The Greatest Commandment

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Summary

The first part begins with the lawyer’s question and the Shema: God called His people to love Him with all their heart, soul and might. God showed that love first, in redeeming Israel and in sending His Son for sinners, and His love is the pattern for ours. Love must be shown in action, walking in the light and keeping His commandments. God made man for relationships, and the Ten Commandments tell us how to love God and how to love people.

The second part stresses that God demands undivided loyalty; whoever loves family more than Christ is not worthy of Him. The slides trace the sinful heart, the mind set on the flesh that is hostile to God, and the soul dead in trespasses. Such a person cannot love God of himself, so both parts end on the need for a regenerated heart: God gives a new heart and His Spirit so that His people love Him and walk in His ways.

Essential truths

  1. The greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
  2. God first showed His love to us, and His love is the pattern for ours.
  3. Love for God is shown by keeping His commandments and giving Him undivided loyalty.
  4. Only a heart regenerated by God can truly love Him.

Encouragement and challenge

Ask whether anything is sharing the loyalty that belongs to God alone, and pray for Him to keep renewing your heart so that you love Him with all you are.

Reference verses

  • Matthew 22:35-38
  • Deuteronomy 6:4-6
  • 1 John 4:9-11
  • Deuteronomy 10:12-13
  • Deuteronomy 30:6
  • Ezekiel 36:25-27

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