When My Love for Man Grows Weak

I. Introduction: This morning we observed the first two verses of “When My Love for Christ Grows Weak.” Tonight, we will conclude our observations on this song.

II. Text: Romans 4:6-11

III. Why does my love for man grow weak?

A. Discouragement and disappointment

B. Idealization

C. Sometimes we have an idealized concept of what people in the church should act like and the things they should be doing.

D. We must remember that it is an “ideal,” the perfect situation and reality is far different from the way things should be.

E. People are at different stages of spiritual growth and so may not act in ways that we think they should. Some have burdens that we do not know about that keeps others from doing all that they want to do as Christians. Some are doing many wonderful things for the kingdom but, because of humility, we do not hear about those things.

F. People do not always express themselves or act in the same way that we do (Droopy, “I’m so happy” does not seem happy but he is).

G. We must allow people to express their worship and love to God in their own way and content ourselves to express our love for God in a way that is appropriate for us as long as it is scriptural. We must not be quick to judge people because of appearances but judge with righteous judgment, John 7:24.

H. Hypocrisy

I. Sometimes people who claim to be Christians do not act like Christians and that discourages us. We often feel betrayed by those who betray Christ but we must realize that such behavior does not reflect on Christ’s love.

J. There will always be hypocrites in the church

K. Philippians 1:12-18 – Some preached to cause problems for Paul Matthew 7:15-23 – Jesus warned of them However, just because hypocrites come to church, it does not mean that God is pleased with them; they will be condemned for wickedness. Do not confuse spiritual immaturity and weakness with hypocrisy. We must not let hypocritical behavior discourage our love for others.

L. Feel unappreciated

M. We often do much for others that is unnoticed.

N. Sometimes we feel that our effort is for nothing. Sometimes we feel that others are taking advantage of us.

O. We must remember that in serving others, we are primarily serving God.

P. Romans 13:8-10 – Love for others is an expression of love for God Matthew 6:1-4 – Charitable deeds done in secret1 Peter 4:11 – Do all to the glory of God

Q. Become too focused on self

R. When we become immersed in self-pity, our love for others often diminishes. If we consider that all revolves around us, we are less concerned with the feelings, dreams, and needs of others. We forget the exhortation to put others first, Philippians 2:3-4 Some have suggested that when people become too focused on themselves, they should visit those who are in need or in the hospital; realized how blessed they are and how much others need them.

S. Forget the value God places on each soul

T. Our love for others may be weak when we forget that each soul is precious before God.

U. God sent His Son to die for each soul. Each person will stand before God in judgment. Paul warns us not to take others for granted, 1 Corinthians 12:15-22. Each person is unique among all that have ever lived. Each person is eternal whether they acknowledge it or not.1 John 4:20-21 – Our love for brethren often reflects our true love for God.

IV. Solution: Remember what Jesus did in His love for man

A. Instead of Gethsemane, the songwriter urges us to visit Calvary.

B. On the cross, we do not simply see a man who was executed in a grisly, painful manner but one who suffered a violent death to save us. Romans 3:21-26 – Christ sacrificed Himself to satisfy God’s judgment Romans 5:6-11 – He died when we were in rebellion Hebrews 6:16-17 – How does love abide in one who hates his brother?

C. We were worth His sacrifice

D. Matthew 10:29-32 – Worth much to God Luke 15:1-10 – God delights in His children’s repentance.

E. When our love for man grows weak, we must remember the love for man that Jesus demonstrated by hanging on the cross for us.

V. Applying the lessons of Gethsemane and Golgotha to our lives

A. “Then to life I turn again…”

B. Does not mean returning to worldliness or sin The song describes our life in the world as Christians.

C. After visiting Gethsemane and Calvary, we must return to live in a world that is sometimes hostile or, more often, apathetic to God.

D. Yet we return with a renewed love for Christ and man. Matthew 22:34-40 – God’s laws rest on love for Him and for others.

E. In life, we also learn suffering for Christ and others brought on by Christian love

F. 1 Peter 4:12-19 – Suffer as a Christian Matthew 10:34-38 – Discipleship demands that we place family and even ourselves second to Christ; this can sometimes be painful to do.

G. However, we will be rewarded for our self-sacrifice

H. Matthew 10:32 – Jesus will confess us to the Father Romans 2:1-11 – We will be rewarded for our dedication to God