“The Shape Of Love: The Cross” | John 15:9-14 Bible Study + Crossword

February 14, 2024 @DannyScottonJr Bible Studies, Lessons, Preaching 0

Introduction

Regardless of what the culture says, true love is shaped like the cross of the Christ.

It entails (vertical) love for God (obedient devotion) and (horizontal) love for others (sacrificially striving for their good).

The greatest commandments concern loving the LORD and loving our neighbors (see Mt 22:37-40).

And there’s no greater love than the great sacrifice of our great Savior (Jn 15:13).

No matter your relationship status is, Christ thinks you are to die for.

So, not just on Valentine’s Day, but everyday, let’s seek to be like the real St. Valentine(s) (who were martyred ministers!) – and exemplify sacrificial, Christ-like, cross-shaped love.

Context

(forthcoming)

Commentary

(forthcoming)

Crossword Puzzle (✞-word)

Crossword Puzzle Answers

  • Cross True love is shaped like the ___ (vertical love for God, horizontal love for others).
  • Valentine Saint ___ was a 3rd century priest who was interrogated by Roman Emperor Claudius II before being beheaded on February 14th around 270 AD. He was martyred for refusing to renounce the Christian faith and forsake persecuted Christians.
  • Sacrifice True Christ-like love entails ____ for the good of others (Jn 15:13; cf. 1 Jn 3:16).
  • Love ___ for the Lord entails obedient devotion to Him (Jn 8:31, 14:15, 21, 23-24) above anyone and anything else (Jn 12:25; Mt 10:37-39; Mk 8:34-35; Lk 14:25-27).
  • Obedient We must follow Jesus’ example by being lovingly ____ to the Father (Jn 15:10; cf. Jn 4:34, 6:38, 14:30-31).
  • Command Love (for God and for others) is the greatest ____ (Mt 22:35-40).
  • Vine We must remain closely connected to Christ through our obedience – as branches remain connected to a vine (Jn 15:9-10; cf. Jn 15:1-8).
  • Evil Love does not celebrate unrighteousness or ___ (1 Cor 13:6; Rom 12:9).
  • First We ought to love the Lord because He ___ loved us (Rom 5:8; Jn 3:16; 1 Jn 4:19).
  • Good We shouldn’t run away from our Heavenly Father and try to do our own thing. We should obey because the Lord seeks to work everything out for our ___ (Rom 8:28-29).
  • Joy Loving obedience to the Lord should not be a pain; it should give us ___ (Jn 15:11; Ps 19:8).
  • Loved They say, “hurt people hurt people”. Well, ___ people should love people (cf. Jn 15:9, 12).
  • Friends In this context, ___ were confidantes who could be entrusted with privileged information and business (Jn 15:14-15; Ex 33:11). Even today, we only disclose certain things to those who are close.
  • Fruit Love is a ___ of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). If we truly have the Root of the Spirit, we should bear the ___ of the Spirit.

Bible Study Audio

Bible Study Video

Conclusion

(forthcoming)

Bibliography

  • Arndt, William, Frederick W. Danker, Walter Bauer, and F. Wilbur Gingrich. A Greek English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000.
  • Beasley-Murray, George R. John. Vol. 36. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 2002.
  • Borchert, Gerald L. John 12–21. Vol. 25B. The New American Commentary. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2002.
  • Burge, Gary M. “John.” In Evangelical Commentary on the Bible, 3:840–80. Baker Reference Library. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1995.
  • Carson, D. A. The Gospel according to John. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans, 1991.
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  • Cross, F. L., and Elizabeth A. Livingstone, eds. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. Oxford;  New York: Oxford University Press, 2005. [ODCC]
  • Guthrie, Donald. “John.” In New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, edited by D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, and G. J. Wenham, 4th ed., 1021–65. Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter Varsity Press, 1994.
  • Keener, Craig S. The Gospel of John: A Commentary & 2. Vol. 1. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2012.
  • Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.[Keener IVP]
  • Klink, Edward W., III. John. Edited by Clinton E. Arnold. Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016.
  • Kruse, Colin G. John: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 4. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003.
  • Merriam Webster, Inc. Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. Springfield, MA: Merriam Webster, Inc., 2003. [MW]
  • Michaels, J. Ramsey. The Gospel of John. The New International Commentary on the Old and New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, UK: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2010.
  • Milne, Bruce. The Message of John: Here Is Your King!: With Study Guide. The Bible Speaks Today. Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993.
  • Morris, Leon. The Gospel according to John. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1995.
  • Shea, John Gilmary. Pictorial Lives of the Saints. New York; Cincinnati; Chicago: Benziger Brothers, 1887.
  • Silva, Moisés, ed. New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014.
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