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Study 07 of 10

The Winning Power of Love

The loud cry's power is not in denunciation, but in the tenderness of love, which only Christ can provide.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Prescott discusses the power of the Spirit as it was manifested at Pentecost. He argues that our current situation is parallel to that of the apostles—a small, misunderstood, and opposed people. The key to giving the message is not fierce denunciation, but the tenderness of love. We cannot produce this love ourselves; only Christ, who is love, can dwell in us and provide it. Even when Jesus uttered scathing rebukes, it was in a spirit of deepest tenderness and sorrow for those who were bringing destruction upon themselves. We are to follow His example, but this is only possible if He dwells in our hearts and manifests His own character through us.

Key points

  • The power of the message is not in the fierce spirit of denunciation, but in the tenderness of love.
  • We cannot love those who injure us naturally; it must be Christ's love dwelling in us.
  • Jesus uttered scathing rebukes against hypocrisy, but always with tears in His eyes.
  • The only way to follow Christ's example is to have Him dwell in our hearts.

Key texts

  • Luke 20:21-22
  • John 17:23
  • 2 Corinthians 4:6

From the book

Sermon 5 · Christ's Love · Read this chapter

  • “I want to tell you, it is in no such way that the message will go with power, because the power will not be in the fierce spirit of denunciation, but in the tenderness of love.” (sermon 5)
  • “He denounced hypocrisy, unbelief, and iniquity, but tears were in his eyes as he uttered his scathing rebukes.” (sermon 5)
  • “He never made truth cruel, but manifested a wonderful tenderness for humanity.” (sermon 5)

Put it into practice

  • Ask for Christ's love to replace my natural reactions to those who oppose me.
  • Study Jesus' example of how He treated His enemies with tenderness and sorrow.
  • Commit to expressing truth always in love, as Christ did.
  1. Comprehension

    1. Why is fierce denunciation not the power of the message?

  2. Scripture

    2. How can we love those who treat us with hostility?

  3. Doctrinal Clarity

    3. What was the spirit in which Jesus spoke His rebukes?

  4. Scripture

    4. Why does the author think our situation is parallel to the apostles' time?

  5. Doctrinal Clarity

    5. What is the only way to manifest Christ's character?

  6. Comprehension

    6. What was Jesus' attitude towards the city of Jerusalem?

  7. Contrast

    7. How did Jesus approach the truth?

  8. Application

    8. How can you show tenderness today to someone who treats you badly?