How can we grow in love as a community, according to 1 Thessalonians 4:9? Our Starting Text “Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.” (1 Thessalonians 4:9) What God Has Already Done • He has personally “taught” us to love—literally writing the lesson on our hearts through the new birth (Jeremiah 31:33; Romans 5:5). • He models love perfectly in Christ’s sacrifice (Romans 5:8). • He places us in a family where that love is meant to flourish (Ephesians 2:19). Why Paul Mentions It Anyway • Even Spirit-taught believers need reminders to fan the flame (2 Timothy 1:6). • Growth in love is never finished this side of heaven; “excel still more” (1 Thessalonians 4:10). • Love is the church’s public witness: “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35). Practical Ways to “Excel Still More” 1. Cultivate Daily Fellowship - Share life beyond Sunday: meals, calls, texts, visits (Acts 2:46). - Show hospitality without grumbling (1 Peter 4:9). 2. Speak Life-Giving Words - Encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13). - Let no unwholesome talk remain, only what “is good for building up” (Ephesians 4:29). 3. Serve Tangible Needs - Meet material needs as in Acts 4:34-35. - Practice quiet, unnoticed acts—yard work, childcare, rides (Matthew 6:3-4). 4. Forgive Quickly and Fully - “Forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32). - Refuse bitterness; pursue reconciliation (Colossians 3:13). 5. Pray Together and for One Another - Lift specific names and situations (Ephesians 6:18). - Celebrate answered prayer publicly, boosting faith. 6. Pursue Holiness Side by Side - Stir one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). - Offer gentle correction when sin surfaces (Galatians 6:1), always aiming to restore. 7. Celebrate Diversity within Unity - Value each gift in the body (1 Corinthians 12:4-27). - Honor differing ages, backgrounds, and preferences without partiality (James 2:1). 8. Keep the Cross Central - Remember who loved first and why (1 John 4:10). - Share the Lord’s Supper often, renewing gratitude and humility (1 Corinthians 11:26). Outcome God Promises • A reputation that attracts the watching world (Acts 2:47). • Hearts strengthened in holiness for Christ’s return (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13). • Joy that overflows, because love fulfilled God’s law (Romans 13:10). |
    |