The Greatest Commandment
INTRO
12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15: 12-13 (NIV)
In this verse Jesus gives us one commandment, to love one another as He has loved us.
Jesus then tells us how to truly love one another, by laying our life down for others.
It’s amazing how Jesus not only asks us to do this but demonstrated his love for us by laying his life on a cross, which is an example for us to follow.
PREACHING
So how can I lay my life down for my friend? Paul sets an example of that for us.
19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NIV)
In order to love people, we must lay down our life, which means denying ourselves for the sake of bringing someone closer to God.
We all have different backgrounds, nationalities, cultures, political beliefs, etc. but are you willing to let go of who you are in order to reach someone for Christ?
30 He must become greater; I must become less. John 3: 30 (NIV)
We are living in a time with a lot of division. Social media has tons of people defending their beliefs and arguing with people about why what they believe is right and if you believe otherwise then you are dumb.
Social issues are being politicized, where one side believes things should be one way and the other believes it should be another way.
Everything is divided conservatives vs. liberals, corporations vs. people, socialism vs. capitalism,
But as a follower of Christ, where do you stand?
23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 2 Timothy 23: 23 (NIV)
Our affiliation is with the kingdom before any political party, nation, or any other group. What is the point that we get into senseless arguments with people, pushing them away from us, and hindering our ability to follow Jesus’ commandment, to love them?
DISCUSSION
How likely are you to listen to someone that shuts down everything you believe in?
Can you identify areas in your life that you can be more flexible in for the sake of the gospel like Paul showed us in 1 Corinthians 9?
What other areas, besides your beliefs, do you think can be changed in order to love more?
PRAYER
For more of God and less of us.
For unity amongst our friends and family.
Salvation prayer for those that would like to accept Christ in their heart.
Prayer requests.