Keeping Ourselves unspotted from the world (Lesson 38)
Introduction:
1. According to James 1:27, "pure and undefiled religion before God" includes "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world." 2. God has certainly blessed us by providing instructions in His Word to help us remain free of spots from the world. 3. In His teaching Jesus placed great emphasis on "the second commandment." 4. As we study the Lord's instructions, let us consider how this commandment will help us to keep ourselves unspotted from the world. 5. For our first point we need to show how . . . Discussion: I. JESUS EMPHASIZED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SECOND COMMANDMENT
A. (Matthew 22:35-36) Jesus was asked to identify "the great commandment in the law." 1. Jesus identified it in Matthew 22:37-38 [it was originally given in Deuteronomy 6:5]. 2. It summed up all the responsibilities that the Israelites had toward God. B. Jesus also identified "the second" commandment in the law in Matthew 22:39 [it was originally given in Leviticus 19:18]. 1. It summed up all the responsibilities that the Israelites had toward their fellow man (Leviticus 19:13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18a). 2. (Matthew 22:40) It was one of the two commandments upon which all the law and the prophets hung. C. The New Testament stresses the importance of this commandment to Christians, God's people today (Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:13-15; James 2:8-9). D. To keep ourselves unspotted from the world we must fulfill our responsibilities toward others. E. Since "loving your neighbor" is such as important commandment we must understand it. II. JESUS INTERPRETED THE SECOND COMMANDMENT
A. (Matthew 5:43) Jesus showed how this command had been misinterpreted. B. He continued by revealing His will in Matthew 5:44-48. C. The "love" that Jesus requires is "to seek what is best for other people." D. Jesus summed up what is involved in "loving your neighbor" in Matthew 7:12. E. We understand how important "loving your neighbor" is, and we understand what this command involves. F. Let us turn our attention to an occasion when . . . III. JESUS ILLUSTRATED THE SECOND COMMANDMENT (Luke 10:25-37)
A. We learn from vs.25-29 why Jesus told His parable of the Good Samaritan. B. (vs.30) Jesus began His parable by showing that a man needed assistance. 1. This man had a legitimate need -- he had been robbed, stripped of his clothes, wounded, and left half dead. 2. He was not responsible for his situation. C. Jesus showed in vs.31-32 that two men did not love their neighbor. 1. (vs.31) When a priest saw the man, "he passed by on the other side." 2. (vs.32) When a Levite saw the man, he "looked on him, and passed by on the other side." D. Jesus showed in 33-35 how the Samaritan loved his neighbor. 1. (vs.33) This man had something that the priest and Levite lacked: "compassion." 2. (vs.34-35) The Samaritan showed his love for the man by taking care of him. E. (vs.36-37) Jesus applied His parable to the lawyer. Conclusion:
1. The second commandment is to "love your neighbor as yourself." 2. To remain unspotted from the world so we can practice pure and undefiled religion before God we must fulfill our responsibilities toward others.
