Bible Love: Is It Necessary for Salvation?
I. What is love?
A. “When a puppy licks your face… even after you left him alone all day.”
B. Vine’s: Greek word Agape/Agapao : “the characteristic word of Christianity” describing “the attitude of God toward His Son; the human race, generally; and to such as believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, particularly.”
C. But challenging to completely describe in English because “love” means so many different things. Let us consider 1 Corinthians 13 with other passages to better comprehend Agape LOVE
II. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 – THE SUPREMACY OF LOVE
A. Love > Miraculous works; Love > Faith!
B. Faith or works without love profits nothing (James 2:14-18)
C. Contrast elements of 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 with how man was commanded to love God in Mark 12:29.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3: Absence of love renders ineffective | Mark 12:29: Love the Lord with our… |
Tongues | Words (Matthew 7:21-22) |
Prophecies, knowledge | Heart (Romans 10:10) |
Knowledge | Soul (1 Thessalonians 5:23) |
Faith | Mind (Romans 12:2) |
Generosity | Strength (2 Corinthians 12:9) |
D. God wants our full devotion, and without it, we can’t successfully teach or worship.
1. Love > Sacrifice (Mark 12:33)
2. Obedience > Sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22)
III. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – WHAT IS LOVE?
A. These attributes of love are applicable on all levels and in all contexts: marriage, family, church, community, workplace, neighbor, etc.
Love is: | Love is not: |
Patient/suffers long | Jealous/envious |
Kind | Boastful/parade itself/brag |
Honest | Proud/arrogant |
Forgiving | Rude |
Hopeful | Selfish |
Enduring | Irritable/resentful/provoked |
Persevering | Thinking evil/ keeping account of evil |
Rejoicing in the Truth | Rejoicing in iniquity or wrongdoing |
1. Love is Obedient; “Keep my commandments” (John 14:15, 23-24; 1 John 5:1-5)
2. Love is selfless (John 15:12-14; Philippians 2:1-4)
3. Love is sacrificial, whether great or minimal (1 John 3:16-17)
4. Love is in truth and action (1 John 3:18-24)
5. Love is Obedient (John 14:15, 23-24; 1 John 5:1-5)
IV. 1 Corinthians 13:13 – FAITH, HOPE, & LOVE
A. What is faith or hope without love? Disobedience (1 John 3:23)
B. Hebrews 10:18-27 – How we start our life as a Disciple of Christ is present in one passage, intermingled with faith, hope, & love.
Faith, Hope, & Love | How to become a Disciple of Jesus Christ |
verse 22 – Let us… faith | verse 22: “true heart in full assurance of faith” |
verse 23 – Let us… hope | verse 22: “hearts sprinkled clean from evil conscience” (repentance) |
verse 24 – Let us… love | verse 23: “hold fast to the confession of our hope” verse 22: “bodies washed with pure water” (baptism) verse 26: Remain faithful and Love |
V. CONCLUSION
Living a life with Bible Love is necessary for salvation and is necessary to please God. When we put Bible love into practice our families will be better, our marriages will be better, our communities will be better, our congregations will be better, and we will glorify God the Father and His Son! Are you a Disciple of Jesus Christ today (Matthew 27:57)? If you are not, why are you waiting (Acts 22:16)?
We invite all in our audience to our Bible studies on Wednesday at 7pm and Sunday morning at 9am. We would love to study God’s together with you! Please check the scriptures we have covered tonight. We want to help you in any way we can. Contact us for Bible studies by telephone, e-mail, or simply come to one of our assemblies. Contact: We assemble at 8000 River Drive in Oak Ridge at 9am on Sundays and 7pm on Wednesdays; oakridgechurch.com; david.barry@oakridgechurch.com, murray.wade@oakridgechurch.com; (865) 693-1416.
Our next live program is planned for May 4, 2026 when we plan to study “The Power of the Word of God” and we hope to see you next time on "Speaking the Truth in Love".