INTRODUCTION - THE BASIC MOTIVATION THAT LOVES THE HEART OF GOD AND MAN IS THAT OF LOVE!

• Freud was right in his motivational research all of man's life is related to love -
• But he missed the three levels of love - Eros-Sex, Phileo-Friendship, Agape-God like LOVE
• Paul in his dealing with Philemon appeals to the highest motive control - Does this motive control work in your life?

Is your life run by Eros, Phileo, or Agape?

I. THE GREATEST AUTHORITY IS LOVE

Though fear will nip at your heels, it is Love that will draw you to the finish line in race.

A.   PAUL SAID HE MIGHT BE BOLD TO ENJOIN - Philemon 8

1. He wanted something from Philemon, he could ask, or he could command- what course do you take?
2. As an apostle he could command, as a friend he could ask for Phileo-friendship sake-but-
3. The greatest appeal in this letter is the same as the entire Bible Love! For Love sake!

B.  "YET FOR LOVE'S SAKE, I RATHER BESEECH THEE" - Philemon 9a

1.  Though Paul hints at many other motives- "the aged"-sympathy, "prisoner"-compassion, & etc.
2. Along with Onesimus Paul sent the letters to Eph, and Col. - Cf. Col 3:2 -Set your affection-
3. His appeal is-Since your love is spoken of v.5, expand it further, prove it again

C.  GOD WOULD MUCH RATHER APPEAL TO US FOR OBEDIENCE THROUGH LOVE THAN THROUGH FEAR

1. When people, or nations are as children, Cod deals with them with Commands, & Penalties-
2. But as we grow, we are dealt with more as with mature men- John 14:15 "If ye love me"-
3. But the Greatest Commandment- Matt 22:37- Love God, Love self, Love neighbor

Rom 13:8.10- Love is the fulfilment of the law - our greatest debt is LOVE

II.  THE PRIME MOTIVE OF GOD AND MAN IS LOVE

From John 3:16 "God so loved the world" to Eph 3:17-19 "to know the love of Christ-"

A.  THE GREAT MOTIVE OF THE PERSONALITY OF GOD IS LOVE

1. John 3:16 is echoed from one end of the Bible to the other Hos 11:1-"Israel-I loved him"
2. Rom 5:8- God proved his love for us -while we were yet in our sins- Christ died for us.
3. The greatest one word description of God- we teach to youngest children- I John 4:8- LOVE

B.  THE GREATEST MOTIVE IN OUR HEARTS SHOULD BE THIS SAME LOVE

1. There are many gifts for us to covet and stir up- but the more excellent way- I Cor 12: 31-
2. Paul's plea to the Church at Corinth- II Cor 218 "Confirm your love", 5:24 "Constrained by Love"
3. The plea of John the aged- I John 2:15-17 Do not love the world- its love is LUST- death

C.  IF THIS IS SO, OUR QUESTION SHOULD BE HOW CAN WE GET MORE LOVE

1. Like Wisdom, we must recognize our shortcomings and ask God for more Jas 1:5 in faith believing
2. Like any gift- we must stir it up II Tim 1:6, the best way is by exercise of the gift.
3. When it begins to grown old,- Rev 2:4 - a need to return to courtship- first works again!

But remember that Love is the first fruit of the spirit Gal 5:22, only get it from God

III. DOES LOVE PROVIDE THE PRIME MOTIVE FOR YOU?

We live in a world of eggshells, and to walk in it demands great discipline and care

A.   WE DRAW UP MANY CODES OF CHRISTIAN CONDUCT, ROADMAPS TO SUCCESS, RULES FOR PIETY -

1. One of the best lists I have seen for a while is on page 3 of Christian Beacon- Nov 14, 1968
2. Though this might be a good guide for us through the confusion, it can be digested to -love.

B.  THE GREATEST AND MOST NEEDED CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CHRISTIANS TODAY IS LOVE

1. If you love the Lord will you flirt with Satan? -Tobacco, Alcohol, Narcotics,-never touch your lips
2. If you love- Christ, what of any sexual impurity? Dance, Show, TV & Music that is worldly?
3. If you love Him- what of any questionable amusement-? gambling, dice, cards,
4. Not all negative- If you really love Him- no sacrifice is too great to be with Him- show love Personal Prayer, Bible study, Church worship, Sunday School Study, BTU Expression, Prayer Meeting, Giving money to Him, doing things for Him, Introducing your friends to Him, Time with Jesus

C.  WILL YOU LET THE LOVE OF GOD, THE LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST YOUR SAVIOUR, BE YOUR PRIME MOTIVE?

1. The decision of your life is yours, but if you miss knowing the love of Christ, you miss life
2. If you miss the sacrifice of giving your all for love, you miss the noblest experience of life

CONCLUSION - DO YOU LOVE THE LORD JESUS CHRIST ENOUGH? DO YOU SHOW IT ENOUGH?

1. Just as human love demands a public engagement & marriage, so Christ wants to be claimed
2. Just as human love demands working at it throughout life- so Christian love also
3. What have you done for the Lord recently?