Alta Vista Baptist Church
Alta Vista Baptist Church
Sermons

Bob McRoberts – What Is Love?

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This Sunday we are excited to welcome Rev. Bob McRoberts to bring God’s word. Bob is Pastor Emeritus at Calvary Baptist Church here in Ottawa. Join us in-person or online at 10:30 Sunday morning!

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A. Love is _______________

1 Corinthians 13:1-2, and 4-7. 

A project: www.jointhekindnesschallenge.com 

  1. Convey nothing negative 
  2. Say one thing to praise or affirm in the person. 
  3. Do one small act of kindness for the person.  

B. Love is ___________ or _______________ 

the right kind of person.

1 Corinthians 13:3, 4-7. 15 character traits

A family project: 

  • Discern a character quality for each statement. 
  • Define the quality. 
  • Memorize the definition.
  • Discover a Bible verse or story that exemplifies each one.
  • Design projects to encourage development of each one.

Paul’s list, beginning with 2 positive qualities:

  1. Love is patient: ___________________
  2. Love is kind: ___________________

Then follow 8 negative traits. (Think of the opposite of each)

  1. It does not envy: ___________________
  2. It does not boast: ___________________ 
  3. It is not proud: ___________________
  4. It is not rude: ___________________
  5. It is not self-seeking: ___________________
  6. It is not easily angered: ___________________
  7. It keeps no record of wrongs: ___________________
  8. Love does not delight in evil: ___________________

The list ends with 5 positive qualities:

  1. But rejoices with the truth: ___________________
  2. It always protects: ___________________
  3. Always trusts: ___________________
  4. Always hopes: ___________________
  5. Always perseveres: ___________________

C. Love _______________  _____________ 

1 Corinthians 13:8a, 9-12

Love never fails is a statement of the permanence of love contrasted with the impermanence of spiritual gifts. 

Paul’s teaching on spiritual gifts is given in 1 Corinthians 12-14. 

He interrupts his presentation of these gifts to put them in their proper perspective. 

  • 12:31 & 14:1. It is not enough to desire gifts; must pursue love. 
  • 13:1-3. Without love, the gifts have no value. 
  • 13:4-7. A description of several characteristics of love.
  • 13:8. The final characteristic of love: it is permanent. 
  • 13:9-12. But gifts are impermanent. Why? Because:
  • vs 9. our present knowledge and prophesying are partial.
  • vs 10. some day perfection will replace imperfect gifts. 
  • vs 11. some day we will reach maturity. 
  • vs 12. now we see a poor reflection; we do not see God face to face. 

Two Applications regarding the permanence of love:

1. For an individual: John 3:16 

S.I.N:   S____________ I_______________ N__________. 

John 3:16 challenges a person to ACT: 

A. _________ sin. 

C. ___________ one’s mind/will/heart toward God. 

T. __________ Christ as Saviour and Lord. 

2. For a community of faith.

The experience of Elias Chacour, from his autobiography, 

Blood Brothers. Baker Books, Grand Rapids 2013.