Learning to Love God If only I loved

Learning to Love God… If only I loved Him more… • How do I keep the ‘main thing’ the main thing? • How do I stay close to God? • How do I remain energised and engaged while serving Christ? • How do I learn to love Him more?

Learning to Love God… Righteousness… If we are careful to obey all this law before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness. (v 25) • How can I attain to this goal?

Learning to Love God… Righteousness… For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law, you will certainly NOT enter the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 5: 20) It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick! I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Matt 9: 13)

Learning to Love God… 1. Fear the LORD (v 1 -3) Fearing the LORD in a positive sense… • A God-pleasing community of faith • • Shining like stars in the universe Standing out against the darkness of the world Where people feel safe, families prosper, and life is good A foretaste of heaven • • Today, we call it the church!

Learning to Love God… 1. Fear the LORD (v 1 -3) If you fear God rightly, you have nothing to fear… • Godly fear runs to the Lord and places confidence in Him. • Sinful fear flees from the Lord and places confidence in Self. • • God’s judgement is already upon our land:

Learning to Love God… 2. The LORD our God, the LORD is one (v 4 -5) The ‘Shema’ – Hear, O Israel! • God is absolutely unique • There’s no one else like Him • He is our God

Learning to Love God… 2. The LORD our God, the LORD is one (v 4 -5) The terror of a world of many gods… • St Augustine: “But how can I give a list, in the space I have, of all the names of their gods and goddesses? ” (c. 415 AD) Segetia (Crops) Rusina (Countryside) Jugatinus (Mountains) e r he Collatina (Hills) T Vallonia (Valleys) E N y. O l n o s i ! d Go Proserpina (Germination) Patelana (Corn Spike) Lacturnus (Milky form) Nodatus (Joints) Hostilina (Corn Ears) Matuta (Maturing) Volutina (Envelopes) Flora (Flowers) Runcina (Harvest)

Learning to Love God… 2. The LORD our God, the LORD is one (v 4 -5) The ancient fears are reviving again… Remember the LORD, and stay calm.

Learning to Love God… 3. Keep the ‘Main Thing’ the Main Thing (v 6 -25) a) Keep God’s Word in your heart b) Beware of ‘Affluenza’ and the danger of forgetting God c) Be whole-hearted in serving God d) Treasure the historical facts of the Gospel

Learning to Love God… 3. Keep the ‘Main Thing’ the Main Thing (v 6 -25) a) Keep God’s Word in your heart • Read your Bible! • Love God by loving his word • A systematic approach to Bible study (v 6 -7) Jews take v 8 very literally

Learning to Love God… 3. Keep the ‘Main Thing’ the Main Thing (v 6 -25) b) Beware of ‘Affluenza’ and the danger of forgetting God • It’s easy to forget God when times are good. • Freedom comes with responsibility!

Learning to Love God… 3. Keep the ‘Main Thing’ the Main Thing (v 6 -25) c) Be whole-hearted in serving God • Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. (v 13) • Do what is right and good in the LORD’s sight… (v 18) Do you love God…: • Enough to put him first in your life? • Enough to do what is right and good? • Enough to put his will before your own?

Learning to Love God… 3. Keep the ‘Main Thing’ the Main Thing (v 6 -25) d) Treasure the historical facts of the Gospel • In the future, when your son asks you… (v 20)

Learning to Love God… Conclusion: Love him back! 1. 2. 3. 4. Love him with all your heart, soul, and strength God has made you his child, his treasured possession You are clothed in the righteousness of Christ Never forget the death of Jesus on the cross Love him back!