November 22 – 28, 2008

LOVE IN THE LAST DAYS

In this lesson you will learn that there is an assault against the love of God. You need to receive God’s love and give it out. Be a carrier of the love of God.

I. What will happen in the last days – Matthew 24:1-14.

A. The disciples asked Jesus three questions – verse 3.

1. When will these things be?

2. What will be the sign of your coming?

3. What will be the sign of the end of the age?

B. Jesus answered these questions about the last days.

1. Verses 4-5 – There will be deception.

2. Verses 6-7 – Nation will rise against nation.

3. Verses 8-10 – One of your greatest enemies in the last days will be offense. The progression is offense, division, strife, hatred, murder, and war.

4. Verses 11-12 – Lawlessness will abound and the love of many will grow cold.

5. Verses 13-14 – The good news is that he who endures to the end shall be saved, and the gospel will be preached in all the world.

II. Love in the last days.

A. Love is not a feeling, it is a decision to act. Think of ways to do deliberate acts of love in every area of your life. Pray for opportunities to walk in love.

B. 1 John 5:2-3 – “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments” – v. 2.

C. 1 John 4:9 – “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.”

D. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 – Love is patient and kind and does not envy.

E. Ephesians 3:14-19 – “That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love…to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” – vv. 17,19.

F. Ephesians 3:20 is the result of walking in love – “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• Share some of these signs of the last days that you have seen.
• What are some deliberate acts of love you have done lately?
• How is God blessing you for walking in love with others?

BE A DOER OF THE WORD

Write out some deliberate acts of love that you are going to demonstrate this week.

SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSE: 1 John 5:2 – “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments.”