The Most Important Commandment — Zac Poonen — April 9, 2023
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/the-most-important-commandment River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker argues that many Christians mistakenly focus on minor commandments, much like the Pharisees who focused on Sabbath laws rather than the core requirement. He emphasizes that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all one's heart, soul, and might, as this love makes keeping all other commandments manageable. Furthermore, he strongly advises that a true measure of love for God is reading through the entire Bible at least once.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The Pharisees' Mistake of Majoring on MinorsThe Pharisees missed what was most important in God's eyes by focusing heavily on minor outward rules like keeping the Sabbath while neglecting the core of God's heart.
What is the Great Commandment in the Law?When tested by a lawyer, Jesus cuts to the heart of the matter by stating that loving the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might is the greatest commandment.Matthew 22:35
Why Commandments Feel Like a Heavy BurdenTrying to follow all of Christ's teachings—like not getting angry, lusting, or worrying—feels impossible and miserable until you actually start by loving Jesus first.
Do You Have a Real Love Relationship with the Bible?If you claim to love God yet neglect reading His long-expressed letter to you in the Bible, your Christian life is pathetic and inconsistent.
If You Love Me, Keep My CommandmentsJesus explicitly links keeping His commandments to a genuine love relationship with Him; without that foundation, trying to obey is pointless.
What Revelation 22:11 Means for Unrepentant SinnersThe verse telling the filthy to remain filthy highlights that if you read the entire Bible and still want to live in sin, there is no hope left for you.Revelation 22:11–12
Early Miracles of Guidance in the NavyRecounting his conversion at age nineteen and an uncanny answered prayer where a base movie theater screening was providentially canceled, Poonen illustrates how God helps the sincere.John 6:37
Two Ways to Increase Your Love for the LordTo increase the love that automatically drives obedience, a believer must meditate both on how much Christ loved them and on how great a sinner they are in God's eyes.1 John 4:19
Seeing the Agony of the Cross and HellJesus crying out that He was forsaken on the cross shows that He concentrated the eternal hell of billions of people into three hours of suffering to pay for human sin.
The Meaning of the Cup in GethsemaneA profound realization that Jesus drank the cup of suffering specifically so Zach would not go to hell completely transformed Poonen's life and dedication to service.
After Decades of Obedience, His Commandments Are Not a BurdenMirroring the testimony of the aged apostle John, a life built on deep love for Christ finds that keeping every single commandment is light and joyful, never a burden.1 John 5:3
The Forgiven Sinner Loves MuchUsing the account of the immoral woman who anointed Jesus with expensive perfume, Jesus illustrates that the one who realizes the depth of their forgiveness loves much more deeply.
