Lesson 1 Review: God’s Loves Freely

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “ ‘I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, for My anger has turned away from him’ ” (Hosea 14:4, NKJV).

The ultimate question that Jesus poses to each of us in our time and place is the same question that Jesus asked Peter: “ ‘Do you love Me?’ ” Everything depends on our answer to that question.

What does it mean when God says He will be compassionate to whom He will be compassionate to?

God is proclaiming that as the Creator of all, He has the right and authority to grant grace and compassion freely to even the most undeserving of people. In the situation after the Israelites worshipped the golden calf, God had compassion on them still. This is one of many instances where God manifests His love and does so beyond any reasonable expectations.

What do we see in Hosea 14:1-4 about God’s love?

God’s love is steadfast, free and voluntary. He shows amazing commitment and love to His people, although they do not deserve it. Scripture repeatedly displays God’s love as free and voluntary.

Why is God worthy of all glory, honor, and power?

God freely created this world. And, because of this, God is worthy of all glory, honor, and power. He did not need to create this world, He already enjoyed the love between the Godhead, but He created this world out of love.

What does John 17:24 tell us about God’s love before the world existed?

God did not have to create the world but in accordance with His character of love, God chose to create the world, and enter into a love relationship with creatures. Even in the fallen state of humans, God still continues to love humans and reconciles them back to Himself.

What does it mean that many are called but few are chosen according to Matthew 22:14?

God calls (that is, invites) everyone to the wedding feast, God invites everyone to share in His love, but we have the freedom to accept this call or invitation. Freedom is essential to love and God will never force anyone to accept. So those who are the elect or chosen are those who accept God’s call of love. Once again, it all comes down to the question of love and the freedom inherent in love.

What can be seen in the ultimate display of God’s love – the Cross?

In the ultimate display of God’s love – the Cross, we see that Christ gave Himself for us of His own free will. He paid the price of sin and made the way to repair the ruptured relationship between heaven and earth.

In Conclusion,

God loves freely. He loved us and died for us while we were yet sinners, but as the phrase says, “ ‘Many are called but few are chosen.’ ” May God help us to accept this invitation of love He offers us, in Jesus’ name.