By The Rev. Dr. Paul A. Leggett
Sunday, October 4, 2009 · World Communion Sunday
Sermon Text: I John 3:16-18
Sermon Theme
John is calling his readers to action. He reminds them that true love has been defined for us by the example of Jesus Christ. Christ laid down his life “for us,” sinners who had rejected and denied him (John 1:10). We have been made new by his sacrifice and victory on the cross. Jesus’ dying for us is the ultimate expression of love. We need to love in turn. This love can be neither abstract nor general. We need to show our love by addressing the concrete needs in our world. As a church, we are going through a time of transition. We need to ask, what is God’s special vision for us? What are we being called to do to show God’s love in action?
Sermon Outline
- Cost. God’s love for us is costly. It cost God the life of his only Son. Jesus gave his life “for us,” which is another way of saying he gave his life for the world. Jesus’ ministry begins with a vision. As John portrays it, Jesus has a vision of drawing all people unto himself. Jesus then embarks on a mission to fulfill this vision. Yet without the cross the vision would be unfulfilled. Apart from the cross Jesus’ mission would fail. We are to follow Jesus’ example in showing costly love.
- Concern. Without the love of God, the world has no hope. Love must be in “truth and action” (I John 3:18). Love demonstrates compassion and concern. It reaches out to those in need. John however emphasizes the fact that the world in general resists God’s love. We see this today. In our world, people are often treated more like objects than human beings made in the image of God. We encounter a daily harshness which breaks the human spirit. Less and less is known of the love of God. The danger in the church at Ephesus is they had lost their first love. If our hearts are not dedicated to the love of God it is not only we who suffer. The world without Christ suffers even more.
- Call. All Christians and all churches have been called to go and make disciples of the nations (Matthew 28:19-20). The church in Ephesus had its own distinct features. We may ask, what is our distinct calling here at Grace? Do we have a special vision which guides us in our ministry and mission? I believe that we, like the church in Ephesus, have a unique role to play in communicating the gospel. I would describe our vision, which I believe has been active throughout much of Grace Church’s history, this way: To equip believers in Jesus Christ to be Christian leaders wherever God has placed them. Leadership cannot be defined only in organizational terms, like being the president of a club. Leadership essentially has three characteristics: it provides an example or model, it is visible and it makes a difference. God places us in many different places and situations. Wherever we are in our world today, there is a desperate need for Christian leadership. This is the ultimate demonstration of love in action.
Questions for Us
- John says we are to lay down our lives for one another (I John 3:16). What are some of the concrete ways that we can do this?
- How do we show "love in action" in our daily lives? What opportunities does this provide for us to show leadership wherever God has placed us?
- Do you think the statement, "to equip believers in Jesus Christ to be Christian leaders wherever God has placed them" describes the ministry of Grace Church? Do you think this is an adequate vision for us as a church? How would you amend or change it?
