1.The love of God has a source and an order, v. 7-8

2.The love of God is demonstrated, v. 9

“…was made manifest among us”- to make actual and visible

Importance of the incarnation…

a) the incarnation halides the teaching of the Old Testament

b) the incarnation shows us that God loves us enough to make a way for us through Jesus

“The Son of God became man to enable men to become the sons of God.” - C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

c) the incarnation shows us that Jesus understands the struggles of humanity

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” -Hebrews 4:15

d) the incarnation reminds us that God has a plan for the world

3. The love of God is defined, v. 10

“propitiation”- means appeasement, an angry offended deity has been satisfied.

a) Believer- a constant source of grateful worship

b) unbeliever- a constant source of concern

“For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you. Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.” -Psalm 5:4-8

Mental worship…

1.Does loving people feel more like an obligation to you or an expression of who you really are?

2.Does the incarnation, God taking on flesh and living among us, still hold wonder for you?

3.How often do you take comfort in the fact that God knows what your life feels like and how does this inform the way you relate to him?

4.How will you think differently about the love of God after this morning?