Determined Love By Major Frank Materu
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Key Scripture:
"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment."
• Mark 12:30 (KJV)
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Introduction
Love for God is not merely a sentiment or an obligation taught by others; it is a determined commitment that demands the entirety of our being. In this message, God is calling His people to examine the depth and authenticity of their love for Him. It is not enough to love Him in words only, nor to follow Him when circumstances are favorable. True love for God is determined, unwavering, and unconditional. It is a love that perseveres, even in the face of hardship, persecution, and misunderstanding. This love should be the driving force behind every action, decision, and attitude we have as believers.
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The Call to Determined Love
"If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple."
• Luke 14:26 (KJV)
Determined love for God requires us to place Him above every other relationship, desire, and attachment in our lives. It is a love that transcends the natural affections we may have for family, friends, and even ourselves. The love that Jesus calls us to is radical and all-encompassing. It is a love that goes beyond the superficial and requires us to make difficult choices for the sake of God’s Kingdom. It is a love that must be prioritized above all else, as Jesus demonstrated through His own sacrificial love for the Father.
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The Challenges of Determined Love
"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
• 2 Timothy 3:12 (KJV)
When we determine to love God with all our heart, we will inevitably face challenges and persecution. We will be misunderstood, falsely accused, and even abandoned by those we love. This love is not always easy, but it is essential for the believer who desires to live for God. As we face these trials, we must remember that our love for God is not dependent on our circumstances but on our unwavering commitment to Him. Determined love gives us the strength to endure and continue on, even when the road is difficult and lonely.
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The Rewards of Determined Love
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
• Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
When we love God with determination, He promises to provide for us and bless us. Determined love for God leads to a life filled with spiritual abundance, joy, and peace. It allows us to experience the fullness of life in Christ, as we trust in Him to provide for our needs. God honors those who are determined to love Him by giving them the strength to overcome the challenges they face and by fulfilling His promises in their lives. The rewards of determined love are eternal, both in this life and the next.
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The Example of Jesus Christ
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
• John 3:16 (KJV)
Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of determined love. His love for the Father and for humanity was so great that He was willing to lay down His life, enduring pain, rejection, and death on the cross. He was determined to fulfill God’s plan of salvation, no matter the cost. His love was not conditional upon circumstances, nor was it weakened by the trials He faced. Jesus’ determination to love the Father and obey His will serves as our model for what it means to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
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The Danger of Self-Love and Pride
"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
• 1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV)
In contrast to determined love for God, self-love and pride lead to destruction. When we place ourselves above God, we fall into the trap of selfishness and sin. This pursuit of self-exaltation leads to misery, hopelessness, and despair. The prideful person refuses to submit to God and instead seeks to establish their own will. This mindset leads to spiritual death, as it separates us from the source of life and joy—God Himself. It is essential that we turn away from pride and self-centeredness and choose to follow the path of determined love for God.
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Living in Determined Love
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
• Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
To live in determined love for God, we must rely on His strength and guidance. We cannot do this on our own; it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to love God with all our being. Determined love is a choice that requires continuous commitment and perseverance. It means rejecting the temptation to live for ourselves and instead choosing to live for God. As we remain focused on Him and trust in His provision, we can live out the determined love that He calls us to.
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Summary
Determined love for God is a radical and unwavering commitment to put Him first in all areas of our lives. It requires us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, even when faced with challenges, persecution, and hardship. This love is not conditional upon our circumstances, but it is a choice to remain faithful to God, trusting in His provision and promises. Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of determined love, and we are called to follow His example. As we live in determined love for God, we experience His blessings, strength, and eternal rewards.
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Conclusion
True love for God is determined, sacrificial, and all-encompassing. It is a love that does not waver in the face of difficulty but is steadfast and unyielding. As we choose to love God with all our being, we will experience the fullness of His presence and His abundant blessings in our lives. May we be determined to follow the example of Christ and love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
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Call to Action
Examine your heart and determine today to love God with everything you have. Reject self-centeredness, pride, and the distractions of this world, and choose to follow God with unwavering commitment. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to live a life of determined love, regardless of the challenges you face. Keep your focus on God and trust in His provision, knowing that He will never fail you.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Remember, the love you have for God is the most powerful force in the universe. When you are determined to love Him with all your heart, you will experience His peace, joy, and strength in every circumstance. Keep pressing forward, and know that the rewards of determined love are eternal. Trust in God’s faithfulness, and He will lead you to victory in all things.
