Loving One Another

Eagle's Landing Sermons

“By this they will know you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”— John 13:35

The people of God are marked by a growing love for one another.

1. Biblical community is marked by deep desire.

“But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.”
— 1 Thessalonians 2:17–20

Benefits to Biblical Community:

- Friends and family.
- To encourage and be encouraged.
- Personal holiness and accountability.
- Prayer and care.
- To build your faith and the faith of others.
- Use of gifts and service.
- Missions and mobilization.

“Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.”
— 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3

“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.”
— Psalm 119:67

“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.”
— Psalm 119:71

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
— Psalm 34:19

2. Biblical community is marked by deep joy.

“But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you—for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, [10] as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?”
— 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10

What will hurt you spiritually when you are walking through struggles (affliction)?

- You isolate from God’s people.
- You insulate from God’s people.

If you isolate and/or insulate, you limit how people who love you can pray for you.

3. Biblical community is marked by growing love.

“Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.”— 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

Real life change happens best in meaningful relationships.

We will not love one another like this until we understand God’s love for us.