Let Us Examine the Lord's Teaching on Love (Matthew 22:34-40)
Introduction:
1. This morning we studied passages that teach us about the Lord's love. 2. We need to know about the Lord's love because we are to walk in love as He has loved us (Ephesians 5:1-2). 3. This evening we are examining the Lord's teaching on love, specifically His command to love our neighbors as ourselves. 4. The first point we need to make is that . . . Discussion: I. JESUS STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF LOVING OUR NEIGHBORS
A. (Matthew 22:34-40) Jesus revealed the 2 great commandments in the law. 1. (vs.39) He identified the commandment we are studying as the 2nd great commandment of all. 2. (vs.40) It was 1 of the 2 commands upon which the law and prophets hung. a. The 1st commandment summed up all the responsibilities that the Jews had toward God (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). b. The 2nd commandment summed up all the responsibilities that the Jews had toward their neighbors (Leviticus 19:18). B. The New Testament also reveals how important this commandment is to Christians (Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:13-15; James 2:8). C. Since this commandment is so important we must understand it. D. To help us understand it, . . . II. JESUS INTERPRETED HIS COMMAND TO LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS
A. (Matthew 5:43-48) Jesus dealt with a misinterpretation of this commandment. 1. A misinterpretation is revealed in vs.43. 2. Jesus taught His will in vs.44-48. B. Jesus gave a practical explanation of this commandment in Matthew 7:12. C. Let us also consider how . . . III. JESUS ILLUSTRATED WHAT IS INVOLVED IN LOVING OUR NEIGHBORS (Luke 10:25-37)
A. (vs.25-29) We learn why Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan. B. (vs.30) A man needed assistance -- he had been robbed, stripped of his clothing, wounded, and left half dead. C. (vs.31-32) 2 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) A Levite "came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side." D. (vs.33-35) A Samaritan did love his neighbor. 1. (vs.33) The Samaritan loved his neighbor because he had compassion on him. 2. He demonstrated his love by: a. caring for the man in need (vs.34) b. sacrificing so the man would be taken care of (vs.35). E. Jesus applied this parable to the lawyer in vs.36-37. Conclusion:
1. This morning we examined the Lord's love -- let us follow His example. 2. This evening we have examined the Lord's teaching on love -- let us practice His instructions.
