Four Dimensions Of The Love Of Christ
Text: Ephesians 3:17-19. The indispensability of love upon the part of the Christian is graphically set forth in 1 Corinthians 13. Discuss love as that which motivates every act toward those who may stand in need of our encouragement and help.
Such love as this has been exemplified by heaven. Cf. John 15:13; 3:16.
Despite the fact of the marvelous examples of love exemplified by the Master, there are multitudes who have yet never learned the great love of God and Christ, and thus cannot appreciate its great significance and benefit to the obedient.
Verse 18 of the text sets forth what we term the four dimensions of the love of Christ, and it is only in learning and knowing these, that we can come to appreciate this the greatest of all loves.
I. Breath Of God's Love.
1. The breath of His love is as wide as the world. To every land — to the fartherest limits of the inhabited world. Matt. 28:19, 20; Mark 16:15,16. a. Isaiah's prophecy. 2:2, 3. All people, every nation, were to be recipients of God's love. White, black poor, rich, etc.
2. This is one of the greatest distinctions between the law of Moses and the law of Christ. The nationalistic religion of Judaism was narrow and confining — boundary lines marked the extent to which it could go.
a. The religion of Jesus Christ knows no boundary line; it is not confined to the dwelling limits of a nation. It is militant, and is a religion of conquest! Go! to every class of every land.
3. Here, the impartial lave of God is manifested. Romans 3:23. Since all had sinned, God's love is extended to all. "In every nation...." Acts 10:34, 35.
II. Depth Of God's Love.
1. Its depth is as deep as perdition. It is measured by the depth of sin — as deep as sin can go, the love of Christ reaches down that far. Ephesians 2:11-13.
2. To the lowest sphere of life — the hand of the beggar as well as to the hand of the rich; the slave and also to the master.
3. To the lowest abyss of guilt_ to the lowest level to which man can sink. Ephesians 2:1-7; Isaiah 1:18.
4. It reached down to the "chief of sinners." He was lifted to a position of an Ambassador of Christ.
a. From the child of tender age to the aged saint who has reached the sunset of life, this love comforts and sustains. In any situation.
III. Height Of God's Love.
1. Reaches as high as heaven itself. Reaches down and lifts up out of sin to guide and counsel us in life.
2. In this life the love of Christ lifts us to such high privileges as:
a. Prayer. Communion with Christ. Kinship with God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. To glory, virtue, righteousness.
3. In eternity it will lift to a crown of life. 2 Timothy 4:6-8; John 14:1-3.
IV. Length Of God's Love.
1. As long as the ages of eternity through which God's love for His people will endure — even when time shall be no more. 1 Corinthians 13:13.
a. Reaches back to other ages. 1 Corinthians 10:1-4.
b. Prevails in this age. 1 John 3:1; Ephesians 3:19; John 15:13; Romans 8:35.
c. Reaches forth into eternity. Think what the love of God has prepared for those that love and obey Him. Rev. 22:14, 5, 7,12, 14, 17.
Conclusion.
The great love of God sends forth this invitation. Matthew 11:28-30. This love will terminate to the disobedient. Proverbs 1:24-28.