The Great Commandment Pt. 3

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Study Notes

We believe Jesus is the sole expert on what life is about and how to live. He said that the greatest commandment is to love God and that there is another commandment equal to it, love people. This double commandment summarizes what we really need to know to live life well. But, loving God and loving others is not easy. We need His help, His example and His instruction.

Responding to God's Love

1. ...with all our heart
   To love God with all our heart means our commitment to Him dominates our emotions. Emotions are fickle but powerful, loving God gives us a new authority.
2. ...with all our soul
   To love God with all our soul means our commitment to Him dominates our motives. His presence can become our "why" and "why not."
3. ...with all our mind
   To love God with all our mind means our commitment to Him directs our thoughts. Our wandering minds need help. Loving God with all our minds means we are playing a new narrative by choice.
4. ...with all our strength
   To love God with all our strength means our commitment to Him directs the use of our energy and ability. The body is actually an ally in the development of our loving relationship with God.

Questions for Family, Small Groups or Personal Reflection

1. What tends to be your dominant negative emotion? How could your love for God begin to dominate your emotion?
2. Ask yourself, "why do I do what I do?" What motivates you to do what you do?
   Why are motives so tricky?
3. What obstacles exist for you to responding to God's love with all your mind?
   What can you do to remove them? How can we be proactive in our thought life about what is "good?"
4. In what way is the body "our greatest ally" in sanctification?

Suggested "Means" for Growth

Our affection for God must be cultivated. We have been given capacity to do this and the resources to make it happen. What means will you employ this week to continue or start a deeper relationship with God?

Resources

• Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard
• Love or Die by Alexander Strauch
• Doctrine by Mark Driscoll
• Soul Keeping by John Ortberg