Text:

Matthew 22:34-40; Romans 13:2-10

Greek words translated “love” in the New Testament:
          Agape’ – greatest of all Christian virtues (1 Cor. 13:13)
                        nature of God ( 1 John 4:8)
Philia – deep affection
Sometimes these two word are used interchangeably.
      Compare: Matthew 23: 6 (agape’) to Luke 11:43 ( philio)
                       John 19:26 (agape’) to John 20:2 (philio)

Men are commanded to love their wives (agape’) Eph. 5:25)
Women are to be taught to love their husbands and children ( philia) (Titus 2:4)

Loving God           

1. What aspects of human personality are involved in loving God?
         heart (the inner man; the control center; the will)
         soul (the emotional aspect)
         mind (the intellect)
         strength (the body)
2. How do I know that I love God?
        John 14:15, 23; 1 John 2:4, 15; 5:2-3
3. How do I acquire love for God?
        Romans 5:5

Loving Thy Neighbor 

1. Who is my neighbor?  Luke 10:25-37
2. How do I know if I love my neighbor? 1 John 5:2
3. What does loving my neighbor involve?
        A. Commitment to do no harm. Romans 13:10
        B. Commitment to be loyal. Matthew 24:13
        C. Commitment to seek their highest good.
                   Sometimes involves tough love.  Example: Discipline of children.

Competition

1. Men shall be lovers of their own-selves.
2. Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.             

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