Better Covenant Ministries Intl

Sunday Service 10/12/2023
Topic: Knowing the love of Christ- Part 2: what is the breadth of the love of Christ -

DAY 3

WALKING IN LOVE – A SPIRITUAL INITIATIVE (1)

Recall from the earlier explanation in this study that our example of “walking in love” towards others, is God our Father.

Ephesians 5:1-2 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Now, let us observe how God’s love was explained in the Scriptures.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

In the above texts, observe the writer’s explanation:

- For God so loved that he gave…
- Perceive we the Love of God, because He laid down his life for us…

In other words, the love of God is seen in what He did; His actions (His tender mercies and graciousness).

Again, in Romans 5

Romans 5:7-8 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. Vs 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Similar to the Lord Jesus, and John (in the above texts), Paul also explained God’s love as what He did; His actions…God commended His love towards us

Carefully observe Paul’s words (in Verse 8b)…while we were yet sinners.

In other words, God demonstrated His love towards humanity irrespective of our actions towards Him.

Now, since our example of walking in love is our Father, and the love of God is seen in what He did (he gave His son; He laid down His life), therefore, it is evident that walking in love on the part of the believer is seen also in his or her actions towards other.

Therefore, in conclusion, it is evident that to walk in love is to take spiritual initiatives, which will be evident in my words and actions towards others.

Confession: Because I am born of God, I can love the same way that He loved us. In my thoughts, speech and conduct towards others, I choose to walk in love at all times.

Kindly join us tomorrow as we continue in this devotional on the subject of Walking in Love.

Tell a friend.

Jesus is Lord.

DAY 1

WE ARE BORN OF GOD…WE WALK IN LOVE JUST LIKE OUR FATHER (1)

Ephesians 5:1-2 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

The first fact to note from the writer’s explanation in the above texts is that he refers to us as “dear children (of God)”.

This is consistent with his explanation earlier in Chapter 2.

Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

We received the Spirit of God by faith in the gospel.

Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Vs 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Thus, from Paul’s explanation in this letter, by faith in the gospel, we (believers) are born of God, and we are indwelt by His Spirit.

Therefore, when he taught and gave instructions in Ephesians 5:1-3.

Ephesians 5:1-2 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

It is lucid that as believers, because we are born of God, and we are indwelt by the Spirit of God, we can imitate God (our Father) in our conduct.

This explains why he taught in earlier paragraphs.

Ephesians 4:29-32 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Again, notice Paul’s explanation in verse 32

…And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

In other words, our (every believer’s) example of walking in love, and forgiving one another is God, our father.

Hence, his instructions to walk in love.

Ephesians 5:1-2 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Thus, in conclusion, at salvation, we (believers) received the Spirit of God (our Father), and as such, we can act like our Father (we are kind-hearted, we easily forgive, we walk in love) in how we relate with fellow believers

Confession: I am born of God. I have the Spirit of God. Just like my Father, I walk in love towards others (to fellow believers (leadership and membership) in my local assembly, family members, colleagues at work, friends, colleagues at school, and many as such) daily.

Kindly join us tomorrow as we continue in this devotional on the subject of Walking in Love.

Tell a friend.

Jesus is Lord.