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Living a Life of Love and Obedience
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 22:36-40 (ESV)
1. Opening Prayer
2. Scripture Reading
Read aloud the Bible passage at the top of this page Matthew 22:36-40.
3. Group Discussion
(1) According to Glen Scrivener, the phrase “in Jesus” is probably the most important two-word phrase in the Bible. (See 3 2 1—The Story of God, The World and You, p. 103.) What does this phrase mean, and what are the implications?
(2) What is the relationship between loving God and obedience? (See Tom Tarrants’ article, “Loving God and Neighbor,” section titled “Loving God.”)
(3) What is the biblical meaning of love?
(4) What insights did you gain from the Bible Study of Matthew 22:34-40 and 25:31-46?
4. Prayer Requests
5. Closing Prayer
Homework
1. Reflect
Within a day or two after the meeting, prayerfully reflect on the meeting and its content.
2. Prepare for the Next Meeting
Coming Next: Theme 4: Living a Life of Love and Obedience—Meeting B
(1) Read Habits of Grace, by David Mathis, pp. 93-116 (chapters 7-9: HAVE HIS EAR (PRAYER): Enjoy the Gift of Having God’s Ear; Pray in Secret; Pray with Constancy and Company (~23 pages).
(2) Read article “How Will They Know? They Will Know Them by Their Love,” by Art Lindsley, found on CSLI website (from Knowing & Doing, Fall 2016, ~5 pages)
(3) Read Reflections, “Trust and Obey” (1 page)
(4) Watch Teaching Video, Living a Life of Love and Obedience, with Chris Sicks, Pastor of One Voice Fellowship in Northern Virginia.
As you watch the video, consider: What are Pastor Sicks’ primary points? What support does he provide for each of these points? Which one (or ones) do you find most relevant to your life at this time? What from the video might you like to share with family members and friends? What about the video might you like to discuss in the next small group meeting?
(5) Complete Bible Study, 1 John 4:7-21.
a. Read. Carefully read this chapter. As you do so, consider: What does the text say? What was the original intent? What does the passage mean? How does the passage apply to my life, and the lives of others, today?
b. Reflect. Why is it important to keep the correct order of love (God is love, God loves us in Christ; therefore, we are to love God and others) in mind?
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