The Big Two

The Big Two

August 7, 2016 Morning Service

Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK

Rick Boyne

Message Point: Jesus sums up all of the law in two commands: love God and love others.

Focus Passage: Matthew 22:34-40

Introduction: Sometimes, when someone is giving a very long and confusing explanation of something, we have the urge to say, “would you just get to the point!?!” Well, while it was under a different set of circumstances, Jesus “gets to the point” about what the Bible is all about. “Love God. Love others.” It sounds simple, and it is to say, but it can prove to be a little more difficult when we put it to practice. Mostly because our selfish flesh gets in the way…

I. Love God

a. heart, soul & mind

i. heart – no idols, no other object of worship

ii. soul – not trusting anyone or anything else to be saved

iii. mind – think about God like you think about your true love

1. Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against Thee. (Psalms 119:11 NAS77)

2. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. (Psalms 1:2 NAS77)

b. keep his commandments

i. "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. (John 14:15 NASB)

II. Love Others

a. love your neighbor

i. who is your neighbor? anyone in need

b. serve others:

i. treat them like you’d like to be treated: "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12 NASB)

c. forgive others

i. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32 NASB)

Application/Invitation: What will it take for you to love God? What will it take to love others as much as yourself?