Message Aim: Fourth Sunday of Advent
Sermon Series: All I Want for Christmas – Part 4
Sermon Title: “Love”
Scripture: 1 John 4:9-11 (NIV)
9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Message Synopsis:
Did you know that you can email your Christmas wish list to Santa Claus at Emailsanta.com. They get over a million emails a year, and among those emails are some intriguing comments. (Several examples will be given)….
Did you know that Jesus is the real reason for the season? Well, of course you do, that’s why you’re here. But do we know why He’s the reason?
Let me tell you a story about a boy called Joey and the “Big present under the tree.” Joey tore into the package and what do you think he found? It was the best Christmas present Joey had ever received. What do you think it was…? (…What’s your guess?) We all have ideas of what the best present would be – don’t we?
How do you measure the value of a present? How do you judge its worth? By its size? By its weight? Do you judge it by its cost or perhaps by its usefulness? What I would like to do this morning is examine God’s present to us. “This is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only Son into the world so we might live through him. …” 1 John 4:9-11 (MSG)
How do you measure the value of God’s gift to you? I would suggest three ways:
First – God’s gift to you is measured by its USEFULNESS.
What is the usefulness of God’s gift to us? Jesus said it this way: “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 (NKJV) What a promise that is! You are here for THE GLORY OF GOD. Your purpose is to live a life that magnifies the Lord, to encourage and support fellow Christians, to become more like Christ, to use your gifts and talents in helping others, to tell those who don’t know Jesus that there is Good News. Your purpose is to bring glory to God in all that you do and say.
Second – God’s gift to you is measured by its COST.
David said if he was going to give a sacrifice to the Lord he was going to give his best – something of value – something of worth. Why would David say that? Because that is what God has done for us. He has given us the most precious gift He could possibly give – something of worth – something of value – something that is one of a kind. He gave us His son.
Third – God’s present to you is measured by its EFFECTIVENESS.
Why did God send His Son to die for you? What is the love of God intended to do? Let me tell you: CHANGE YOU. Verse eleven says this: “If God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other.” “Ought” sounds like a suggestion – but it’s not. It’s not just some suggestion that God is making to us.
“If God loved us like this, we certainly must love each other.” Why? Because God is not done loving the world yet. He wants to keep loving the world – through you and through me. Jesus said it this way: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14 (NKJV) Does God’s love change you? Does it affect your behavior? Does it affect the way you treat people? You see that is what love is intended to do. God wants to love the world – but He has a desire to do it through you. Are you willing to let God show His love through you?
God’s Gift to you is useful – It gives you meaning and values and brings Glory to God!
God’s Gift to you is valuable – It paid the price for your sins and set-you free!
God’s Gift to you is effective – It changes your life – so you love the way God loves!
It is the best Christmas present ever! It is Jesus Christ and His love of you!
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