Sermon Title: The Main Thing: Simple Devotion to Christ
Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 11:1-4; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; John 15:9; John 21:15-17; Revelation 2:1-7
Sermon Notes:
Intro: Happy Valentine's Day! This day celebrates love, and there's no better place to celebrate than here, focusing on God who is love. Regardless of receiving earthly valentines, know this: You are lavishly loved by God. He is head over heels for you. Today, we explore keeping the "main thing" – our love relationship with Him – central, drawing from 2 Corinthians 11.
Key Points:
- God's Lavish Love: God's declaration over you is intense, personal love. He knows everything and loves you completely. Receive this, even if it feels awkward. His love is the foundation.
- Losing the Main Thing: It's easy to get distracted. Just as work/profit can overshadow family/life balance, or chores can overshadow marital intimacy, our Christian walk can lose focus. Good activities (prayer, missions, study, service) can subtly replace simple devotion to Jesus Himself.
- Paul's Jealousy for Corinth (2 Cor 11:1-4):
- Paul expresses a "godly jealousy," having "promised" the church (bride) to one husband, Christ (v. 2).
- His fear: That like Eve, deceived by the serpent's cunning, their minds would be led astray from "sincere and pure devotion to Christ" (v. 3).
- The Threat: False teachers promoting a slightly different Jesus, spirit, or gospel (v. 4), subtly shifting their core allegiance. Paul confronts this forcefully, even if defending himself seems "foolish" (v. 1).
- Devotion IS the Main Thing: The Bible consistently highlights this love relationship as paramount:
- Shema (Deut 6:4-5): Israel's core command – Love God wholeheartedly.
- God's Choice (Deut 7:7-8): He chose Israel simply because He loved them.
- Prodigal Son (Luke 15): The father's love overrides the son's failure.
- Peter's Restoration (John 21): Jesus prioritizes Peter's love ("Do you love me?") before restoring ministry.
- Abiding (John 15:9): Jesus commands, "Remain [make your home] in my love."
- Ephesus' Warning (Rev 2:4-5): Commended for works but rebuked for forsaking their first love – the most critical issue.
- Jesus Seeks Lovers: More than workers, warriors, or theologians, Jesus desires those who will receive and respond to His love. All service flows from this relationship.
- How to Love? Receive & Follow: Loving God starts by receiving His initiating love. Let Him lead the "dance" of relationship. Follow His lead; don't get paralyzed trying to figure it out alone.
Conclusion: The "main thing" in our relationship with God is maintaining sincere, pure, first-love devotion to Jesus Christ. While spiritual practices are vital, they must serve, not replace, this core connection. Keeping our hearts affectionately focused on Him is the priority.
Call to Action:
- Reflect honestly: Is simple devotion to Jesus truly the "main thing" in your life right now?
- Repent: Turn away from any distractions, idols, or coldness that have displaced Him from first place.
- Receive His Love Anew: Open your heart to His lavish affection. Let Him reset your priorities.
- Respond: As you come to communion, remember His ultimate act of love. Recommit your heart to Him as your first love. Let Him lead.
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