Charity

2 Peter 1:5-11 Introduction:

A. Peter in this passage reminds us we must grow in our service to God.

B. Eight areas for growth listed here.

C. In this lesson we will look at Charity

Discussion:

I. What Is Charity?

A. Webster defines as Christian love

1. Benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity

2. Generosity and helpfulness esp. toward the needy or suffering

B. BDB/Thayer defines as:

1. 26 agape 2. love 86, charity 27, dear 1, charitably+2596 1, feast of charity 1; 116

a. brotherly love, affection, good will, love, benevolence

b. love feasts

C. Bible defines in 1Cor 13:4-8

D. A practical definition would be

1. Love that causes good will toward others

2. Regardless of who or what they are

3. A commanded love that allows us to love the unlovable

II. Why do we need Charity?

A. In our relationship with God

1. God loves us Jhn 3:16; 14:21; Rom 5:8

2. Accept our responsibility in work and worship 2Tim 2:15,24-25

B. In our own lives

1. Husbands and wives love each other Eph 5:22-33

2. Parents and children Eph 6:1-4

C. In our relationship with our brethren

1. God expects us to love one another Jhn 13:34

2. We will work for what we love 1Jhn 3:18

3. Assemble with the saints Heb 10:24-25

D. In our relationship with alien sinners

1. God wants us to love every man 1Thes 3:12; 1Cor 16:14

2. Love our neighbor Mt 22:39

3. Do good to all nations Mt 28:19-20; Mk 16:15-16

III. How do we get or develop Charity?

A. By reminding ourselves of God's love for us Rom 5:8-10

B. By study of His Word

C. Love saved us, we should love in return

IV. How is Charity demonstrated?

A. Brotherly kindness is because of nearness and dearness: An expression of affection among brethren.

1. Cases where brethren act so as not to be lovable 1Pet 4:8 Must "Agape" them

2. "Agape" extends beyond bounds of brethren 1Thes 3:12; Mt 5:43-48 God's love for all

B. "Works no ill to neighbor" Rom 13:10

1. Love restricts from harming: Will not steal, lie, slander

2. 1Cor 13 reveals the behavior of love

3. Love energizes faith thru action Gal 5:6

C. Love for souls causes one to put forth effort to convert; seek lost

1. Erring brother sought by love: that which causes multitude of sins to be covered 1Pet 4:8

2. Conviction that Christ died for all (faith); coupled with love will result in diligent effort to convert 2Cor 12:15

a. Sacrifice that gospel be preached 1Thes 1:3-4

b. Will cause to teach, warn: Rescue the perishing; although rejected

c. Constrained by love of Christ 2Cor 5:14

D. The "atmosphere" of Christian life Eph 5:2

1. Love results in practical generosity a. Proof of sincerity 2Cor 8:8

1) Not a mechanical, impersonal act

2) Must be "unassumed, sincere" Rom 12:9

b. Work, labor of love Heb 6:10; 1Jhn 3:17-18

2. Motive for all actions 1Cor 16:14

a. "Not for occasion to flesh....serve one another" Gal 5:13

b. Secret of unity Col 3:14 "Above all things...love, bond of perfection."

E. Causes to overcome evil with good Rom 12:20-21

1. Christian is to be different than the "natural man": Turn other cheek."

2. Instructions concerning enemies Mt 5:44 IV. What is the result of strengthening our Charity?

A. In the physical realm

1. We will be blessed with friends and neighbors that care

2. Easier for others to love us if we first love them

B. In the spiritual realm

1. We demonstrate our love for God by keeping His commands

2. We will be preparing ourselves for heaven 1Cor 13:13

C. In our dealing with others

1. Others will want to be around us because they will know we genuinely care about their soul

2. We will be able to teach those that are lost easier

Conclusion:

A. What about you?

B. How strong is your Charity?

C. What changes should you make to begin growing as you should?

D. Invitation to the lost.

This outline by Daniel Lee Henderson of Jasper, Texas

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