0294. THE LOVE OF CHRIST.

THE LOVE OF CHRIST.

Eph_5:1-2.

I. The Loving One. "Christ loved us." "God is love." Christ is the Son of this living, loving God, and the very image of His Father. He is also the Son of Man made in the likeness of sinful flesh.

II. The Objects of His Love. "Loved us."

1. When? While we were yet sinners. When dead in sin.

2. How? With a love that is divine, all-embracing, and stronger than death. He loved us more than the fallen angels; more than we loved ourselves; more than the angels of Heaven; more than He loved Himself. Behold, what love!

III. The Evidence of His Love. "He gave Himself for us." Man’s love opens up gradually, and may manifest itself in gifts of ever-increasing value. The love of Christ gives all at the first. All the riches of God are embodied in "Himself." He gave Himself for us-

1. As a Voluntary Offering. The offering of Christ’s life and work to God was an acceptable gift, well-pleasing in His sight. He offered Himself without spot. The heart of God was infinitely satisfied with the life and character of His beloved Son. He was obedient unto death.

2. As a Vicarious Sacrifice. "He gave Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God." Here we have the thought of substitution. Christ died for us. He bore our sins in His own body on the tree.

3. As a Sweet-smelling Savour. There is a great difference between the savour of our carnal lives and the savour of the character of Jesus. "In me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good." "In Him dwelleth all the fulness of God." "Ye are complete in Him."

IV. The Fruit of this Love in Us.

1. Followers of God. The love of Christ is to constrain us to be imitators of Him who loved us: imitators of His love, patience, purity, devotion, and self-constraining zeal. What poor imitations we are! May the Holy Spirit work in us His own good will, that we may be conformed unto the image of His Son!

2. Walking in Love. Following this new and divine pattern, our walk will be in a new and heavenly atmosphere. Abide in Him, and ye will walk in love.

Autor: James Smith