Loving Jesus is top priority

Topics: loving Jesus, love

I. Brotherly love comforts others with truth

A. Loving Jesus overflows with love for one another!

1. But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you (Ephesians 6:21).
2. We love, because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

B. Loving Jesus is expressed in comforting others with truth!

1. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your hearts (Ephesians 6:22).
2. The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth (3 John 1).

II. Peaceful love is the fruit of genuine faith

A. Loving Jesus allows His peace to guard our hearts and minds!

1. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 6:23).
2. Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble (Psalm 119:165).

B. Loving Jesus breaks down barriers and offers peace with others!

1. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall (Ephesians 2:14).
2. So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another (Romans 14:19).

III. Incorruptible love is the gift of God's grace

A. Loving Jesus releases a tsunami of grace upon grace!

1. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with "incorruptible love"(Eph 6:24).
2. For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace (John 1:16).

B. Loving Jesus must remain our top priority throughout our lives!

But I have this against you, that you have left your first love? (Revelation 2:4).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, March 22nd, 2026.

Life Group Flow and Discussion Questions

Loving Jesus is top priority

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Maintaining your first love for Jesus is enhanced by the close community of your Life Group. Make sure that Jesus is the central focus of your discussions and your prayers.

Getting Started:

1. Do you love Jesus more now than when you first came to Him? Do you delight in Him? Is He dear to you? Is your love alive and growing?
2. What are some practical ways you can implement in your life to keep loving Jesus as your top priority?

Discussing Truths:

1. Is there someone you know who needs some encouragement and comfort? Will you be their Tychicus?
2. How does the spiritual warfare with the evil one impact Christian's breastplate of faith and love (1 Thessalonians 5:8; Matthew 24:9-12)?
3. Why is it vital that we don't allow truth to be set aside in the name of "love" (1 Corinthians 13:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:11-13)?
4. Do you allow the peace of Jesus to guard your heart and mind (John 14:27; Philippians 4:6-7)?
5. Are there any relationships that you have seen Jesus heal and restore with His loving peace (Ephesians 2:14-18)?
6. How can you shower yourself in God's grace every day (John 1:16)?
7. Have you observed a transformation and growth of your love for others (1 John 4:11)?

Now What? Application:

1. Is there any compromise that you need to repent of and stop building distance from Jesus? How do the ruins of Ephesus illustrate this danger?
2. What disciplines can you practice to love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love? That is a love that is sincere, undying, intimate and enjoyable!