Loving Jesus and the Simplicity of Christian Life

35 And one of them, an expert in the law, asked a question to test him: 36 “Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?” 37 He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the greatest and most important command. 39 The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. 40 All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.”

How were the apostles able to do such amazing things?

They loved Jesus - Acts 4:20 “...for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

They loved each other - Acts 4:32 “Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common.”

Romans 13:8 NLT

8 Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.

God gifts aren’t just for the big, amazing, and flashy miraculous events

He gifts us for simple acts of love and daily living

Romans 12:6–18 NLT

6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. 9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Conclusion

Do not set some high and lofty expectation based on what you see others doing

Be encouraged - the commands of the Lord are simple and attainable

God is pleased with your ordinary life - not just mighty works

Simple every day treatment of others can have profound impact

Develop a strong love and attachment to Jesus

Everyone who ever did something noteworthy in the New Testament, did it from a love for Christ

Jesus will teach you what matters, and what doesn’t

1 Thessalonians 1:2–3 CSB

2 We always thank God for all of you, making mention of you constantly in our prayers. 3 We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work produced by faith, your labor motivated by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 11:28–30 NLT

28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Questions

Have the stories in the book of Acts been intimidating you? Or feel unattainable? How so?

How might you be over-complicating what God requires from you?

Read Romans 12:6-18 again. What are some “ordinary” things you do, that might actually be ways that God has supernaturally gifted you to serve?

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