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A passion for
Jesus is obtained by filling our minds with the truth of who God is,
specifically His love for us.
Introduction
In
the church of today the most pressing need is for believers to enter into a
living, breathing vibrant relationship with Jesus Himself. In his book, Passion
for Jesus, Mike Bickle says that “the way to our emotions is through our
minds”. The way for the people of the church to have this burning passion for
Jesus is for their minds to be filled with the knowledge of who Jesus is.
Body
I.
The book of Song of Solomon (in
the Bible) greatly reveals the unfathomable love of God.
A.
Jesus’ love for us is
“unquenchable”.
1.
“Many waters cannot quench love.”(Song
of Solomon 8:7).
2.
Jesus’ love for His own is “as
strong as death” (SOS 8:6).
B.
“I am my beloved’s, And his
desire is for me.” (SOS 7:10)
1.
We are Jesus’.
2.
His desire is for us.
C.
His banner over us is love. (SOS
2:4)
D.
His love is better than anything
in this life. (Ps. 63:3, SOS 1:2b)
II.
God’s love for us is seen various
other places in scripture.
A.
“unfailing love surrounds those
who trust in the Lord.” (Ps. 32:10,
NLT)
B.
“For He lovingly chose us in
Christ before the foundation of the world that we may be holy and unblemished
in his sight.” (Eph. 1:4, NET)
C.
“Father, I desire that they also,
whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory
which you have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the
world.”(John 17:24, NASB)
III.
Jesus is a loving, passionate
Bridegroom who will one day marry his Bride, the church.
A.
In Revelation 19:6-8 it tells of
the future when “a great multitude” will rejoice because the day will finally
come for the wedding of the Lamb (Jesus) to His bride (those who have believed
in Jesus for forgiveness from the wrong things they have done).
B.
In the Old Testament, David’s
heart was captured in a deep way by God’s love.
1.
David said in Psalm 18:1, “I love
You, Lord, my source of strength!” (NET)
2.
Again he said in Psalm 26:8, “O
Lord, I love the temple where You live, the place where Your splendor is
revealed.” (NET)
C.
The apostle John also knew that
Jesus truly loved him.
1.
In the book John wrote about
Jesus’ life, John, he constantly referred to “the disciple whom Jesus loved”.
2.
John saw that the ultimate
expression of Jesus’ love for us was Jesus’ death on the cross. (I John 4:9)
D.
This past summer God really
captured my heart with this truth.
Conclusion
God’s
great love for us is seen throughout scripture. The book of Song of Solomon shows
His love for us in a deep and mysterious way. However, almost every book in the
Bible gives some indication to the extent of Jesus’ affection for His bride (those
that know Him). At the very last stage before those who know Jesus are ushered
into eternity with Him we see Jesus as our Heavenly Bridegroom who will marry
His bride, those that know Him. The truth of His great love for His bride will capture
hearts leading them to comprehending the fullness of who God is (Eph 3:14-19).
The church will respond with a passion for Jesus and will fulfill the first
commandment, “love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and
strength” (Matt 22:37).
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