Sermon: The Shape Of Our Loves

Scripture Text: Psalm 115 and Romans 12:1-2

Quotes for Reflection

James K.A. Smith, You Are What You Love The heart is the existential chamber of our love, and it is our loves that orient us toward some ultimate end or telos. It’s not just that I “know” some end or “believe” in some telos. More than that, I long for some end. I want something, and want it ultimately. It is my desires that define me. In short, you are what you love.

William James, Psychology: The Briefer Course All our life, so far as it has definite form, is but a mass of habits - practical, emotional, and intellectual - systematically organized for our weal or woe, and bearing us irresistibly toward our destiny, whatever the latter may be.

Martin Lloyd Jones, Authentic Christianity A man's god is that for which he lives, for which he is prepared to give his time, his energy, his money, that which stimulates him and rouses him, excites, and enthuses him.

The Songs of Jesus, Timothy & Kathy Keller Idols are usually good things turned into ultimate things because we look to them to give us the significance and security that can come only from God. How can we “put away” our idols? Whenever you see your heart in the grip of some kind of temptation, anxiety, or fit of anger, ask: How are my feelings being caused by an inordinate hope for something to give me what only Jesus can? How does Christ give me so much more fully and graciously and suitably the very things I am looking for elsewhere?

Application Questions

1. Reflect on a personal passion in your life. How has this affection practically shaped your life for good or ill and what does this dynamic reveal?

2. Identify a love at work in your heart that rivals God. When you deconstruct the habit that supports this love what insight to you gain for its transformation?

3. Why is liturgy so good for keeping us in an abiding relationship with God?