“A TIME TO LOVE, AND A TIME TO HATE”

INTRODUCTION

A. Ecclesiastes 3:1

1. “The words of the Preacher” (1:1), Solomon, inform us that a time is available for every event that transpires in the lives of men.

2. For the last several weeks, we’ve been studying this subject.

B. Ecclesiastes 3:8a-b Our study resumes this evening with “a time to love, and a time to hate.”

I. “A TIME TO LOVE”

A. Truth

1. 2nd Thessalonians 2:9-12 The alternative to loving truth is to perish.

2. Psalm 119:113, 127, 163, 165, 167 God’s law, His commandments, His testimonies should be loved.

B. God

1. Matthew 22:37 We ought to love God with every fiber of our being.

2. Romans 8:28 When we do, He takes care of us.

3. 1st Corinthians 16:22 A failure to love Christ results in a curse.

4. John 14:15, 21, 23 We prove our love by action!

C. Neighbors

1. Matthew 22:37-40; Galatians 5:14 When we love God and each other, we can fulfill every one of the Lord’s commands.

2. Luke 10:25-37 Rather than asking, “who is my neighbor?,” we would do well to simply be neighborly to all.

D. One Another

1. Hebrews 13:1

2. Romans 12:10

3. James 2:8-9 It is a “royal law” we seek to obey.

4. Romans 13:8-10 When we love God and each other, we can fulfill every one of the Lord’s commands.

5. John 13:34-35 Loving one another is evidence of our discipleship.

6. 1st Peter 1:22; 2:17; 3:8-9; 4:8 7. 1st John 3:10-11, 18, 23; 4:7-12, 20-21 8. 2nd John 5

E. Family

1. Ephesians 5:25-33; Colossians 3:19 Husbands ought to love wives as Christ loves the church.

2. Titus 2:4 Women must learn to love their husbands and children.

F. Enemies

1. Matthew 5:43-48 We are no better than unbelievers if we only love those who love us in return.

2. Romans 12:17-21 G. 1st Corinthians 13:1-8, 13 Love endures!

II. “A TIME TO HATE”

A. Hebrews 1:9 Jesus was approved by God for his love of righteousness and hatred of lawlessness.

B. Romans 12:9 Pure, un-hypocritical love is a state of mind in which evil is abhorred.

C. Psalm 97:10; 119:104

D. Proverbs 8:13; 13:5

E. Amos 5:15

CONCLUSION

A. Matthew 6:24 What good does it do to claim love for anything if you hate nothing?

B. Hebrews 5:14 We must train our minds to know the difference!

Grace be with you. Bryan Matthew Dockens

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