Where God is the focus, love is the result.
They're Maligned (1-6)
- Flattery: Insincere words designed to persuade.
- Pretext: A mask, a cover to hide or legitimize greed, coveting, self-interest, idolatry.
- Glory: Esteem; hearts hungry for commendation.
Their Motive (7-12)
- Nursing Mother: Simple, affectionate care for one upon whom you lavish tender attention.
- Father: In their day, fathers were responsible for the education of the children. Affection with care.
appealing for right conduct,
comforting when afraid or downcast in the face of opposition,
urging to action when they were slackers. - Labor: Tiresome, wearying physical toil so as not to be a financial burden to them
Their Message (13-16)
Application
- Which razor are you?
- Where God is the focus: Not my reputation, my message (solutions), my comfort, but God’s Word and glory. And God is their judge, not me.
- Love is the result: Loving my enemies. Living "in love" and not having to prove anything or watch our back. Fruit will win the day for those "in the know." Love them like God loves you.
