“Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Cor. 16:14 ESV)

When love is your motivation…

• Your attitude toward others will be right

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Cor 13:4-7 ESV)

• Your life will have more harmony

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Col. 3:14 ESV)

• People will know you are Christ’s disciple

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35 ESV)

• You will be without fear

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” (1 John 4:18 ESV)

• You will abide in God

“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 John 4:16 ESV)

• Your reward will be great

“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” (Luke 6:35 ESV)

 Therefore…

 “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8 ESV)

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Rom. 12:10 ESV)

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” (Rom. 12:9 ESV)

“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” (Rom. 13:8 ESV)

 Quote:

 “The world does not understand theology or dogma, but it understands love and sympathy.” - Dwight L. Moody

“But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.” (Heb. 11:16 ESV)

Duel citizenship: being a citizen of two countries simultaneously and sharing the rights and responsibilities of the citizens in each country. 

We are citizens of God’s kingdom

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” (Phil. 3:20-21 ESV)

 “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,” (Col. 1:13 ESV)

While here, we represent Christ

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Cor. 5:20 ESV)

Therefore…

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:1-3 ESV)

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev. 21:1-4 ESV)

Quote:

"I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to that country and to help others to do the same." - C.S. Lewis

“When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.” (Prov. 28:12 ESV)

Triumphant means experiencing, celebrating, or having achieved a triumph —an especially significant or noteworthy victory or success. Triumph is also commonly used as a verb meaning to win, succeed, or be victorious in an epic or spectacular way. Sometimes, it means to conquer.

God always leads us in triumph in Christ

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” (2 Cor. 2:14 ESV)

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 15:57 ESV)

Therefore…

“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” (Col. 2:15 ESV)

Quote

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - Jesus

“If you want a wonderful experience, take your New Testament and use a concordance to look up the two little words, but God. See how many times human resources have been brought to an utter end; despair has gripped the heart and pessimism and gloom has settled upon a people; and there is nothing that can be done. Then see how the Spirit of God writes in luminous letters, but God, and the whole situation changes into victory.” - Ray C. Stedman

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Gal. 6:9 NIV)

 Don’t give up because you will be blessed

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 ESV)

Don’t give up because you are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” (Heb. 12:1 ESV)

Don’t give up so you will be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing 

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4 ESV)

Don’t give up because the Lord is compassionate and merciful

“Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” (James 5:11 ESV)

Don’t give up! Endure and be saved

“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matt. 24:13 ESV)

 Don’t give up because Jesus is coming soon

“I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.” (Rev. 3:11 ESV)

Therefore…

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 1:6 ESV) 

“If we endure, we will also reign with him;” (2 Tim. 2:12 ESV)

“Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)

Great and awesome wonders performed by God 

 “He is the one you praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.” (Deut. 10:21)

Miracles were performed by faith, in the Name of Jesus

 “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.” (Acts 3:16)

 “While you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (Acts 4:30 ESV)

God did extraordinary miracles through the Apostle Paul

 “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.” (Acts 19:11-12)

 Therefore…

 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Eph. 3:20-21)

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12 ESV)

Quote:

“How quickly we forget God's great deliverances in our lives. How easily we take for granted the miracles he performed in our past.” - David Wilkerson

“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” (Eph. 4:16 NLT)

The body of Christ consists of one Spirit but many members

“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many.” (1 Cor. 12:12-14 ESV)

The body of Christ, though many members, have many different functions

“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Rom. 12:4-5 ESV)

“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.” (1 Cor. 12:27-31 ESV)

Christ is the head of the body

“And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” (Col. 1:18 ESV)

“That he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” (Eph. 1:20-23 ESV)

Therefore…

“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” (1 Cor. 1:10 ESV)

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Col. 3:14-16 ESV)

“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” (Lam. 3:25 ESV)

Pray and wait patiently

During a personal problem (or even a national crises), God is always where to go for help. However, be patient and don’t give up or get discouraged while you wait for God’s answer. Sometimes there is a length of time between your prayer for help and God’s answer to arrive. In one case, even though God immediately answered Daniel’s prayer, it was delayed for 21 days because of spiritual warfare resisting it. It’s a good thing that Daniel didn’t give up, but waited patiently, expecting God’s answer (Dan. 10:13-21). In today’s world of instant everything, Christians often give up too soon and miss out. The Bible says to remain strong with courage and patience, and to expect God to answer. And He will! 

Wait with courage and strength

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14 ESV)

Wait patiently, trusting God to answer 

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.” (Psalm 40:1-5 ESV)

“Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” (James 5:11 ESV) 

Wait on the Lord for renewed strength

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isa. 40:31 ESV)

Wait on the Lord while doing these things

“But I will keep on hoping for your help; I will praise you more and more. I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words. I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign Lord. I will tell everyone that you alone are just.” (Psalms 71:14-16 NLT)

Therefore…

“But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” (Micah 7:7 ESV)

“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (James 5:7-8 ESV)

“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” (Isa. 30:18 ESV)

“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” (John 15:8 ESV)

You bear much fruit by abiding in Jesus 

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 ESV)

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire

“So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matt. 7:17-20 ESV)

“Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” (John 15:2 ESV)

 Therefore…

“So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Col. 1:10 ESV)

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” (Jer. 17:7-8 ESV)

Quote:

“It is of no use for any of you to try to be soul-winners if you are not bearing fruit in your own lives. How can you serve the Lord with your lips if you do not serve Him with your lives.? How can you preach His gospel with your tongues, when with hands, feet, and heart you are preaching the devil’s gospel, and setting up an antichrist by your practical unholiness?” - Charles Spurgeon

“And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.” (2 Cor. 5:18 NLT)

God gave us the wonderful message of reconciliation 

 “For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.” (2 Cor. 5:19 NLT)

 We are His ambassadors telling the world to “Come back to God”

 “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” (2 Cor. 5:20 NLT)

The message of reconciliation is easy to understand as explained in one verse

 “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (2 Cor. 5:21 NLT)

 Don’t ignore it! You are God’s partner!

 “As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it.” (2 Cor. 6:1 NLT)

 The right time is now!

 “For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.” (2 Cor. 6:2 NLT)

Therefore…

 “We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry.” (2 Cor. 6:3 NLT)

 “In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind.” (2 Cor. 6:4 NLT)

 “We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food.” (2 Cor. 6:5 NLT)

“We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love.” (2 Cor. 6:6 NLT)

“We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense.” (2 Cor. 6:7 NLT)

“We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors.” (2 Cor. 6:8 NLT)