How To Give GOD Your Greatest LOVE

SERIES: BEING A GREAT PERSON FOR GOD

Mark 12:28-30; Selected Scriptures
By
D.Z. Cofield, Th.M., D. Min.
May 1, 2022

Scripture Reading:

Mark 12:28-30 (NLT) – One of the teachers of religious
law was standing there listening to the debate. He
realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of
all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29
Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is
this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and
only LORD. 30 And you must love the LORD your God
with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all
your strength.’

1. You must intentionally choose to GIVE and
GROW in your LOVE to God (v. 29-30)
Mark 12:28-30 (NLT) – One of the teachers of religious
law was standing there listening to the debate. He
realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of
all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29
Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is
this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and
only LORD. 30 And you must love the LORD your God
with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all
your strength.’

As a disciple you must LOVE GOD

Love –

John 14:15, 21, 23-24 (NLT) – “If you love me, obey my
commandments. . . . 21 Those who accept my
commandments and obey them are the ones who love
me. And because they love me, my Father will love them.
And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” .
. . . . 23 Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I
say. My Father will love them, and we will come and
make our home with each of them. 24 Anyone who
doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my
words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the
Father who sent me.

If –

1 John 5:2-3 (NLT) – We know we love God’s children if
we love God and obey his commandments. 3 Loving
God means keeping his commandments, and his
commandments are not burdensome.
Matthew 6:33 (NLT) – Seek the Kingdom of God above
all else, and live righteously, and he will give you
everything you need.

2. Your love for God must be COMPREHENSIVE
(30)

Mark 12:28-30 (NLT) – One of the teachers of religious
law was standing there listening to the debate. He
realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of
all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29
Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is

this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and
only LORD. 30 And you must love the LORD your God
with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all
your strength.’

A. Heart –

B. Soul –

C. Mind –

D. Strength –

3. Your love for God must be COMPLETE (30b)

Mark 12:28-30 (NLT) – One of the teachers of religious
law was standing there listening to the debate. He
realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, “Of
all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29
Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is
this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and
only LORD. 30 And you must love the LORD your God
with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all
your strength.’

All –

Prov. 3:5 – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart . . .

Questions To Consider

1. Who do you think is the greatest lover in the
world?
2. In your opinion what makes that person the
greatest lover in the world?
3. Why do you think Jesus quoted Scripture to
answer the question about which was the greatest
commandment instead of replying with His own words?
4. What does it mean to love God the way He loves
us (ie. Unconditionally, when we don’t do what He
wants, etc.)?
5. What does it mean to love God with all your
heart?
6. What does it mean to love God with all your
soul?
7. What does it mean to love God with all your
mind?
8. What does it mean to love God with all your
strength?
9. Why is wholehearted love for the Lord more
important than outward actions that Christians practice
today?
10. What specific steps can you take this week to
deepen your love for The Lord and demonstrate your
love for Him?