Matthew 22:37-39
Introduction
In order to become “Disciples Unleashed”, we must understand God’s requirements for discipleship. Jesus commands us to love God with all our heart, which means having a passionate and sincere devotion. In Matthew 22, Jesus indicates that the Pharisees were more focused on rules than relationship. However, true love for God is not just about following rules but involves deep emotional connection and enthusiasm. God wants us to “have heart”. He desires that we have a genuine passion to love him from the core of our being.
Loving God with all our mind involves a commitment to understanding His teachings and living them out in action. It’s about aligning our thoughts and actions with God’s will, moving beyond ritualistic practices to a genuine relationship with Christ. When we love God with our mind, we choose to study with God’s word and then do what it says.
God also asks us to love Him with all our souls. Doing so means that we love him with our very character and essence. We bring all of who we are and submit our identity to His purposes and plans, allowing our character to be shaped by His love. God’s love is a transforming force so when we bring our whole souls to our relationship with God, His presence impacts how we interact with ourselves, with others and allows us to fulfill our purpose.
In order to be unleashed as disciples that are positioned to impact the world, we are called to love God with our heart, mind, and soul. The heart signifies the central desire to follow Jesus passionately. The mind highlights the intellectual aspect of devotion to God. The soul represents the spiritual essence of a person being fully devoted to God’s transforming work. God has told us how He wants to be loved. It’s our job to follow His prescription for loving Him well.
Getting Started
- We truly live in a “how-to” generation. What is the last thing you went to YouTube to learn?
- If you could go to YouTube to ask any question related to moving the needle in your spiritual growth, what answer would you be in search of?
- God wants us to have a heart for Him. What is something that you have “heart” for as evidenced by your level of commitment and involvement?
Let’s Get Personal
- In Matthew 22, Jesus spoke to the Pharisee and indicated the Pharisee should have known the answer. Is there something you heard in this week’s sermon that you should already know?
- The Pharisees had Jesus in their head but the disciples had Jesus in their heart. Based on today’s sermon, in which space do you think you are most connected to Jesus?
- Also based on today’s messages, what do you think you can do to be better aligned with God’s directives for loving Him well?
Take the Next Step
- The solution for loving God wells, lies in our commitment as believers to intimacy with God. What can you do to deepen intimacy with God?
- Second Corinthians 3:6 says that “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” The Pharisees were focused on head knowledge, but the Lord desires us to love him beyond knowledge alone. Of the three areas – heart, mind, and soul – which of these areas are you committed to developing in the days to come? How do you plan to do that?
- Want to go deeper? Take time to look at the following passages: Matthew 10:28; 22:35-40; Acts 4:13; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Philippians 4:8-9.
Renew Your Mind
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
Matthew 22:37
