Sermon Notes:
1. God is love. (1 John 4:8)
God had 4 choices in creation:
a. God could have created nothing at all.
b. God could have created a world where there was no such thing as good or evil.
c. God could have created a world where beings could only choose good.
d. God could have created a world like this one where beings would have the freedom to choose between good or evil. (Genesis 2)
2. The supreme ethic that God has given to us on earth is love. (Deuteronomy 6:4; John 15:12; 1 John 4:7-8)
3. Freedom is indispensable to love. (Mark 12:28-31; John 21:15-17)
4. God’s ultimate proof of His love to you is centered in His Son Jesus. (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10; Romans 8:38-39)
Follow-up Questions from Sunday:
Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Getting to Know You:
Who would you say are the top two or three persons that have loved you the most on this earth?
Digging Deeper:
1. Read 1 John 4:7-8. What does this verse reveal to you about the nature and the heart of God? When do you think you first discovered your capacity to receive and give love? Where do you think love comes from and how important is it in your life?
2. Do you think love could exist without freedom of the will or free choice?
Why or why not?
3. How would you define love?
4. Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-7. How does God describe love in this chapter?
5. How has God shown you His love in your life?
6. How has God’s love for you changed your life? How do you think His love for you is continuing to change your life?
7. Have you ever loved someone that rejected you? Do you think that God knows how this feels? Read Luke 22:47-48. Can you think of any other examples in the Bible?
8. Why do you think God loves you? Why do you love God?
Taking it Home:
What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?