Sunday Morning Worship
August 12, 2012
Series: “What’s Love Got to do With It?”
Today: “The Most Authentic Way”

Scripture:  Romans 12:9-13 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³ Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Intro:  Pretending might make a good TV show, but it makes a terrible        Christ-follower       !

I.   WHAT AUTHENTIC LOVE LOOKS LIKE.

A.  Authentic love looks       determined       .

* Hate what is evil; cling to what is good – Romans 12:9

B.  Authentic love looks       devoted       .

* Be devoted to one another.  Are you? – Romans 12:10

C.  Authentic love looks       deliberate       .

* “Share with God’s people who are in need.  Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:13

D.  Authentic love looks       dependable       .

* “Do not repay anyone evil for evil.”

II.  HOW TO GROW SINCERE LOVE.

A.  It grows out of       God        in us.

1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

B.  It grows out of obedience to        Scripture       .

1 Peter 1:22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.

C.  It grows out of        opening        your heart to people.

Hebrews 13:1-3 Keep on loving each other as brothers.

² Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

³ Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

Conclusion:  Be authentic and God will bless that and open doors of        opportunity        .