I. The Primacy of Love

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3 Introduction 1 John 4: In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

4 I. The Primacy of Love A. Needed for a worthy testimony 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

5 I. The Primacy of Love B. It is the first fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

6 I. The Primacy of Love C. Proves our sincerity for God 1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

7 I. The Primacy of Love D. It is the better way 1 Corinthians 12:37 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

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9 Psalm 119:4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. Psalm 119:15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. Psalm 119:93 I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. Psalm 119:128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

10 Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Hold o'er my being absolute sway. Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see Christ only, always, living in me! John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

11 II. The Precepts of Love 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

12 II. The Precepts of Love A. Charity suffereth long Patient, understanding, passively waits B. Is kind Does not retaliate, responds to benefit C. Envieth not Not jealous, rejoices in other s blessings D. Vaunted not itself Has no ego, is not the center of attention

13 II. The Precepts of Love E. Is not puffed up Is not proud, humbles oneself F. Doth not behave itself unseemly Is not rude, has good manners, shows respect G. Seeketh not her own Is not self-seeking, pursues others interests H. Is not easily provoked Is not easily angered, not looking for an excuse to blow up

14 II. The Precepts of Love I. Thinketh no evil Keeps no record of wrongs, not looking to the past J. Rejoiceth not in iniquity Does not delight in evil, misfortune of others does not cause joy K. But rejoiceth in the truth Expresses itself in truth L. Beareth all things Always protects, allows no harm

15 II. The Precepts of Love M. Believeth all things Always trusts, gives the benefit of doubt N. Hopeth all things Always hopes, optimistic, refuses to accept defeat O. Endureth all things Always perseveres, strong, enduring

16 II. The Precepts of Love Love is. Slow to suspect -- quick to trust. Slow to reprimand -- quick to forbear. Slow to belittle -- quick to appreciate. Slow to condemn -- quick to justify. Slow to offend -- quick to defend. Slow to demand -- quick to give. Slow to provoke -- quick to conciliate. Slow to hinder -- quick to help. Slow to resent -- quick to forgive. -- The Baptist Challenge

17 III. The Permanence of Love A. It never perishes 1 Corinthians 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

18 III. The Permanence of Love B. It completes us 1 Corinthians 13: For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

19 III. The Permanence of Love C. It never changes 1 Corinthians 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

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