Good Shepherd Community Church

Big Idea: Love God without addition or subtraction through the obedience of faith.

I. God's commands express His love

a. God's law is a law of faith, not a law of works

A law of works = A law we obey to earn something, repay something or avoid punishment

A law of faith = A law we obey because we believe it is best for us and will bring us joy

b. The 10 commandments are about giving and receiving love.

i. God first loved us

b. We respond by loving God and loving others

2. Love God without addition

a. "A God is that to which we look for all good and in which we find refuge in every time of need." - Martin Luther

b. Look to God alone. There is only one God.

3. Love God without subtraction

a. Worship God as He has revealed Himself. Don't pick and choose from His attributes. Don't try to make Him more palatable or less threatening.

b. Don't add or subtract in your worship of Him. He is a jealous God, but also a faithful God.

Oneness & Witness Takeaways:
- What idol are you most tempted to worship alongside God? Ask for His help to turn from it and worship Him alone.
- What sinful behavior can you trace to worshiping something alongside God? Ask Him to forgive you and strengthen you to obey Him.
- Which attribute of God are you most tempted to diminish? What motive is behind this? Ask Him to help you love Him without subtraction.
- What false teaching have you encountered that diminishes God? What do you think is behind this false teaching? Ask God to help you lovingly answer and correct those who need it.