Sermon 022596

Mat. 22:34-40                       The Great and First Commandment - III                          2/25/96

ABCC

I.  Review of the Great & 1st Commandment                                                                    # 513

    This is the great & 1st purpose in life.  It is more important than any other goal in life:  family, financial, educational, ministry, etc.

A.  Involves a personal relationship between an individual & the Only True God

B.  Involves genuine conversion of a sinner = “..love the Lord your God”

    C.  Involves a radical change in the will, emotions, intellect & attitude = ready to obey

    D.  Involves ongoing validation or evidence = FRUIT (Lk. 9:23; Jn. 14:15)

Obedience to this command benefits your whole being (body, soul, spirit), assures you the highest quality of life on earth, & secures your destiny w/Christ- “You shall love…”

II.  How to Keep the Great & 1st Commandment (Christ is our Example)

     A.  Consistent & effective prayer life (Lk. 3:21; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18, 28; 11:1; 22:41;

           23:34, 46) = as He’s being anointed, regular quiet time, before making decisions,

           before greater revelation of Himself, publicly, before great temptation, for others

           while enduring a great trial Himself, to the end!!!! Do you pray as you begin…?

     B.  Spirit-inspired Fasting (Lk. 4:1-2; Jn. 4:30-34)  Have you fasted for any reason

           recently (other than your diet)?

The Great & 1st Commandment - III, Pg. 2

Our Lord indicates that believers will pray & fast!

     >> And when you pray….( Mt. 6:5)

     >> And when you fast…..(Mt. 6:16)

     C.  Spirit-controlled thought life (Mk. 2:8; 2Co. 10:4-6)

·        Do you think biblically? [Eccl. 3:1-8]  Is your discernment accurate? [Ph. 1:9-11;

       He. 5:14]  >>>>For as you think within your heart, so you are (Pr. 23:7)

       What is in your heart & mind this morning?  Can you truly say “in God’s law I meditate day & night”?  Have you treasured God’s word in your heart….?

     D.  Spirit-controlled speech

·        Our Lord spoke compassionately, authoritatively, sternly with reproof, no response

·        Is your speech timely?  Filled with bitterness, anger, slander, etc.? or as Col. 4:6?

     E.  Spirit-controlled deeds (Lk. 4:1, 14; Gal. 5:16-24)

How do you keep this great & 1st commandment?  Persevere in prayer with all kinds of prayer & petitions.  Memorize & meditate on the word of God; let your mind dwell on whatever is true, honorable, right , pure, lovely & of good repute.  Let your speech always be gracious, speak only that which is needful for the moment and carry out the deeds of the Spirit of God!