Getting to Know God (2)

Becoming Partners With God

 

FILING INFORMATION:

2000054

Subject: god; attitude; love; sacrifice

Preached Originally: 09/10/2000 – Rapid City, SD

 

Introduction:

A.    Pt. 2 of 5 Pt. Series through 1 Oct.

1.     While we are undeserving – God wants to be partners with us.  It is almost unbelievable.

2.     We often find ourselves stained w/sin; doubting the power of God; or backsliding away from Him.

3.     We all must resolve to grow up in Christ – to act upon our faith – to be God’s kind of person.

B.    Henry T. Blackaby in his book EXPERIENCING GOD has said:

1.     We often assign God to a limited place in our lives.  Then we call on Him when we need help.  This is the exact opposite of what we find in the word of God.  He is the one who is working in our world.  He invites you to relate to Him so He can accomplish His work through you.

2.     Again…God wants to be partners with us.

C.   How do we know this?

 

I.  God Loved Us First.

A.    1 Jhn. 3:16; 4:9-10.  He loved us even when we didn’t love Him!

1.     Rom. 5:8-10 – loved us – even when we were enemies of Him – sinners.

2.     Hard to imagine the love here – but no one can argue about it’s being displayed.

B.    His desire is that love be returned!

1.    This = one of the central themes of His word!

2.    Deut. 6:4-9.  Focus esp. on 6:5.

3.    Mk. 12:30 – Jesus quoted this again for those who wish to follow Him.

 

II.  Love of God is shown through Obedience.

A.    Deut. 30:19-20 – expected of Israelites of old times.

1.    Benefits of their love of God:  life lengthened; happiness obtained.

2.    NT – 1 Jhn. 5:3 – His commandments are not burdensome.

3.    Jhn. 14:31 – Jesus did exactly as the Father commanded – so should we!

a)    14:15, 21 – prove our love through obedience!

b)    Don’t let anyone deceive you into believing that obedience not necessary.  i.e. faith only; just believe.

B.    God wants love w/o competition.

1.    Deut. 6:10-15 – demands total allegiance to Him!  Nothing in front of Him.  Not divided.

2.    Mt. 6:24 – Can’t serve God and Mammon at same time!  Be it possessions/beliefs/money/anything!

3.    Mt. 6:31-33 – Can’t let worry get in the way!  He will take care of us!

 

III.  True Love is Real, Personal, & Practical.

A.    It is to mean something to us.  Part of who we are!

1.    Any love that is not real, personal, and practical is useless.

2.    When 1 side contributes nothing – it’s a tragedy!

a)    Seen in marriages.

b)    Relations between brethren

c)    Parents/children

d)    Can happen in the Christian’s relationship with God as well.

4.    If our love is not real/personal – it won’t last!  Boils down to a mere fantasy.  Burns out.  Grows weary.

C.   Our love for God has got to be personal!  It must be real!  Must stem out of our desire to go to heaven & an abhorrence/sorrow for sin.

1.    Our love for God will be real when we strive to put on Christ.  It is our love that will motivate us to:

a)    Watch our tongue – Js. 3:8-11; Eph. 4:29

b)    Control our anger – Eph. 4:26

c)    Forgive those who wrong us – Lk. 17:3-5

d)    Fellowship with brethren – Heb. 10:24-25

e)    Have a godly home – Eph. 5

2.    It is exciting to grow up in Christ!  Look at little child – I can’t wait to grow up.

3.    We need the same attitude in growing up in Christ.

 

IV.  Here is the Pursuit….

A.    God has pursued a loving relationship with men.

1.    Hos. 11:1-4; Jer. 30:24-31:3; Jhn. 6:44-45

B.    He knows what is best for us – and desires our love in return.

1.    1 Jhn. 4:9 – demonstrated His love in His gift!

2.    His love continues to be real, personal, practical!

C.   Will you return His love, by obedience?

D.   I N V I T A T I O N