THE
BEST KEPT SECRET WE ALREADY KNEW
Matthew 22:34-40
Christianity is supposed to work. In fact, not only is it supposed
to work, it is supposed to be the most powerful portrayal of God’s manifold
wisdom possible (Eph. 3:8-11). If we wonder why the world is not being turned
upside down by Christianity, the answer is really one we know. Let us reexamine
the things that must be in place for Christianity to work. And remember, it is
supposed to work!
THE SECRET REVEALED
1. Love
God more than anything, love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark
12:28-34; cf. Luke 9:23; II Corinthians 5:14-15).
2. Allow
our understandings of how we want to be treated govern how we treat others
(Matthew 7:12; Galatians 5:14; Romans 13:8).
3. Let
Jesus’ example take our practice of love for others to its greatest possible
height (John 13:34-35; cf. Philippians 2:1-8).
4. Make
biblical unity a priority we will zealously strive to preserve (John 17:17,
21-23; Ephesians 4:1-3).
5. Exercise
the proper emphasis and sense of proportion in handling God’s word (Matthew
23:23-24; Luke 11:42).
6. Remember
that a lack of love invalidates what would otherwise be commendable behavior (I
Corinthians 13:1-3, 13).
7. Do
not allow opinions to bring division or cause a brother or sister to be
rejected (Romans 14:1).
8. Develop
a close personal relationship with God so that we understand His will (John
17:3; Jeremiah 9:23-24; cf. John 5:39).
A PROJECT
(REVEALING THE SECRET THROUGH OUR LIVES)
1. Prayerfully
study over each of the eight key biblical principles we have just reviewed.
2. Put
an example with each of the eight keys we have studied (i.e. a action that
illustrates each point).
3. List
a specific way you have violated each principle.
4. List
a specific way you have honored each principle.
5. Develop
a game plan for how your life can more faithfully reveal these “secrets” to
those you associate with.
The success of Christianity is of paramount
importance. If we will all faithfully grow in the fundamentals of the faith,
God will bless us “exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we ask or think”
(Ephesians 3:21).
Edwin
10/29/00
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