Living the Great Commandment, pt. 3

Alan continued his series on Living the Great Commandment by teaching us about “The Mind and Loving God and Our Neighbor.”

Living the Great Commandment, pt. 3

Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Matthew 22:36-40

The Mind of God and Loving God and Your Neighbor

1. Big Starting Point
   • Our love for God is based on His first loving us. His love has flowed to us to flow out of us. Our love for God involves seeing His mercy and lovingkindness to us (Psalm 51:1, John 17:26). God demonstrates His love in giving His Son (John 3:16).
2. How do we use our mind for loving God?
   • Have a mindset that thinks upon God & the things of God and see life from a Christ-minded perspective.
   • You become what you think (Matthew 12:34).
     • 2 Corinthians 10:3-7
       • Having a mindset on God requires more than just human effort. Foremost, it requires the Spirit.
       • Having a mindset on God makes you aware of arguments and obstacles against God (Ephesians 6:10-18).
       • Having a mindset on God involves a knowledge of God (Ephesians 1:15-23).
       • Having a mindset on God requires obedience (2 Corinthians 10:5).
   • What you should think upon (Philippians 4:1-9)
   • Two kinds of mindsets (Romans 8:5-11; Galatians 5:13-26)
     • A mind that is set on the flesh has 4 characteristics:
       • The end is death (meaning the absence of the Spirit)
       • Hostile to God
       • Doesn’t submit to God
       • Cannot please God
     • A mind that is set on the Spirit has 2 main characteristics:
       • Life alive in Christ
       • Life lived in peace
   • A mindset on Christ looks after others, not just one’s own needs (Philippians 2:1-11)
3. Conclusion: The only life that was ever lived as God intended mankind to live was lived by Christ. Our obedience is found in being Christ-like. We bring Him glory by loving Him and loving others.