Love Debunked (Part 2)

3 John 1:1-8

The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

In order for you to confidently declare that prosperity has entered your life, you must grasp a profound secret: love serves as the key and foundation of true abundance.

Elaborating on this idea, you can further explain how love, in its various forms—self-love, love for others, and love for what you do—nurtures a positive mindset, fosters meaningful connections, and inspires the kind of actions and decisions that lead to prosperity. Additionally, you might explore how acts of kindness, gratitude, and generosity, which stem from love, often attract opportunities and blessings into one’s life.

In the Kingdom of God, there are key secrets that we must uncover and explore to expand our knowledge, allowing us to understand how to lead a holy and righteous lifestyle.

You can delve into the idea that within the Kingdom of God, there exists a wealth of spiritual wisdom and divine principles that can guide us toward a life characterized by holiness and righteousness. These secrets may include concepts such as faith, compassion, forgiveness, and the pursuit of a deeper relationship with the divine. Emphasize the importance of seeking knowledge and spiritual growth as a means of aligning one’s life with the values and principles of the Kingdom of God. 

 

Secret to prosperity:

1) Seek the kingdom first and His righteousness

2Loving God and Others

3) Faithful with everything

4) Joyful and Rejoicing

5) Grateful with Thanksgiving (you and others)

6) Meditate the word

7) Discovering the truth

8) Give honor

9Watch what you say

10) Store to the storehouse

Let’s describe the first 3 of the secrets to prosperity:

Secret to prosperity:
1) Seek the kingdom first and His righteousness

Matthew 6:33

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

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In Hebrew, the word “seek” encompasses the concepts of thinking, studying, and learning. It requires a continual process of self-reminding that you are not only a citizen of the Kingdom but also an ambassador for Christ.

You can explore the deeper meaning of the word “seek” in the context of Hebrew language and culture. Discuss how seeking implies a proactive and intentional pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Explain how this pursuit aligns with the Christian faith by emphasizing the importance of not only embracing one’s identity as a Kingdom citizen but also actively representing Christ’s message of love, compassion, and salvation to the world.

You can delve into practical ways individuals can embody their roles as ambassadors for Christ, such as through acts of kindness, sharing the gospel, and living out Christian values in their daily lives. By consistently seeking a deeper understanding of their faith and actively practicing it, individuals can effectively fulfill their role as ambassadors while fostering personal spiritual growth.

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The Kingdom of God is not a mere concept; it is a tangible and genuine realm. This Kingdom is wholly owned, governed, and led by God Himself. To possess the mind of Christ implies absolute obedience to God, acknowledging that everything you have belongs to Him.

Expanding on this notion, you can delve into the profound significance of the Kingdom of God. Emphasize that it is not an abstract or theoretical concept but a divine reality that exists as a spiritual realm with its own principles, values, and sovereignty. In this Kingdom, God reigns supreme, and acknowledging His authority is paramount.

Having the mind of Christ means aligning one’s thoughts, actions, and decisions with God’s will and acknowledging that every aspect of one’s life is ultimately under God’s ownership. This recognition leads to a life characterized by obedience, faith, and a deep sense of stewardship over the resources and abilities entrusted by God.

You can explore how living with the mind of Christ influences one’s priorities, values, and relationships. Highlight the transformative power of surrendering one’s life to God’s control and how it can lead to a more meaningful and purpose-driven existence. By continually seeking to align one’s mind with Christ’s, individuals can experience a closer connection with God and a profound sense of fulfillment in serving His Kingdom.

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The righteousness of God encompasses His holiness, the way you live your life, and the divine standard set by God Himself. It involves adhering to the boundaries He has established for you. The key to embracing His righteousness is by staying in your designated lane, which requires a deep understanding of your placement and alignment within His divine plan.

The multifaceted nature of God’s righteousness includes living a life that reflects His holiness, aligning your thoughts and actions with His divine standards, and consistently adhering to the moral and ethical guidelines set by God. 

You are His reflection into duplication, that is the great commission.

God’s righteousness, such as cultivating a life of prayer, seeking wisdom from Scripture, and practicing acts of kindness and compassion. Highlight the transformative power of living in alignment with God’s righteousness and how it can lead to a life of purpose, fulfillment, and spiritual growth.

Luke 4:43

And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

The primary purpose for which Jesus Christ was sent was to preach the gospel of the kingdom.

Jesus Christ’ ministry encompassed not only words but also deeds, miracles, and parables that conveyed the principles and values of the Kingdom of God.

Jesus Christ not only preached but also called upon His followers to share the gospel and make disciples of all nations. This demonstrates the enduring nature of His mission and the responsibility of believers to continue spreading the message of the kingdom.

Preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and how it continues to shape the faith and beliefs of countless individuals around the world.

Matthew 28:19-20

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Acts 28:31

31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

Even the Apostle Paul emphasizes the significance of preaching about the Kingdom of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s crucial to recognize that there is only one way to enter the Kingdom of God, and that is through faith in Jesus Christ.

Paul’s teachings and his role as a prominent figure in early Christianity. Discuss how Paul’s writings in the New Testament underscore the importance of proclaiming the Kingdom of God and the message of salvation through faith in Jesus. His missionary journeys and letters to various churches in the ancient world serve as a testament to his dedication to spreading this message.

Paul’s teachings is the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus provided the way for humanity to enter into a restored relationship with God and become citizens of the Kingdom.

Faith in Jesus Christ is the doorway to the Kingdom of God. Salvation through grace and faith, highlighting that it is not based on human efforts or merits but on God’s unmerited favor and the acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior.

Paul’s letters (e.g., Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians), that explicitly articulate the connection between the Kingdom of God and faith in Jesus Christ.  Read the word daily!

Acts 28:31

31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

2) Loving God and Others

Matthew 22:37-39

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Making love for God and others the standard of your lifestyle is not only a noble aspiration but also a key to prosperity.

Loving on one’s life and the lives of those around them. Love is not merely an emotion but a deliberate choice and action. It involves showing compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and empathy towards both God and fellow human beings.

The transformative power of love in fostering healthy relationships, promoting inner peace, and creating a sense of purpose. Love has the ability to mend broken bonds, heal wounds, and bridge divides, leading to greater harmony within families, communities, and societies.

Love for God is intricately connected to love for others. As Jesus Christ taught, loving God with all your heart and loving your neighbor as yourself are the two greatest commandments. When you prioritize these forms of love, you align your life with divine principles and open yourself to the blessings that come with it.

John 13:35

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

James 2:8

If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

3) Faithful with everything

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 Corinthians 5:7

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

James 2:17

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

James 2:26

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

While we often claim to possess faith, it’s crucial to recognize that true faith originates solely from God Himself. Just as the fruit of the Holy Spirit includes faith, our faith should be rooted in Him alone. To truly embody this faith, we must cultivate an unwavering and unshakeable trust in God.

The manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is not something we conjure on our own but is granted to us through our relationship with God. It is through His faith and characterized by trust, belief, and confidence in God’s promises and character.

The importance of having unwavering faith, especially in times of adversity and uncertainty we need steadfast faith can provide strength, resilience, and hope when facing life’s challenges.

To nurture and strengthen one’s faith, such as through prayer, studying Scripture, seeking spiritual guidance, and participating in a faith community. Faith is not a static belief but a dynamic and growing relationship and partnership with God.  Now Faith!

 

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