10: The Law of God – Hit the Mark
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If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15
God, in sending His Son, demonstrated His love for man. This demonstration of love is designed to pierce the hard-heartedness of man and open up his heart to reciprocate that love. Without love as a motivating factor, the keeping of the law, weighed in the scales of eternity, is just sounding brass and tinkling symbols. Thus, our greatest need is to know and understand that love that was revealed through Jesus the Christ.
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. John 17:3
As He walked this earth as a man we find that Jesus never used force or coercion for the building up of the Kingdom of God. The invitation was to whosoever would, and there were many who responded to that call of love.
Mary responded to that love. Nothing was too precious for her Redeemer and she expressed that with her tears of gratitude and devotion.
And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, and stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Luke 7:37-38
Zacchaeus responded to that love. After understanding the pity, compassion and forgiveness that set his soul free, Zacchaeus showed his love by extending the same compassion to others.
And Zacchæus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. Luke 19:8
Saul who became Paul responded to that love. The depth of his love for Christ caused Paul to live a life of service to Jews and to Greeks so that they too could understand and experience the love that set him free.
I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. Romans 1:14
A poor widow responded to that love. Finding her way to the temple she placed into the treasury all that she had. Though poor in earthly goods she was made rich through the love she had for God and His service.
And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury. Mark 12:42-43
The demoniac who became known “clothed in his right mind” responded to that love. His contact with Jesus was brief, but it changed the course of his life forever. His purpose in life was now to tell others of the love that gave him a new beginning.
And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him. Luke 8:39
In each of these examples we see how the love of God received into the soul produces obedience, love, devotion and service. If we love Him we will keep His commandments. And each step along the way as we keep His commandments we grow into the men and women He intends us to be. Do you love Him?
Here are a few Hit the Mark questions for this week’s lesson discussion:
- What does “obedience” mean to you?
- What, if any, is the difference between one who is obeying the commandments out of love versus someone who does so out of a sense of obligation but no love?
- Explain what “loving God” means to you?
- Is it true that since the main thing is to love God, it doesn’t matter as much if we keep the Ten Commandments? Explain your answer.
- Is it true that the fourth commandment is the most important one today? Why yes or no?
- Is it true that until I really love God I shouldn’t worry about keeping the commandments? Explain your answer.
- Is the following statement True, Mostly True, Somewhat True or Not True: If you love God it is easy to keep the commandments. Explain your answer.
We close this week’s study on The Law of God with the beautiful words of David. He shares an insight that we would do well to study:
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward. Psalms 19:7-11
Until next week, let’s all continue to Hit the Mark in Sabbath School!
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