InstaStudy

God is Love: A Study of Divine Affection

A study exploring the profound nature of God's love as revealed in scripture, emphasizing His singular identity and multifaceted expression.

1. The Singular Source of Love

1.1 God's Nature is Love

Verses: 1 John 4:8; 1 John 4:16
  • Love is not merely an attribute of God, but His very essence.
  • God's character is defined by perfect, unchanging love.

1.2 One God, One Love

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 44:6; Mark 12:29
  • There is only one true God, the singular source of all love.
  • His love is undivided and flows from His unified being.

1.3 The Eternal Nature of God's Love

Verses: Psalm 103:17; Jeremiah 31:3
  • God's love has no beginning and no end.
  • It is constant and steadfast through all generations.

2. Love Manifested in Creation and Covenant

2.1 Love in Creation

Verses: Genesis 1:31; Psalm 19:1
  • The beauty and order of creation reflect God's loving design.
  • God's provision for humanity demonstrates His care.

2.2 Love in Redemption's Promise

Verses: Genesis 3:15; John 3:16
  • Even after sin, God immediately offered a plan of redemption.
  • His promise of a Savior was an act of profound love.

2.3 Love in the Law and Covenants

Verses: Exodus 34:6-7; Deuteronomy 7:7-8
  • God's laws were given out of love for His people's well-being.
  • His covenants reveal His faithfulness and commitment to His people.

3. The Ultimate Expression of Love: Jesus Christ

3.1 God Himself Dwelling Among Us

Verses: John 1:1; John 1:14; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • The fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Christ.
  • Jesus is the visible manifestation of the invisible God.

3.2 The Father's Love Revealed in the Son

Verses: John 14:7-9; John 10:30
  • To see Jesus is to see the Father, for they are one.
  • Jesus' actions and words perfectly reveal the Father's heart of love.

3.3 The Sacrifice of Love

Verses: Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:9-10
  • God demonstrated His love by giving Himself for our sins.
  • The cross is the supreme act of divine love and mercy.

3.4 The Spirit of Love Poured Out

Verses: Romans 5:5; Acts 2:38-39
  • The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, bringing His love into our hearts.
  • Receiving the Spirit is receiving God's presence and power.

4. Love's Transforming Power in Believers

4.1 Born of Love

Verses: 1 John 4:7; John 3:3-5
  • Those who truly know God are born of Him and reflect His love.
  • A new birth experience is essential to partake in divine love.

4.2 Empowered by Love

Verses: Romans 8:38-39; Philippians 4:13
  • God's love gives us strength and assurance in all circumstances.
  • Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

4.3 Growing in Love

Verses: Ephesians 3:17-19; Colossians 3:14
  • We are called to be rooted and grounded in God's love.
  • Love is the bond of perfection that completes our spiritual growth.

5. Living a Life of Love

5.1 Loving God Supremely

Verses: Matthew 22:37-38; 1 John 5:3
  • Our primary response to God's love is to love Him with all our being.
  • Loving God means obeying His commandments.

5.2 Loving Others as Ourselves

Verses: Matthew 22:39; John 13:34-35
  • God's love compels us to love our neighbors.
  • Our love for one another is a testimony to the world.

5.3 The Fruit of Love

Verses: Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
  • Love is the foundational fruit of the Spirit, encompassing all others.
  • True love is patient, kind, humble, and enduring.