Living in God, living in love

Outline of sermon and worship theme for Presteigne Baptist Church, Feb 11, 2018

Scripture

1 John 4:16-19

16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.
18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
19 We love because He first loved us.

Teaching

We think more readily of God living in us.

God "in us" is not quite the same as us being in God.
What this means (reference John 17:21b and 23)

"Whoever lives in love".

v.16b Whoever lives in love, lives in God, AND God in them.
Whoever has God in them:
lives in God, and
lives in love –
* loves like God and therefore has something of the look of Jesus.

It comes together here, Col. 1:27

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

What we make known, among those of the extended family of God’s creation but of less faith, is the hope we carry in us, Christ in us.

That is our mission. The church is mission. It’s the only membership whose purpose is all about the non-members.

How these precious not-yet members see us is really important.

Application

THEY CAN TELL WHO THE CHRISTIANS ARE, BECAUSE...

1. They are the ones LIVING IN LOVE

Col. 2:10 “You have been given fullness in Christ..." reference
Receiving this fullness. Having capacity and desire for more!

2. They are the ones with a QUIET CONFIDENCE

Living the Christian life has difficulties. There is attack. It goes with the territory.
This was true for Jesus as well.
The difference between Jesus facing opposition and danger, and us

3. They are the ones who are LIKE Jesus

We can’t preach to not-yet-believers until we earn their trust.
We can’t earn their trust until we become real and consistent in saying and doing
We can’t appear real until overtaken by God’s love. And starting to look like Jesus.

Conclusion.

How we do this.
Invite the Holy Spirit to impart...

Bio note: Revd Ian Greig is a Pioneer Minister with the Church of England in Weobley & Staunton benefice, serving as community pastor for the C of E, Methodist and RC churches and congregations.