Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Love Fulfills the Law (07/09/26)
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TITLE: Love Conquers All | Previous Challenge Entry
By Doug Laird
07/14/26 -
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They failed to see that all of the repeated, atoning blood sacrifices that took place during the Old Testament dispensation, pointed to the one, ultimate, and final blood sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ that would (and did) take place on the cross (Heb. 10), atoning not only for their own sin, but for the whole world’s sin (1John 2: 2), as well.
Furthermore, they failed to perceive that Jesus did NOT come to abolish The Law, as His accusers would have them believe, but to fulfill it (Matt. 5: 17), having done for Fallen Man what they could never have done for themselves.
In spite of God’s love demonstrated on the cross (Rom. 5: 8), and His desire that all souls be saved (1Tim. 2:4), Matt. 7: 13, 14 teaches that, here in the Church Age, only a minority within each generation of the world’s population will be born-again.
The same ominous majority-minority principle could be said for the pursuit of Biblical discipleship among those who are born-again.
Jesus was asked what the Greatest Commandment was. His response affirmed the love connection.
Jesus responded, “You shall LOVE the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind (Matt. 22: 37 NASB2020).”
Then, He went on to say that the second greatest commandment was similar, but applied to one’s interaction with other people.
“You shall LOVE your neighbor as (you do) yourself (Matt. 22: 39 NASB2020 parenthesis mine).”
One will not sin when “loving” God (John 14: 15) at the same time. One will not cheat, swindle, gossip, malign, steal from, assault, use, abuse, etc., another human being when “loving” them at the same time.
There are different definitions for the different types of “love” spoken of in Scripture, but the one way to measure all of them is to observe the extent that one will sacrifice himself in order to please or act in the best interests of the object (be it God, a person, a place, or a thing) of his love.
One’s “love” for God is demonstrated by his obedience (John 14:15), coupled with his willingness to “die” daily.
One can only die once as a martyr, but every born-again believer is called to die daily, putting the desires of oneself aside (when called to do so) in order to identify and execute the individual plan (1Cor. 12) that God has in mind.
One’s “love” for people is demonstrated by putting their needs ahead of your own (Phil. 2: 3). Love for God, however, must come first, creating the challenge of Luke 14: 26, and avoiding the consequences of a Rev. 2: 4, 5 scenario.
Anyone can love those who express their own love towards them in return (Luke 6: 32).
But Jesus commands His disciples to love their enemies, and to do good for those who hate them, bless those who curse them, pray for those who use and abuse them, and to forgive those who offend them.
The world sees as foolish the things and the ways of God (1Cor. 1: 23).
The question is, do you love God (and others) enough to be willing to be considered a fool in order to glorify God, and to serve the spiritual needs of others.
Advancing disciples are willing to look foolish by promoting the things of God in this relatively short-lived time here on Earth, as they look forward to a glorious experience in Eternity future that will NEVER end.
The truth is the truth no matter who is communicating it, but don’t expect anyone to listen to you, if they can’t see the desired end results in your own life.
The inevitable differences that disciples should exhibit draws people TO, not away FROM, the things of God.
According to John 13: 35, it’s our love for others that reveals our love for God. You can’t love someone and not be concerned for their spiritual destiny.
It is by learning and applying His Word to your OWN life that will attract the attention of OTHERS, setting the stage for 1Pet. 3: 15 opportunities, to evangelize or to edify others.
Without love, our efforts may dry up on the vine (1Cor. 13: 1-3).
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