The Great Commandment

Matthew 22:34-40

LOVE OVER LAW

*Write on index card* “love over law”

Matthew 22:34-40

What is honor?

Pharisees & Sadducees. Honor.

Why did these groups want to kill Jesus?

Private questions, public questions

Lawyer- good at the Law and words. Yet the One whom the Bible points to was right in front of Him

*dream girl description* .... *along comes Elle* … *too busy, to caught up*

They put law over love. Think of roadway laws. Can’t keep us from dying- but it is there to help (it is a guardian). But it also convicts us (gets us into trouble)!

Index card: “love over law”

They missed that the law was there for the cause of love. Law pointed to the need for love.

Romans 2:12-13

Galatians 3:19-26

Putting Christ to the test.

Should we put God to the test?

Let God be God. Let the Word be the Word.

He defines truth. He defines love. He defines justice.

Love of God. What does it look like to love God?

Heart? Soul? Mind?

How do you love yourself?

What does it look like to love others as yourself?

“If the life of God is real in our life, it will show by the presence of this love for God and others.” Guzik

Open your life to God. Open your life to others.

Open your heart or affections. Open your heart or ambitions. Open your mind or attitudes. Open your strength or activity.

Open yourself to what God is doing in your neighbor- whether they are a friend or enemy.

Jesus exemplified the love of God and others.

God loved first. He sent Jesus. Rather than fear and flinching, it is wonder we are brought to. Care. Genuine love.

This love frees us to want to do the law. To obey the law.

__________

GROUPS:

What you will do this week to love God

What you will do this week to love others

Pray it out