9-1 Loving God With All Our Strength Love Returned Series 10:30 AM
Loving God With All Our Strength
Love Returned Series
When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, He highlighted the importance of loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. In the final part of the series, we will focus on what it means to love God with all our strength. This includes our physical actions, efforts, and the use of our resources in a way that honors and glorifies God.
1. Understanding 'Strength' in the Biblical Context
In the Old Testament, the word translated as 'strength' comes from the Hebrew word 'meod,' which means 'muchness' or 'abundance.' This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where the Greek word for strength in Mark 12:30 is 'ischus,' which relates to physical power, might, and ability. This continuity implies giving God the best of everything we have—our physical energy, resources, and skills. In The New Testament, The Greek word for strength in Mark 12:30 is "ischus," which relates to physical power, might, and ability. It refers to the physical and practical aspect of loving God through our actions.
Colossians 3:23 - “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
2. Loving God with Physical Actions
Work is Worship - Our daily tasks, whether at work, home, or in ministry, are not just chores but opportunities to express our love for God. We intensely worship God when we perform our duties diligently and excellently, recognizing that we are working for the Lord, not human masters.
Work is Service - Loving God with our strength also involves serving others. Acts of kindness, charity, and service channel our physical energy toward fulfilling God's commands.
3. Loving God with Our Resources
Proverbs 3:9 - “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.”
Stewardship: Our finances, possessions, and time can be used to honor God. Loving Him with our strength means being wise stewards, using these resources to advance His kingdom and support others.
Sacrificial Giving: Giving sacrificially is a powerful demonstration of loving God with our strength. It shows that we are willing to use what we have for His purposes, even when it costs us something.
4. Loving God in Perseverance
Galatians 6:9 - “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Endurance in Faith: Loving God with all our strength also involves perseverance in our faith and commitment to His commands. This includes staying faithful in prayer, worship, and obedience, even when we face challenges and hardships.
Spiritual Discipline: Regular prayer, fasting, and Bible study require effort and discipline. By dedicating our time and energy to spiritual growth, we can grow in the grace of perseverance.
5. Practical Applications
Daily Surrender: Start each day by committing your strength to God. Pray for His guidance in using your physical and mental energy for His glory.
Evaluate Priorities: Reflect on how you use your time, money, and talents. Are there areas where you can better align these with loving God?
Serve Actively: Look for opportunities to serve in your community, church, or workplace. Consider how you can use the strength God has given you to help others.
Conclusion: Loving God with all our strength means dedicating our physical energy, resources, and actions to His service. It is an active and intentional expression of our love for Him, seen in how we work, serve, give, and persevere in faith. As we grow in this aspect of love, we reflect God’s love more fully in our lives.
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Praise Tabernacle
Dr. Joshua Kennedy, Pastor
2235 Ocean Heights
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
pastorjosh@praisetabernacle.com
(609) 927-4560(w), (609) 402-8869(c)