#101 Sacrificial Love - NT Wright at London Bible Week
Jan 20, 2022
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Tom Wright speaks on 'Sacrificial Love' at London Bible Week in 2017. NT Wright introduces sacrificial love and discusses loving like Jesus. The concept of sacrificial love in the Gospel of John, the meaning of love in the Bible, and the commitment and language of love in Christianity are explored. The church as a model of new creation and Jesus' longing for recognition are also discussed. Reflections on love, justice, and practical living are presented, along with the importance of sacrificial love and good works in Christian existence.
Sacrificial love is demonstrated through selflessness and serving others, following Jesus' example of humble servanthood.
Loving like Jesus involves both exclusion and embrace, denouncing wrongdoing while still holding the possibility of reconciliation and forgiveness.
To love like Jesus, it is vital to turn to key teachings in the Bible, particularly John chapters 13 to 17, where the theme of love permeates Jesus' discourse.
Deep dives
The Legacy of Tim Keller
Tim Keller, a well-known apologist, has left behind a powerful legacy of teaching and inspiration for the worldwide church. His emphasis on communicating the truth of the gospel with relevance, clarity, and wincomeness continues to equip and empower believers. His pastoral heart and incredible mind have touched on various theological issues, including topics like faith, theology, and suffering.
Loving Like Jesus
Loving like Jesus means embodying sacrificial love, as exemplified by Jesus laying down his life for his friends. While most people don't experience this level of sacrifice on a daily basis, the principle remains the same: love is demonstrated through selflessness and serving others. It requires following Jesus' example of humble servanthood, looking out for the needs of others, and showing God's love to the world.
Addressing Difficulties in Love
The concept of sacrificial love can be challenging, especially when faced with difficult circumstances or difficult individuals. Love involves both exclusion and embrace. It means denouncing wrongdoing (exclusion) while still holding the possibility of reconciliation and forgiveness (embrace). The example of figures like Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who championed truth and reconciliation during South Africa's difficult times, shows the immense difficulty involved in loving like Jesus.
Jesus' Teachings on Love
To understand how to love like Jesus, it is vital to turn to key teachings in the Bible, particularly John chapters 13 to 17. Throughout these chapters, the theme of love permeates Jesus' discourse, emphasizing the significance of love within the Christian community and in showing God's love to the world. Jesus demonstrates love through acts like washing the disciples' feet and emphasizes the commandment to love one another as He has loved them. This radical form of love becomes the distinguishing mark of Jesus' followers.
Living out Love in the Church
The early church provides an example of how sacrificial love should be put into practice. The believers shared their possessions, cared for one another's needs, and were united in the love of Christ. The spirit of agape love created a community where there were no needy among them, as everyone was cared for. This ethos of love in action extended beyond the church to the wider community, as believers sought to meet urgent needs and engage in good works as their way of life.