Springs Article 2021-02 (2)
John 15:9-17
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
How can I do a good thing and not have the love of God according to 1 Corinthians 13:1-3?
- No one is truly good without God!
- There is always pride and selfishness in what the flesh (i.e. ‘mind and body’ without God) produces
- Romans 3:10-26
- People can produce good works out of routine or tradition, without their heart (faith and love) being divinely engaged
What is the difference between goodness and righteousness?
- Goodness can be defined as good works. However, your human goodness is not enough – it will always fall short of God’s perfection!
- Romans 3:10-26
- You cannot attain righteousness by your fleshly good works!
- You attain righteousness by trusting in the perfect work of Jesus Christ (the unblemished Lamb that was slain for your sins)
- You attain righteousness by making Jesus your Lord and receiving His righteousness into your life, 2 Corinthians 5:21
- It is inward righteousness (a right standing with God) that produces outward righteousness (right living and acceptable good works)
- Trusting in Jesus Christ implies receiving the love of God into your spirit (i.e. living by faith) and responding to the love of God with your ‘mind and body’ (i.e. walking in love)
- Ephesians 5:1-4, 1 John 4:7-12
What is the meaning of ‘love believes all things’ according to 1 Corinthians 13:7?
- A true believer in Christ cannot believe every information they receive. You should only believe information that agrees with God’s Word
- Faith is based on the Word of God; Faith is believing God!
- Love believes all things pertaining to the Truth: the Word of God is Truth
- John 17:17; 14:6
- Love believes all things that God has to say on the matter!
- Love pursues the will of God
- To remain in God’s love, you have to obey what God is telling you, John 15:10
- Love sees beyond the facts and always focuses on that which pleases God (i.e. the greater good), Hebrews 11:6
How can I know the will of God in my situation?
- Through Communion and Fellowship (i.e. Prayer and Bible Study)
- Psalm 16:8-11
- The will of God is revealed in the Logos (the written Word)
- The will of God is revealed in the Rhema (the spoken Word)
- The Rhema does not contradict the Logos!
- Ask God for what He wants you to do in the situation
- Matthew 7:7-11
- God is love; the way of love is to pursue the revealed will of God
What if I have missed the perfect will of God for my life?
- Repent of your rebellion and disobedience
- Embrace an attitude of humility and obedience
- James 4:6-10, 1 John 1:9
- Ask God to show/teach you the way forward (the next best route to destination)
- Matthew 7:7
- Follow simple instructions (Logos and Rhema)
- Persevere through the process!