Sermon on July 14 by Pastor Roland Eskinazi
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 & John 13:1-17
By showing us what love is not, Paul gives us a clear picture of what love is. Jesus shows us at the Last Supper.
1. THE CONTRAST TO KNEELING LOVE! (1 Cor. 13:4, 5)
- Burning envy dries up love
Envy is not just coveting what others have, it wants to see them lose what they have.
How do you react to the successes of others? - Bragging pride squeezes out love
The Corinthians had a reputation for being puffed-up; a proud person is consumed with a wrong sense of his importance.
When you speak, is it to focus attention on yourself – or do others feel listened to and special because of you? - Stinging rudeness knocks out love
Bad manners is not a small thing, or a small sin.
Do your words and actions overflow with kindness and grace, however you have been hurt?
2. THE CALL TO KNEELING LOVE!
- Love gives – without being asked (Jn 13:1-5)
No host would stand up at a meal, let alone strip and wash his guests’ feet.
Are you waiting to be served, at home, in the church, with other; or are you the first to kneel? - Love perseveres – without irritation (Jn 13: 6-11)
Serving and loving others is far more than then kneeling we do, but the way we kneel and serve.‘And we urge you brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong but always seek that which is good for others and for all men.’ (1 Thess. 5:14)
- Love serves – without blowing its trumpet (Jn 13: 12-17)
If Jesus who is Lord and deserving of our love became a servant, how much more should we be willing to kneel the knee?
We are never more like Jesus than when we are on our knees, serving willingly, patiently, and selflessly.
Remember! We need Jesus not just for salvation but to serve in this way. Loving service is not a job for someone else; it is God’s ultimate calling for you and me.
International Baptist Church (IBC) of Brussels 