Teaching summary
This sermon by Leonard and Lori Rola focuses on the manifestation of the Kingdom of God within us through love. Drawing from David’s battle with Goliath, they illustrate how faith in God’s word enables us to overcome life's obstacles. They emphasize that true transformation occurs when believers fully understand God's love for them, which naturally leads to loving others. By recognizing our identity in Christ and standing in the Covenant of Grace, we unlock the full blessings of the Kingdom of God.
Bible verses referenced
Deuteronomy 28:7 – "The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways."
1 John 4:7 – "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."
1 John 4:8 – "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
1 John 4:9 – "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him."
1 John 4:10 – "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."
1 John 4:12 – "No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us."
John 10:10 – "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I have come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly."
John 7:38 – "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."
John 3:16 – "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 17:23 – "I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."
Romans 5:8 – "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Ephesians 1:6 – "To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved."
Romans 3:26 – "To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus."
1 John 3:1-2 – "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."
Romans 10:9-10 – "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart, man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Facing the Giants in Our Lives
- Understanding God's Covenant: David's Confidence
- The Power of Love in Manifesting the Kingdom
- God’s Love vs. Religious Expectations
- Recognizing God’s Love for You
- Loving Yourself Through God’s Grace
- Loving Others as a Reflection of God's Love
- Living the Endless Blessings of the Kingdom
- Conclusion: Aligning with God’s Love
Introduction: Facing the Giants in Our Lives
Leonard opens the message by speaking about David, a young shepherd who was unafraid to challenge Goliath. Deuteronomy 28:7 states: "The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways." Just as David trusted God’s Covenant, we too can stand in faith against our own obstacles—whether financial struggles, illness, or personal challenges.
Understanding God's Covenant: David's Confidence
David’s boldness stemmed from his knowledge of God's promises. He knew the outcome was already determined because he stood in covenant with God. 1 John 4:9 says: "In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him." Just as David declared victory before stepping into battle, we must stand on God's word in every situation.
The Power of Love in Manifesting the Kingdom
The sermon transitions into the central theme: love. 1 John 4:7 states: "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God." Our ability to manifest the Kingdom is directly tied to our capacity to love as God loves us.
God’s Love vs. Religious Expectations
Leonard shares his struggle with religious guilt, explaining how he was burdened by the idea that he had to prove his love for God. 1 John 4:10 reveals the truth: "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." Understanding this removes guilt and allows believers to focus on receiving and reflecting God's love.
Recognizing God’s Love for You
To manifest the Kingdom, we must first acknowledge God's love for us. John 3:16 states: "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." When we accept His love, we break free from condemnation and guilt.
Loving Yourself Through God’s Grace
Ephesians 1:6 reminds us that we are "accepted in the beloved." Many struggle with self-judgment, but recognizing ourselves as righteous in Christ enables us to live confidently in God's love.
Loving Others as a Reflection of God's Love
As we grow in the revelation of God's love, it naturally overflows into our relationships. 1 John 4:12 says: "No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us." Loving others is the evidence of God’s presence in us.
Living the Endless Blessings of the Kingdom
The more we embrace and express love, the more the Kingdom of God is manifested in our lives. John 7:38 states: "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." The blessings of the Kingdom are already within us and are released through love.
Conclusion: Aligning with God’s Love
Leonard concludes by encouraging believers to examine their "love meters"—their level of love for God, self, and others. By doing so, they allow the fullness of the Kingdom to manifest in their lives.
We hope this message blessed you. Share this teaching with others and continue walking in the fullness of God's love!