INCORRUPTIBLE LOVE FOR CHRIST

INCORRUPTIBLE LOVE FOR CHRIST

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 6:24

Key Verse: “Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.” — Ephesians 6:24 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Matthew 10:37-39; John 14:15; John 21:15-17; Romans 8:35-39; 1 Corinthians 16:22; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Ephesians 3:17-19; Revelation 2:4-5.

Description: This sermon examines the nature of incorruptible love for Jesus Christ and challenges believers to maintain an unwavering, genuine and enduring devotion to Him regardless of circumstances.

INTRODUCTION

Love is one of the most important themes in the Christian faith. The foundation of our relationship with God is His love demonstrated through Jesus Christ, and our response to that love should be wholehearted devotion to Him. Christianity is not merely about religious activities, church membership or public confession; it is about a living relationship with Jesus Christ, expressed through sincere love, obedience and faithfulness.

In Ephesians 6:24, Apostle Paul concludes his letter with these words: “Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.” The word translated as sincerity in the King James Version carries the idea of incorruptibility or an undeteriorating quality. It describes a love that is genuine, pure, undivided and not subject to decay. Paul is therefore praying for believers whose love for Christ remains uncorrupted by sin, selfish ambition, worldly attractions or changing circumstances.

This message is a call to examine the quality of our love for Jesus. It is possible to be active in church and yet allow our devotion to Christ to weaken. It is possible to speak about Him publicly while our private lives reveal divided loyalties. Incorruptible love is not temporary excitement; it is a settled commitment to Christ that remains strong through trials, temptations, disappointments and changing seasons. God desires believers whose love for Him will endure until the end.

1. UNDERSTANDING INCORRUPTIBLE LOVE FOR CHRIST

Before discussing the characteristics of incorruptible love, we must understand what the expression means. Incorruptible love is a pure and enduring devotion that is not weakened, contaminated or destroyed by external pressures or internal compromise. It is love that remains faithful to Jesus Christ because He is valued above everything else.

Such love is not merely emotional excitement. It is a spiritual commitment that influences our thoughts, decisions, priorities and conduct. It affects how we respond to God's Word, how we treat people and how we behave when nobody is watching.

a. Incorruptible love is genuine love (Ephesians 6:24)

“Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.” — Ephesians 6:24 (KJV)

Paul identifies the people who should enjoy the blessing of grace as those who love Jesus Christ in sincerity. This is love without hypocrisy, pretence or hidden reservations. It is not a public display designed to impress people but a genuine affection for the Lord.

A person may use Christian language, participate in church activities and hold a position in ministry without necessarily maintaining a sincere relationship with Christ. God is interested in the condition of our hearts, not merely our outward appearance.

Examine your motives and ask yourself whether your devotion to Jesus is genuine. Let your private life agree with your public confession.

b. Incorruptible love is undivided love (Matthew 6:24)

Jesus taught that no person can serve two masters. A believer cannot give Christ the highest place while allowing money, pleasure, ambition or worldly approval to control the heart.

Undivided love means that Jesus occupies the supreme position in our lives. We may have families, careers, businesses and responsibilities, but none of these should become more important than our relationship with Him.

Do not allow anything to compete with Christ for the affection of your heart. Give Him first place in your decisions, priorities and ambitions.

c. Incorruptible love is enduring love (John 13:1)

John records that Jesus loved His own who were in the world and loved them unto the end. His love was not temporary or dependent on favourable circumstances. He remained committed to His disciples even when they were weak and imperfect.

Our love for Christ must also endure. We must not love Him only when prayers are answered, opportunities are available or life is comfortable. Genuine devotion remains steadfast even when we experience disappointment or hardship.

Make a commitment to remain faithful to Jesus in every season. Let your love be stronger than temporary emotions and changing circumstances.

d. Incorruptible love is sacrificial love (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

Paul declares that the love of Christ constrains us, because Christ died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died and rose again.

Incorruptible love is not selfish. It recognises the sacrifice of Jesus and responds by surrendering personal interests to His will. It is willing to make sacrifices in order to honour Him.

Do not allow personal comfort to become more important than obedience to Christ. Be willing to surrender anything that competes with His lordship over your life.

Biblical Example: Mary of Bethany (John 12:1-8)

Mary demonstrated her love for Jesus by anointing His feet with costly ointment and wiping them with her hair. Her action was an expression of deep devotion and sacrifice. Although others criticised her, she gave Jesus something precious because she valued Him. Her example teaches us that genuine love for Christ is willing to sacrifice what is valuable in order to honour Him.

2. INCORRUPTIBLE LOVE FOR CHRIST MUST BE ROOTED IN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM

A lasting love for Jesus cannot be sustained by religious activities alone. It must grow out of a personal relationship with Him. We cannot consistently love someone we refuse to know, listen to or fellowship with.

The more we know Christ through His Word and the work of the Holy Spirit, the deeper our appreciation of His character, sacrifice and faithfulness becomes. A strong relationship with Him provides the foundation for enduring devotion.

a. We must know Christ personally (Philippians 3:10)

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.” — Philippians 3:10 (KJV)

Paul had extensive religious knowledge and remarkable ministry experience, yet his greatest desire was to know Christ more deeply. He understood that spiritual maturity involves continually growing in our relationship with Jesus.

Do not be satisfied with knowing about Jesus through sermons and religious discussions. Develop your own fellowship with Him through prayer, Scripture and obedience.

b. We must abide in Christ (John 15:4-5)

Jesus compared our relationship with Him to the relationship between a branch and a vine. A branch cannot bear fruit independently; it must remain connected to the vine.

In the same way, incorruptible love grows through continual fellowship with Christ. When we neglect prayer, Scripture and spiritual communion, our devotion can become weak and vulnerable.

Maintain a daily relationship with Jesus. Let your love be nourished by His presence and His Word.

c. We must allow His love to fill our hearts (Ephesians 3:17-19)

Paul prayed that believers would be rooted and grounded in love and know the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge. He understood that a deep experience of Christ's love strengthens the believer's spiritual life.

We cannot sustain genuine love for Christ merely through human determination. We need the Holy Spirit to deepen our understanding of His love and transform our hearts.

Ask God to give you a fresh revelation of the love of Jesus. The more deeply you appreciate what He has done for you, the more sincerely you will desire to live for Him.

d. We must keep our hearts devoted to Christ (Proverbs 4:23)

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” — Proverbs 4:23 (KJV)

The heart is the centre of our desires, affections and decisions. If we fail to guard it, wrong influences can gradually weaken our devotion to Christ.

Be careful about what you allow to occupy your thoughts and influence your desires. Avoid relationships, entertainment and habits that encourage spiritual compromise.

Guard your heart through prayer, the Word of God and wise choices. Protect the place Christ occupies in your life.

Biblical Example: The Apostle John (John 13:23; John 19:26-27; John 21:20)

John is repeatedly presented in the Gospel as a disciple who enjoyed a close relationship with Jesus. He remained near the Lord during important moments, including the crucifixion, when Jesus entrusted His mother to his care. His example reminds us that love for Christ should be nurtured through personal fellowship, loyalty and closeness to Him.

3. INCORRUPTIBLE LOVE IS DEMONSTRATED THROUGH OBEDIENCE

Love for Christ must be more than a confession of the lips. Jesus taught that genuine love is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments. A person cannot claim to love the Lord sincerely while deliberately rejecting His instructions.

Obedience does not mean that we earn God's love through perfect performance. Rather, it is the natural response of a heart that loves and trusts Him. When we value Christ, we desire to please Him.

a. We must obey His commandments (John 14:15)

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15 (KJV)

Jesus directly connects love with obedience. He does not measure our devotion merely by our words but by our willingness to follow His instructions.

If we love Jesus, we must take His teachings seriously. We must forgive, practise honesty, reject immorality, show compassion and live in holiness.

Do not allow selective obedience to become your Christian lifestyle. Obey Christ in every area of life, including those areas where obedience may be difficult.

b. We must submit our will to His authority (Luke 22:42)

In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed that the Father's will would be done rather than His own. His prayer revealed complete submission to the Father's purpose.

Incorruptible love requires us to surrender our personal preferences when they conflict with God's will. We must not insist that God should always approve our plans; we must be willing to follow His direction.

Pray for the grace to surrender your ambitions, decisions and desires to Christ. Let His will take precedence over your personal preferences.

c. We must obey even when it is costly (Acts 5:29)

Peter and the apostles declared that they must obey God rather than men. They understood that their commitment to Christ was greater than the pressure of human authorities.

There will be situations in which obedience to Christ may cost us opportunities, relationships, comfort or public approval. Incorruptible love remains faithful even when obedience brings difficulty.

Never exchange your convictions for temporary benefits. Stand for God's truth with humility and courage.

d. We must demonstrate love through righteous living (1 John 2:3-6)

John explains that we know Christ through keeping His commandments. He also teaches that whoever claims to abide in Christ ought to walk as He walked.

Our conduct should agree with our confession. We cannot claim to love Jesus while deliberately practising the things He condemns.

Allow the character of Christ to shape your speech, relationships, business dealings and private conduct. Let your lifestyle provide evidence of your love for Him.

Biblical Example: Abraham (Genesis 22:1-18)

Abraham demonstrated his love and trust in God when he obeyed the Lord's instruction concerning Isaac. His willingness to surrender what was precious to him revealed the depth of his faith. God intervened and provided a substitute, but Abraham's obedience remains an example of wholehearted devotion. Genuine love for God must be willing to obey even when the demand is difficult.

4. INCORRUPTIBLE LOVE MUST RESIST THE CORRUPTING INFLUENCES OF THE WORLD

The world presents many attractions that compete for the believer's affection. Materialism, immorality, pride, selfish ambition and the desire for human approval can gradually weaken our devotion to Christ.

Incorruptible love must be protected. We cannot allow every influence around us to enter our hearts without discernment. We must recognise the things that threaten our relationship with Jesus and deliberately resist them.

a. Resist the love of the world (1 John 2:15-17)

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” — 1 John 2:15 (KJV)

John warns believers against giving their hearts to the values and desires of a world system that opposes God. He identifies the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life as influences that do not come from the Father.

The world may offer temporary pleasure, recognition and material satisfaction, but these cannot replace the joy of knowing Christ. Do not allow worldly attractions to weaken your spiritual commitment.

b. Resist the deception of riches (Mark 4:18-19)

Jesus explained that the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches and the desire for other things can choke the Word and make it unfruitful.

Money and material possessions are not inherently sinful, but they become dangerous when they take control of the heart. A person may become so occupied with acquiring wealth that spiritual matters receive little attention.

Pursue legitimate opportunities, but never allow money to become your master. Keep Christ at the centre of your ambitions and decisions.

c. Resist spiritual compromise (Revelation 2:14-16)

In His message to the church in Pergamos, Jesus rebuked the presence of teachings and practices that encouraged compromise. He called the church to repent.

A church or believer can become so concerned about acceptance that sinful practices are tolerated. Incorruptible love refuses to compromise God's truth for convenience or popularity.

Stand firmly on Scripture. Reject teachings and practices that lead you away from Christ, and remain faithful to His standards.

d. Resist the fear of human opinion (Galatians 1:10)

Paul asked whether he was seeking the favour of men or of God. He understood that a servant of Christ cannot make pleasing people the highest priority.

The desire for approval can cause believers to hide their convictions, compromise their values or remain silent when they should stand for truth.

Do not allow criticism, rejection or opposition to determine your commitment to Jesus. Seek to please God above all else.

Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 1:8-20)

Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the king's food and wine. Although he was living in a foreign environment with different values, he maintained his commitment to God. His decision demonstrates that a believer can live faithfully in a corrupt environment without allowing that environment to corrupt his convictions.

5. INCORRUPTIBLE LOVE REMAINS FAITHFUL THROUGH TRIALS AND PERSECUTION

It is easy to profess love for Christ when everything is going well. The true quality of our devotion becomes more evident when we face difficulties, disappointments, opposition and suffering.

Incorruptible love is not dependent on favourable circumstances. It remains committed to Jesus because He is worthy of our devotion, whether the season is pleasant or difficult.

a. Love Christ more than personal comfort (Matthew 10:37-39)

Jesus taught that anyone who loves family members more than Him is not worthy of Him. He also explained that those who lose their lives for His sake will find them.

Christ must occupy the highest position in our hearts. This does not mean neglecting family responsibilities; it means that our loyalty to Him must take precedence over every competing attachment.

Do not abandon your faith to protect temporary comfort. Let your commitment to Jesus remain stronger than the pressure of difficult circumstances.

b. Remain faithful during persecution (Revelation 2:10)

Jesus encouraged the church in Smyrna not to fear the suffering ahead and called them to be faithful unto death, promising the crown of life.

Persecution and opposition cannot destroy the value of genuine devotion. The believer must remain faithful even when following Christ brings rejection or hardship.

Ask God for courage to stand firm when your faith is tested. Never allow intimidation to make you deny the Lord who gave His life for you.

c. Let trials deepen your commitment (James 1:2-4)

James teaches that the testing of faith produces patience and helps believers mature. Trials can become opportunities for spiritual growth when we respond with faith and perseverance.

Do not allow hardship to produce bitterness against God. Instead, draw closer to Him and allow the experience to strengthen your trust.

When your circumstances are difficult, keep praying, obeying and trusting the Lord. Let your love for Christ grow deeper through every season.

d. Remain convinced of Christ's unfailing love (Romans 8:35-39)

Paul asks what can separate believers from the love of Christ and declares that neither tribulation, distress, persecution nor any other created thing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Our confidence rests in the unchanging love of Christ. His love remains faithful even when our circumstances change. This assurance should strengthen our determination to remain loyal to Him.

Do not interpret every difficulty as evidence that God has abandoned you. Hold firmly to His promises and remain steadfast in your relationship with Christ.

Biblical Example: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel 3:16-28)

These three Hebrew men refused to bow before the golden image, even when threatened with death in the fiery furnace. They declared their confidence that God was able to deliver them, but they also made it clear that they would not worship the king's image even if deliverance did not come in the way they expected. Their loyalty demonstrates incorruptible devotion that does not depend on immediate deliverance or favourable circumstances.

6. INCORRUPTIBLE LOVE MUST BE MAINTAINED UNTIL THE END

A strong beginning does not automatically guarantee a faithful finish. Many people begin their Christian journey with enthusiasm but gradually lose their spiritual passion. Jesus warned the church in Ephesus that it had left its first love, despite its labour and perseverance.

Incorruptible love must therefore be deliberately maintained. We must continually renew our commitment to Christ, guard our spiritual lives and remain faithful until the end.

a. Guard against losing your first love (Revelation 2:4-5)

Jesus commended the church in Ephesus for its works, labour and patience, but He had something against it: it had left its first love. He instructed the church to remember, repent and return to its former works.

It is possible to remain busy in religious activities while losing the warmth of personal devotion to Christ. Ministry responsibilities must never replace our relationship with the Lord.

Examine your spiritual condition. If your love has grown cold, return to Christ in repentance and renew your commitment to Him.

b. Keep your spiritual fire burning (Romans 12:11)

“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” — Romans 12:11 (KJV)

Paul calls believers to maintain spiritual fervency and serve the Lord with commitment. Our devotion must not become careless, lazy or indifferent.

Make time for prayer, Bible study, worship and fellowship. Do not allow the pressures of daily life to extinguish your spiritual passion.

c. Continue growing in grace and love (2 Peter 3:18)

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” — 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)

Peter reminds believers that spiritual growth must be continuous. We must keep developing in our knowledge of Christ and in our experience of His grace.

Do not become satisfied with yesterday's spiritual achievements. Continue learning, receiving correction and becoming more like Jesus. Growing in Christ helps us maintain a healthy and enduring love for Him.

d. Finish your race with faithfulness (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Paul testified that he had fought a good fight, finished his course and kept the faith. His testimony reveals the importance of enduring commitment.

Incorruptible love is not measured only by how passionately we begin but also by how faithfully we continue. We must remain devoted to Christ throughout our lives.

Keep your eyes on Jesus and refuse to be distracted by temporary attractions. Depend on His grace to finish your Christian journey faithfully.

Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul (Acts 20:2-24; 2 Timothy 4:6-8)

Paul understood that suffering and opposition awaited him, yet he declared that he did not count his life dear to himself so that he might finish his course with joy and fulfil the ministry received from the Lord Jesus. At the end of his life, he testified that he had kept the faith. His example teaches us that genuine devotion to Christ must remain steadfast from the beginning of our journey until the end.

CONCLUSION

Incorruptible love for Christ is a genuine, undivided and enduring devotion that remains faithful despite temptation, opposition and changing circumstances. It is rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus, demonstrated through obedience and protected against the corrupting influences of the world. It does not depend on material blessings, human approval or temporary comfort. It is a love that values Christ above everything else and remains committed to Him through every season of life.

Let us examine our hearts and renew our devotion to Jesus. Have we allowed worldly attractions, personal ambitions, disappointments or spiritual carelessness to weaken our love for Him? Today, make a fresh commitment to love Christ sincerely and faithfully. Guard your heart, obey His Word, remain steadfast in trials and depend on His grace. May your love for the Lord Jesus Christ remain incorruptible until the end.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, give me an incorruptible love for Jesus Christ in Jesus name.

2. Lord, remove every divided affection from my heart in Jesus name.

3. Father, rekindle my first love for You in Jesus name.

4. Lord, deliver me from every worldly influence weakening my devotion in Jesus name.

5. Father, give me grace to obey You wholeheartedly in Jesus name.

6. Lord, strengthen me to remain faithful during trials in Jesus name.

7. Father, let nothing take Your place in my heart in Jesus name.

8. Lord, preserve my faith from spiritual compromise in Jesus name.

9. Father, keep my love for Christ burning continually in Jesus name.

10. Lord, help me to finish my Christian race faithfully in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Your love for Jesus Christ will remain sincere and incorruptible in the mighty name of Jesus.

2. Every divided affection in your heart will give way to wholehearted devotion in the mighty name of Jesus.

3. Your spiritual passion will be rekindled in the mighty name of Jesus.

4. No worldly attraction will separate you from your commitment to Christ in the mighty name of Jesus.

5. You will receive grace to obey God wholeheartedly in the mighty name of Jesus.

6. You will remain faithful through every trial and temptation in the mighty name of Jesus.

7. Your heart will remain firmly established in Christ in the mighty name of Jesus.

8. You will overcome every pressure to compromise your faith in the mighty name of Jesus.

9. Your devotion to Jesus will grow stronger every day in the mighty name of Jesus.

10. You will finish your Christian race with joy and faithfulness in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.