DEEPER - APPLICATION
1. What stood out to you in this message?
2. When asking God how He felt about you what came to mine? Why do you think you responded the way you did?
3. What is the world’s definition of love? How does this differ from how God defines love? How is love defined for the children of God (born-again believers)?
4. What lengths did God make to reveal His personal love for you?
5. Knowing you are beloved by your Heavenly Father how should this influence your relationship with others?
6. What love-gift could you graciously give to another during this Christmas season (e.g., gift of forgiveness, a helping hand, a surprise phone call, an unexpected meal, etc.)?
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Pastor Trevor