Sin Is More Dangerous Than You Think.

Are You Blind?

One of the most devastatingly dangerous powers of sin is its ability to deceive. Sin is an evil monster masquerading as your best friend. It is a grim reaper masquerading as a life giver. Sin is darkness masquerading as light. It is foolishness masquerading as wisdom. Sin is disease masquerading as a cure. It is a trap masquerading as a gift. 

No matter how it presents itself to you, sin is never what it appears to be and will never deliver what it promises. 

Sin is deceptive because it presents as beautiful what God says is ugly. When you are on your third burger, you are not seeing the danger of gluttony. Instead, you are experiencing the pleasure of succulent meat, dripping cheese, and that soft bun. When materialism has you spending money that you don’t have on things you don’t need, you are not feeling the danger of your greed and thievery. Instead, you are taken up with the pleasure of your new things.

Sin is also deceptive because it lulls us into minimizing our transgressions. We fall into thinking that our anger doesn’t matter, that the little lie doesn’t make much of a difference, that our gossip won’t hurt anyone, that our impatience isn’t a big deal, or that everyone is envious once in a while. Because of sin, we try to convince ourselves that our sin isn’t that sinful after all.

12 Truths Every Teen Can Trust

Paul David Tripp

Adapted from Paul David Tripp’s book Do You Believe? these brief, approachable readings help teenagers learn about 12 doctrines and reflect on their relevance to the Christian life.

But notice the remedy for spiritual blindness that’s given in the passage from Hebrews: “But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:13). This is very humbling. We’re so easily tricked that we require daily intervention.

To help with our spiritual blindness, we need instruments of seeing in our lives. We need others’ eyes to help us see what we cannot. 

And in his grace, God has surrounded you in his church with instruments of seeing. So open your heart to his gracious provision, and you’ll have a defense against the blinding power of sin.

Slaves of Sin

Sin is not just attractive, presenting as beautiful what God says is ugly, but it is also addictive. Sin is more than a bad thing you do; it is a master. And if you welcome it into your life, it has the dark power to enslave you. Somehow, someway, sin turns us all into addicts. 

Hear the words of Jesus: “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin” (John 8:34). The pleasures of sin pass quickly, but its mastery over you remains. Because sin gives you momentary pleasure, you reach out for what God forbids. But the pleasure quickly fades. So you reach out again, hungry for more because created things have no ability to satisfy your heart. 

Each time you reach out for more, you need more to achieve the pleasure you are craving. Whether it’s gluttony, materialism, gossip, stealing, the desire for power and control, or the craving for appreciation and success, what temporarily satisfied you yesterday doesn’t do so today. You have to have more and more.

Before long you can’t stop thinking about the object of your sinful craving. What you once were convinced was harmless and under your control now controls you. You are addicted to what God has forbidden. 

Sin is never harmless; it is a cruel slave master, out to kidnap your heart and control your life. 

The addicting and enslaving power of sin should make each of us thankful for the power of the Messiah. Jesus is powerful to “proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound” (Isa. 61:1). He is our only hope of escape from the bondage-inducing power of sin. 

Do you need to run to your Savior for his bondage-breaking grace? He is able, he is willing, and he will not turn you away.

A truly changed heart is always the result of God’s grace. 

Hope for the Sinful Heart

If our problem were simply that we do wrong things, then changing our actions would fix it. But what if sin is, in fact, a problem of the heart? Then lasting change in a person’s behavior will always travel through the pathway of the heart.

Rules can’t change us. The gospel tells us that if God’s law had the power to rescue and transform our hearts, Jesus would not have had to come. And people can’t change us. No human being has the power to transform another person. A truly changed heart is always the result of God’s grace. 

God says, “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezek. 36:26).

The word picture here is very helpful. If I have a stone in my hands and I squeeze it with all my might, nothing happens. Why? Because it’s hard and resistant to change. But a soft, fleshy object is malleable; it can be molded into any shape I desire. The promise of the gospel is heart change, without which there is no victory over sin. 

We like to make plans for self-reformation. We think: 

“I will do better next time.” 
“It was just a weak moment.” 
“I’m smarter now than I was.” 
“I think I know what to do next time.” 
“I now know how to avoid this in the future.” 

But the fact that sin always originates in the heart destroys those plans. Instead, we must humbly confess that when it comes to sin, our biggest problem is us. We are led astray not primarily by things outside of us but by the thoughts, desires, motivations, cravings, and choices of our own hearts. We also have no power whatsoever to change our hearts or the heart of anyone else. 

Lasting change is only ever an act of divine grace. So we run to our Savior for the rescue and transformation that only he can provide.

This article is adapted from 12 Truths Every Teen Can Trust: Core Beliefs of the Christian Faith That Will Change Your Life by Paul David Tripp.

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Paul David Tripp (DMin, Westminster Theological Seminary) is a pastor, an award-winning author, and an international conference speaker. He has written numerous books, including Lead; Parenting; and the bestselling devotional New Morning Mercies. His not-for-profit ministry exists to connect the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life. Tripp lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Luella, and they have four grown children.

35 Important Bible Verses About Not Losing Faith In God (Explained)

Published on: August 28, 2025 by Pastor David

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

Trusting God’s Promises

As we explore the notion of not losing faith in God, it’s vital to acknowledge the importance of trusting in His promises. Our relationship with God is built on faith and assurance that He will fulfill what He has said. We can lean on His words and the countless scriptures that remind us He is faithful. Even amidst challenges and uncertainty, we can find courage in knowing that God will keep His promises to us. The Bible is filled with examples of His unwavering faithfulness. As we read these verses, let’s reassure ourselves of the hope we can find in His promises.

Hebrews 10:23

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” – Hebrews 10:23

2 Peter 3:9

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9

Romans 4:20-21

“Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” – Romans 4:20-21

Isaiah 46:4

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” – Isaiah 46:4

Psalms 119:50

“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.” – Psalms 119:50

God’s Presence in Trials

In moments where our faith may waver, it’s comforting to remember that God is always with us. His presence can be a profound source of strength during our trials. No matter how difficult life seems, we can rest in the truth that He walks beside us through all stormy seasons. The assurance of God’s closeness reassures us that faith is not just about our circumstances but also about our trust in His nearness and love. These verses remind us how God’s presence is our anchor in turbulent times, and they encourage us to lean on Him.

Psalms 34:18

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalms 34:18

Isaiah 43:2

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” – Isaiah 43:2

Matthew 28:20

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20

Psalms 91:15

“He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” – Psalms 91:15

Hebrews 13:5

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” – Hebrews 13:5

The Gift of Faith

Faith is a gift from God that we should cherish. It’s through faith that we can view our challenges with hope. We build our lives on the faith that God is with us and that He is capable of miracles. Every time we face adversity, we have the opportunity to lean into our faith, reminding ourselves of the blessings that come with trusting Him. Embracing our faith means accepting that its essence is woven into our existence as believers. Let’s explore these verses that highlight the gift and power of faith.

Ephesians 2:8

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” – Ephesians 2:8

2 Corinthians 5:7

“For we live by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7

Mark 11:22-24

“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.” – Mark 11:22-24

James 1:6

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” – James 1:6

Lamentations 3:25

“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.” – Lamentations 3:25

Hope in Difficult Times

Life’s challenges can sometimes cloud our hope, but the Lord encourages us to cling to hope as a steady anchor. We must remember that hope isn’t merely wishful thinking; it is a confident expectation based on God’s goodness and faithfulness. Even in moments of doubt and despair, we can hold tightly to the hope that God provides. By reflecting on these hopeful promises in the Bible, we can reignite the flame of hope within us, driving us to keep moving forward, trusting in God’s perfect plans for our lives.

Romans 15:13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

Psalms 42:5

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” – Psalms 42:5

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Micah 7:7

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” – Micah 7:7

Psalms 71:5

“For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.” – Psalms 71:5

Prayer and Faith

Prayer is the lifeline that connects us to God, and it has the power to strengthen our faith when we feel weary. When we pray, we are inviting His presence into our situations and acknowledging our dependence on Him. Our faith grows as we communicate with God, share our concerns, and express our gratitude. Through prayer, we can find peace and renew our faith. Let’s take comfort in these verses that remind us of the significance of prayer in our faith journey.

Philippians 4:6-7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

1 John 5:14

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” – 1 John 5:14

Psalms 145:18

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” – Psalms 145:18

James 5:16

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16

Community and Support

We are not meant to walk our faith journey alone. A vital part of our relationship with God involves being an active part of a community of believers who uplift and support one another. Together, we can encourage each other when faith grows weak and celebrate when faith flourishes. Surrounding ourselves with loving individuals who share our beliefs enables us to grow stronger in our faith and fosters a sense of belonging. Let’s read these encouraging verses that highlight the beauty of community.

Galatians 6:2

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

Proverbs 27:17

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17

Hebrews 10:24-25

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25

Romans 1:12

“That is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” – Romans 1:12

1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Final Thoughts

As we reflect on the scripture about not losing faith in God, we recognize how vital trust, prayer, and community are in nurturing our faith. We can all relate to moments of uncertainty where fear and doubt seem to creep in. Yet, through God’s promises, presence, prayers, and support from others, we can find the courage to stand firm in our faith. We are reminded that even in our struggles, hope and strength are always within reach. Let’s strive to hold onto our faith with the knowledge that God cherishes each of us and promises never to leave us alone.

In our walk with God, it’s important to encourage each other and grow together in faith. If you’re eager to discover more about fulfilling God’s purpose or His plan for your life, feel free to read more about fulfilling God’s purpose and fulfilling God’s plan. 

Let’s keep the faith strong together!

How can I become more like Christ?

Answer
God’s desire for all who know Him is for us to become more like Christ. We do this by first growing in our knowledge of Christ. It stands to reason that we cannot grow to be like someone we don’t know. The deeper our knowledge of Christ, the deeper our understanding of Him, and the more like Him we become. Among other reasons, we are to know and understand Christ so that we will be secure in the faith.

The Apostle Paul reiterates this truth in Ephesians 4:14-16: “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” This fact is repeated once more in 2 Peter 3:17-18: “Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” These passages show us that growing in the knowledge of Christ will preserve us from faith-destroying error.

Of course, knowledge alone will not produce a Christlike character. The knowledge we gain from God’s Word must impact our hearts and convict us of the need to obey what we have learned. Romans 12:1-2 tells us emphatically that the process of filling our minds with the knowledge of God not only brings us closer to Christlikeness, but obedience to that knowledge aligns us with the perfect will of God: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

The natural consequence of knowing and obeying God is that He becomes greater and greater, while we become less and less as we yield control of our lives to Him. Just as John the Baptist knew that “[Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30), so the Christian grows to reflect more of Christ and less of his own nature. Luke sums it up best when he describes what Jesus told His disciples: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it” (Luke 9:23-24). The cross was an instrument of death, and Jesus encourages us to take up our cross in order to put to death our old sin nature upon it. God wants us to forget about this world and all its temporary pleasures and be obedient to His Word. Jesus is the living Word (John 1:1), and the Bible is God’s written Word. Therefore, conforming to the Word of God is conforming to Christ.

It is important to realize that becoming more like Christ starts by receiving Him as Savior from our sins. Then we grow in our knowledge of God by reading the Bible daily, studying it, and being obedient to what it says. This process causes us to grow and occurs over an entire lifetime in Christ. Only when we have entered Heaven for eternity with God does this process reach its culmination.Return to:

Questions about the Christian Life

14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and thatthe shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

What does the Bible say about feminism?

Answer
The modern concept of feminism was not present during the time that the Bible was written, but that does not mean the Bible has nothing to say on the basic issues of feminism. Even when the Scriptures seem to be silent on something that affects us today, there are eternal principles that speak to the underlying issue.

First, we should define feminism, since the term can have different meanings for different people. Basically, feminism is a philosophy that advocates equal rights for women and men—socially, politically, economically, and in other ways. Early feminists fought for and won suffrage for women. Today’s feminism goes further than demanding equal treatment of men and women, however. Modern feminists fight for abortion on demand, language equality (insisting on saying “chairperson” instead of “chairman,” for example), and the blurring of gender lines. The more radical feminists actively seek to overthrow any vestige of male dominance in society, oppose the biblical roles of husbands and wives, and promote lesbianism. Radical feminists deny there is any difference between men and women, teaching that any perceived differences between the sexes are due solely to social conditioning.

Modern feminism is a counterfeit solution to the real issue of the inequality of women in a sinful society. Feminism arrogates to itself the right to demand respect and equality in every aspect of life. Feminism is based in arrogance, and it is the opposite of the call to the born-again believer to be a servant. The modern, militant feminists call women to rise up and rebel against the order that God has given to humankind. That brand of feminism seeks to impose humanistic values in direct opposition to the Word of God. Feminism was originally a positive movement, focused on giving women the basic rights God intends for every human being to have. Tragically, feminism now focuses on destroying distinctions in the roles of men and women.

What then should be a Christian’s view of feminism? A believing woman who is seeking to obey God and walk in peace and grace should remember that she has equal access to all spiritual blessings in Christ. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). A believing woman should not allow herself to be used as a pawn in the worldly agenda of the feminist movement. A believing man should uphold the nuclear family as the biblical model for society, promote true Christian values, and (if he’s married) honor and cherish his wife and take responsibility for protecting and providing for his family. Both men and women have a God-given privilege to fulfill the plan He has set for us. Rebellion against that plan and the arrogance that seeks to put self above God’s Word brings difficult consequences. We see those consequences in damaged relationships between husbands and wives, the destruction of the family, and the loss of respect for human life.

Many women today have bought into the lie that feminism will empower and free them. However, rallying for abortion, dispensing with God-given roles, and working to dismantle the family unit will bring neither power nor freedom. Protection of the innocent, obedience to God’s Word, and fortification of the family are much more empowering and freeing. “I will walk in freedom,” says the psalmist, “for I have devoted myself to your commandments” (Psalm 119:45).

There has always been inequality in the world. It is sad but true that artificial barriers have always divided humanity—barriers that have no basis in God’s Word. It is sin in the heart that causes inequality, sin that causes some men to treat women in demeaning or objectifying ways. And it is sin that seeks counterfeit solutions to counteract these inequalities. The only cure for discrimination and inequality is obedience to God. If men and women would humbly submit to God’s Word, then striving would cease, the genders would complement each other, and the harmony that God ordained would flourish.Return to:

Topical Bible Questions

Is baptism necessary for salvation?

It is a visible sign that becomes your first act of witness. In baptism, you telling the world what God has done for you.
>> Learn more: Get your free Bible study guide about baptism

Romans 6:3-7 says, “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

“For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin.”

The meaning of baptism

Baptism symbolizes a death, burial and resurrection, which is why the early church baptized by immersion. The word “baptizo” means to immerse. It symbolized the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and it shows the death of the old sinner in the one being baptized.

Jesus’ teaching on baptism

We also know that baptism is a righteous thing to do. Jesus got baptized even though He was sinless. Matthew 3:13-15 says, “…John tried to prevent Him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?’ But Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he allowed Him.”

Jesus even commanded Christians to go and baptize everyone. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

Jesus adds this about baptism in Mark 16:15-16, “…Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

Are we saved by baptism?

You will notice that the Bible ties baptism to salvation. However, it isn’t the act of baptism that saves you. Ephesians 2:8-9 is clear that our works don’t contribute to our salvation. We can’t earn salvation, even by being baptized.

However, you must ask yourself. If Jesus asks you to do something and you refuse to do it, what does that mean? It means you are willfully disobedient. Is a willfully disobedient person repentant? Absolutely not!

Baptism is not what saves you, Jesus does! But refusing baptism says something powerful about the state of your relationship with Jesus.

Keep in mind, if you are unable to get baptized, like the thief on the cross, God understands your circumstances. However, if you are able to be baptized and won’t or choose not to, that action is willful sin which disqualifies you from salvation.

Bible Verses About Agape Love.

Fritz Chery

We are to have the same type of love that Jesus Christ had for us, which is agape love. A person with agape love never says, “what’s in it for me” or “this person doesn’t deserve it.” Agape love is not friend, sexual, or brotherly love. Agape love is sacrificial love. It shows action. 

When we are always worried about self, we will never have this type of love. We are to humble ourselves before the Lord and put others before ourselves. 

God’s agape love is in believers. Do all things with the love of God, expecting nothing in return.

Christian quotes about agape love.

“Agape is something of the understanding, creative, redemptive goodwill for all men. It is a love that seeks nothing in return. It is an overflowing love; it’s what theologians would call the love of God working in the lives of men. And when you rise to love on this level, you begin to love men, not because they are likeable, but because God loves them.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Agape love is selfless love…the love God wants us to have isn’t just an emotion but a conscious act of the will – a deliberate decision on our part to put others ahead of ourselves. This is the kind of love God has for us.” – Billy Graham

“It is possible to be at the top of Christian service, respected and admired, and not have that indispensable ingredient by which God has chosen to work in His world today – the absolute sacrificial agape love of the Eternal God.” David Jeremiah

“What is this love that endures decades, passes on sleep, and resists death to give one kiss? Call it agape love, a love that bears a semblance of God’s.” Max Lucado

“God loves you for no reason.”

God is agape love.

We see a perfect picture of God’s love in the cross of Jesus Christ. We are not good enough. God desires perfection and we all fall short. We are wicked before a holy judge. God would be loving in sending us to Hell because we are evil. God crushed His perfect Son for undeserving people. Those who are saved are regenerated and they are made saints to God. The blood of Jesus is enough. Repent and trust in Christ. Jesus is the only way.

1. 1 John 4:8-10 The person who doesn’t love doesn’t know God, because God is love. God has shown us his love by sending his only Son into the world so that we could have life through him. This is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the payment for our sins.

2. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

God has given us agape love.

3. Romans 5:5 Now this hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

4. John 17:26 I made your name known to them, and will continue to make it known, so that the love you have for me may be in them and I myself may be in them.

5. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but one of power, love, and self-discipline.

Agape love caused Jesus to sacrifice His life for us.

6. Revelation 1:5 and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us.

7. Romans 5:8-9 But God demonstrates his love for us by the fact that the Messiah died for us while we were still sinners. Now that we have been justified by his blood, how much more will we be saved from wrath through him!

8. John 10:17-18 “The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.”

Let’s learn what the Scriptures teach on agape love.

9. John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

10. Romans 5:10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

We are to show agape love to our brothers and sisters.

11. 1 John 3:16 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.

12. Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.

13. John 13:34-35 I give you a new commandment—to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  Everyone will know by this that you are my disciples—if you have love for one another.

14. Galatians 5:14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

We are to show agape love to God. This will result in obeying Him.

15. John 14:21 The person who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I, too, will love him and reveal myself to him.

16. John 14:23-24 Jesus answered him, If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. Then my Father will love him, and we will go to him and make our home within him. The one who doesn’t love me doesn’t keep my words. The words that you’re hearing me say are not mine, but come from the Father who sent me.

17. Matthew 22:37-38 Jesus told him, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the greatest and most important commandment.

Reminders

18. Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.

19. Romans 8:37-39 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

20. Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

A husband is to show agape love to his wife.

21. Ephesians 5:25-29 Husbands, love your wives as the Messiah loved the church and gave himself for it, so that he might make it holy by cleansing it, washing it with water and the word, and might present the church to himself in all its glory, without a spot or wrinkle or anything of the kind, but holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands must love their wives as they love their own bodies. A man who loves his wife loves himself. For no one has ever hated his own body, but he nourishes and tenderly cares for it, as the Messiah does the church.

22. Colossians 3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

Examples of agape love in the Bible.

23. Luke 10:30-34 After careful consideration, Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of bandits. They stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. By chance, a priest was traveling along that road. When he saw the man, he went by on the other side. Similarly, a descendant of Levi came to that place. When he saw the man, he also went by on the other side. But as he was traveling along, a Samaritan came across the man. When the Samaritan saw him, he was moved with compassion. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.”

24. Romans 9:1-4 I am telling the truth because I belong to the Messiah I am not lying, and my conscience confirms it by means of the Holy Spirit. I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart, for I could wish that I myself were condemned and cut off from the Messiah for the sake of my brothers, my own people, who are Israelis. To them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the Law, the worship, and the promises.

25. Exodus 32:32 But now, if you will only forgive their sin—but if not, erase my name from the record you have written!

I am a Christian, saved by grace through faith in Christ alone. In 2013, I founded BibleReasons.com, driven by a deep passion to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. My heart’s desire is not only that we come to know Him but that we cultivate an intimate relationship with Him through prayer.