Greatest Command

Sermon Notes

[Matthew 22:34-40] But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees with his reply, they met together to question him again. [35] One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: [36] "Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?" [37] Jesus replied, "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' [40] The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."

Jesus says that LOVE is the most IMPORTANT rule.

[Luke 10:29] The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

Jesus says that your ENEMY should be your neighbor.

[Luke 10:36-37] "Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?" Jesus asked. [37] The man replied, "The one who showed him mercy." Then Jesus said, "Yes, now go and do the same."

God wants us to love Him with our WHOLE being.

[1 Corinthians 10:31] So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Following rules is easy, but having a RELATIONSHIP with God takes work.

Many people know ABOUT God, but do not know God.

[1 John 4:7-8] Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. [8] But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

When you follow God you don't get to CHOOSE the people you love.

[John 13:34-35] So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. [35] Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."