Settle Down in Love February 26, 2017
Acts 15:35-41 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also. 36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. 37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; 40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
Paul perceived that there was something lacking in Mark’s life, until he would be useful. Like the runner (Ahimaaz) with nothing to say (II Samuel 18).
Recommended means to be placed into hands by the brethren to the grace of God. This is about growing up and never stopping to learn.
Revelation 2:1-4 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
God is after that first love. Preeminent, first, as in really no other love. Jesus asked Peter, “Do you divinely love me?” This is the mature love of God. Agape love. This love encompasses everything in our life. It loves perfectly and completely. This is about running. Bridal love. The church of Ephesus left their first love. Left = “divorce”. The coming of the Lord is upon us. We have been given all grace. When first love is severed you’ve drifted back to loving as a friend (phileo love); and that’s no way to treat your husband. Have your attention on Jesus. We get distracted so easily. When we said, “I will go”, the contract was signed – done! The “I do” was at the proposal and all that’s waiting is for the husband to get the house ready.
John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
To leave it and walk away is a divorce. Why was Barnabas upset? He was insulted, and this caused, in a type, to divorce from Paul’s gospel. Our lives can be the same as Barnabas, when we get mad or disappointed; but is there ever an excuse to leave the truth? It is high time to awake because this is the high calling time. No one can disappoint as much as a spouse because that’s the one we love the most. But even though you may get disappointed so deeply, you are still madly in love and together. That love still divinely loves. Even though every one of us has been greatly disappointed by brethren in this meeting, do you love the Head (Jesus Christ) as the body? Do I still rejoice in that preeminent first love, and live it if by any means? It has to be the grace of God and His mercy to take the likes of us. His word is true and doesn’t return void. He has drawn you. Keep giving it all to Him. Get the best part. Praise Him for the suffering, the diamonds cutting diamonds. Without it we wouldn’t be ready. If you are feeling sensitive today pray, “Lord, pour more of that love upon me.” Let me love more, settle down in love. Be in love with Him as He is in love with you. The evidence will be we’ll love one another, and we’ll stand for nothing but Paul’s gospel.
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Sermon Topics: First Love