I - LOVE

Commanded by the Saviour

(1John 3:23) And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

Characteristic of the True Saint

(1John 3:14) We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

Love for the Saviour

a. Our Greatest Commandment
b. Our Greatest Need
c. Our Greatest Privilege

Love for the Saints

(John 13:35) A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

Love that Salutes

(Hebrews 13:24) Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.

Love that Submits

(Hebrews 13:17) Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Love that Supplies

(James 2:14-17 & 1John 3:16-18)

(2Corinthians 3:17) Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
Things that rob a church of liberty

Formalism
Sin in the Camp
Unforgiving Spirit

The Pastor must have Liberty to

Perceive the Will of God
Preach the Word of God
Perform the Work of God

To the Scriptures

Not the Past
Not the Programs
Not the Popes of Fundamentalism
Not to Family or Friends

To the Saints

(Hebrews 10:25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

IV - LIBERALITY

(2Corinthians 8:2) How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality
Note: This is not liberalism, but liberality (generosity)
Toward the Redeemer

(2Corinthians 8:5) And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

Toward our Riches

(2Corinthians 8:3, 7) For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves… Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
(2Corinthians 9:7) Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Toward our Relationship to Others

Cultivating a forgiving spirit
Cultivating a forbearing spirit

V - LABOR

Our Principles of Service

It is the result of Love
It is voluntary (Isaiah "send me")
It involves exercising your spiritual gift

Our Pattern of Service

Faithfully
Fervently
Fruitfully

Our Purpose of Service

To Prove our Love
To Preach the Gospel

Conclusion:
Are you committed to love, loyalty, labor, liberality and liberty?

Sermon Outlines