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Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

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Commanded To Love<br />

Mark A. Copeland<br />

INTRODUCTION<br />

1. In the minds of many, love is simply an emotion...<br />

a. A feeling that cannot be forced<br />

b. An emotion that can come and go (e.g., “I don’t love you anymore...”)<br />

2. Yet we are commanded to love...<br />

a. And not just in the sense of active good will<br />

b. But also in the sense of affection, friendship<br />

3. It is common to distinguish between two different Greek words for love...<br />

a. Agape (active good will), as that which is commanded<br />

b. Phileo (fondness, friendship), as that which cannot be forced<br />

4. Yet the distinction between the two is not always clear cut...<br />

a. Agape can also be defined as “brotherly love, affection” - Thayer, Strong<br />

b. Phileo is often commanded in the Scriptures<br />

[Perhaps a review of how we are commanded to love is in order. Also, how we can be taught to develop<br />

an emotional love towards another person. Beginning first with the command to love...]<br />

I. WE ARE COMMANDED TO LOVE<br />

A. GOD AND JESUS...<br />

1. We are commanded to love (agape) God with our heart - Mk 12:30<br />

2. We are commanded to love (phileo) Jesus, more than family - 1 Co 16:22; Mt 10:37<br />

B. THOSE IN OUR COMMUNITY...<br />

1. We are commanded to love (agape) our neighbor - Mk 12:31<br />

2. We are commanded to love (agape) our enemies - Mt 5:44<br />

C. THOSE IN OUR FAMILIES...<br />

1. Husbands are to love (agape) their wives (which includes to cherish) - Ep 5:25,28-29<br />

2. Wives are to love their husbands (philandros, to love as a friend) - Ti 2:4<br />

3. Mothers are to love their children (philoteknos, to be fond of one’s children) - Ti 2:4<br />

D. THOSE IN THE CHURCH...<br />

1. We are to love (agape) one another as Christ loved us - Jn 13:34<br />

2. We are to be kindly affectionate (philostorgos, love of family) to one another with<br />

brotherly love (philadelphia, fraternal affection) - Ro 12:10<br />

[It should be evident that the command to love often requires displaying a true, heartfelt, affection<br />

towards another (e.g., Jesus, spouses, children, brethren in Christ). If commanded, then it must be<br />

something we can develop where lacking. By the grace of God, we can be taught how to love...]<br />

II. WE ARE TAUGHT HOW TO LOVE<br />

<strong>Topical</strong> <strong>Sermons</strong> 78

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