The Greatest Commandment
The Greatest Commandment
Lets first understand our Creator, our God.
He made his creation perfect and not needing anything beyond himself. We were given his creation for our benefit and enjoyment. We were also given a gift of free choice. We were given the choice to solely trust God exclusively, or do things apart from God. (Or become a god ourselves in our own mind)
We destroyed the beauty and purity of Gods creation, and brought destruction upon ourselves.
God knowing this planned the restoration of mankind. Despite what we have done to ourselves, he seeks mans reconciliation.
God has sent prophets, and even led Israel in several theophanys.
He cares about his creation, and ALL people.
2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
Unfortunately God is honored by man’s mouth and not by man’s heart and mind.
1. Israel was polytheistic and worshiped other man-made gods instead of the one and only true God.
2. Romans chapter one tells how mankind has become vain in their imaginations worshiping gods of mans creation
3. Society today wants the best of both realities.
Mankind wants to be blessed but are divided with their devotion. Living for what the world offers, wanting what God offers.
Their are some who say that they are seekers of God. In reality they are seeking blessing, mercy, grace, comfort, etc. They seek God for self gain only.
They seek without commitment, dedication, and humbleness
Seeking God is more than the above, it’s seeking God as their identity, their life goals and purpose.
Seeking God comes from thankfulness, reverence, and worship.
Seeking God is seeking his Righteousness, his Holiness, his Truth, his Love, his Light, Himself.
Seeking God is seeking to walk with God
Seeking God is having a desire to commune with God
Seeking God is your desire to be one with God
Seeking God to be remade complete, to be restored to the image God intended us to be originally.
Seeking God results in God becoming the center of our being
Deut 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
Jehovah our God is the only living and true God; he only is God, and he is but One God. Let us not desire to have any other.
Deut 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
He is seeking for our love
Loving God is a journey, not an end goal
To love God means, finding the fullness of the original law given fulfilled in the Gospel of Christ.
Deut 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
The “heart” is mentioned as the seat of the understanding;
The “soul” as the center of will and personality;
The “might” as representing the outgoings and energies of all the vital powers.
Loving God is a personal and passionate relationship with God, rather than a mere outward observance of religious duties.
The concept of loving God with "all your might" has practical implications, encouraging believers to use their resources and abilities to honor God
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God” (Psalm 42:1).
To love God means to give oneself entirely to God, prioritizing Him above all else.
It's a devotion that encompasses love, trust, obedience, and a desire to align one's life with His will.
This love is expressed through actions like prayer, worship, keeping His commandments, and a desire to fellowship with Him.
The New Testament itself requires no more than this total self-surrender of man’s being to his maker Mat_22:37.
1. Again Loving God is making him the center of our being
2. Surrender and Obedience: Loving God means surrendering your own will and desires to His. It involves obeying His commands and striving to live according to His teachings. This includes not only outward actions but also inward desires and motivations.
3. Prioritizing God: Loving God means putting Him first in your life. This involves making Him the center of your thoughts, affections, and decisions. It's a conscious choice to place your relationship with God above all other relationships and pursuits.
4. Worship and Prayer: Loving God is expressed through sincere worship and prayer. It's a way to connect with Him, express your love and gratitude, and seek His guidance. It's about having a personal relationship with God, not just a set of rituals.
5. Love for Others: A genuine love for God often extends to love for others, especially fellow believers. Loving what God loves includes loving His people and treating them with kindness, compassion, and respect.
6. Seeking God's Word: Love for God involves a desire to understand His word and apply it to your life. Reading the Bible, studying its teachings, and allowing it to guide your actions are a key part of loving God.
IN ESSENCE, LOVING GOD IS A COMPREHENSIVE COMMITMENT THAT INVOLVES YOUR WHOLE BEING – YOUR HEART, SOUL, MIND, AND STRENGTH – AND IS EXPRESSED THROUGH BOTH INTERNAL DEVOTION AND OUTWARD ACTIONS.
Loving God with your heart, mind, and soul results in priceless benefits and comfort from God to enjoy NOW. We don’t have to physically die to experience them.
We only have to die to self to live in the fullness that God intended for us to have.
Starting with our humble surrender and his never ending presence.
