Explore the Bible Study: Loved
3:28 PM
Jesus tells us that the single most important command is to love God. LifeWay's Explore the Bible Study: Love, emphasizes that love is more than feelings or words; love is a choice—a willful determination regardless of circumstances. That love should incite believers with an intense desire to follow God relentlessly—not out of obligation but because the heart of the believer delights in doing God’s will above everything else.
Moses is in the middle of passionately making his final appeals to the people of God in Deuteronomy 6:1-13. He has invested much in the people of God and now they are ready to enter the Promised Land so he reminds them, “This is the command—the statutes and ordinances—the Lord your God has commanded me to teach you, so that you may follow them in the land you are about to enter and possess."
As you study this passage you will see how important obedience is to love. The session opens with a discussion related to this very topic.
References
The following articles are referenced during the session in order to discuss the importance of obedience. The Downloadable Teaching Helps provide suggestions regarding how to use the content.
- Does Love Equal Obedience? by Chip Ingram - CLICK TO READ
- Religious People Live Four Years Longer on Average: Study by Kashmira Gander - CLICK TO READ
Images
The following images of a phylactery and a Mezuzah can be used to explain their relationship to Deuteronomy 6:6-9.
Mezuzah
Contains the verses of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4). It is mounted on the doorpost to a home to remind the family of the importance of learning and obeying the teachings of God's Word.
Phylacteries
A small leather box containing Hebrew texts on vellum, worn by Jewish men at morning prayer as a reminder to keep the law.
Challenge
If we say we love God, then we are to keep His commands. Lead your group to consider what they need to do in order for their obedience to align with what they say about their love for God. When this is clarified, God will give them a passion to talk about their faith and love for God with all those who will listen, especially their family members.
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