The First Love
Part 4 of the “Keep in Step” message series
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. – Galatians 5:1 (NASB)
The BIG Idea
We are called to cling to the freedom that Christ claimed for us in His death and Resurrection. If we view our Christian lives as being under the rule of the Law, then we will be unable to live the life that Christ created for us. We must remember our first love – a growing relationship with Jesus!
What does it take for us to continue keeping in step with the Holy Spirit for the rest of our lives?
19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, through His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let’s approach God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let’s hold firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, 25 not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. – Hebrews 10:19-25 (NASB)
We must remember that God is faithful!
ILLUSTRATION: The “Life-Time Guarantee” used for commercials.
We must trust that the promise is good because the One who made the promise is good.
ILLUSTRATION: The Church in Ephesus strayed from the Gospel message.
But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. – Revelation 2:4 (NASB)
If we occupy this temporary world, we are in constant danger of straying from our first love.
Losing our first love brings a strict consequence.
We receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us. (Acts 2-4)
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB)
ILLUSTRATION: The Wedding Day and the Marriage
We must keep fresh in our minds the reality of our first love as followers of Jesus.
Questions for Reflection:
What does it take for us to continue keeping in step with the Holy Spirit for the rest of our lives?
What would it mean for you to focus on “sustainability” in your relationship with Jesus?
What primary promises does Hebrews 10:19-25 hold for all followers of Jesus?
In what ways might we stray from our “first love” as followers of Jesus?
What are some important things the power of the Holy Spirit does for us as followers of Jesus?
How can we stay focused on Christ Jesus as our “first love?”
The BIG Idea
We are called to cling to the freedom that Christ claimed for us in His death and Resurrection. If we view our Christian lives as being under the rule of the Law, then we will be unable to live the life that Christ created for us. We must remember our first love – a growing relationship with Jesus!
What does it take for us to continue keeping in step with the Holy Spirit for the rest of our lives?
19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, through His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let’s approach God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let’s hold firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; 24 and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, 25 not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. – Hebrews 10:19-25 (NASB)
We must remember that God is faithful!
ILLUSTRATION: The “Life-Time Guarantee” used for commercials.
We must trust that the promise is good because the One who made the promise is good.
ILLUSTRATION: The Church in Ephesus strayed from the Gospel message.
But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. – Revelation 2:4 (NASB)
If we occupy this temporary world, we are in constant danger of straying from our first love.
Losing our first love brings a strict consequence.
We receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us. (Acts 2-4)
- The power of the Holy Spirit is for God’s glory and not ours.
- The power of the Holy Spirit brings transformation.
- The power of the Holy Spirit is to comfort us.
- The Holy Spirit creates a life for us that we do not need escape from.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB)
ILLUSTRATION: The Wedding Day and the Marriage
We must keep fresh in our minds the reality of our first love as followers of Jesus.
Questions for Reflection:
What does it take for us to continue keeping in step with the Holy Spirit for the rest of our lives?
What would it mean for you to focus on “sustainability” in your relationship with Jesus?
What primary promises does Hebrews 10:19-25 hold for all followers of Jesus?
In what ways might we stray from our “first love” as followers of Jesus?
What are some important things the power of the Holy Spirit does for us as followers of Jesus?
How can we stay focused on Christ Jesus as our “first love?”