1. Love for God and man the first command in the Bible There are three Greek words translated Love in the N. T. –THELO - like or desire Mk 12:38 –PHILEO - emotion or affection: never used in a command to love God Jhn 20:2 –AGAPAO - devotion: a love that can be developed by command 1Cor 13 THE FIRST COMMAND OF ALL

2. MISCONCEPTIONS OF BIBLE LOVE –Some think love nullifies or takes place of obedience Jhn 14:15; 1Jhn 2:5 Joseph Fletcher, professor of Ethics at Cambridge Episcopal Theological School, favors amending the Ten commandments to read: Thou shalt not covet; kill; commit adultery ordinarily." (Death of a Nation p.96) –Some think that love will not allow chastisement Heb 12:6; Prov 13: 24; 2Tim 4:1-3; Eph 4:15 THE FIRST COMMAND OF ALL

3. TWO OBJECTS OF OUR LOVE –Deity - encompasses God, Christ, & Holy Spirit Matt. 22: 37 1Cor 16:22; Matt 18:20; Jhn 14:15; Mk 3:29; Jhn 16:13,14 –Mankind -- encompasses brethren, neighbors, enemies Jhn 13:34,35; Eph 4: 32; Jas 2:14-17; 1Jhn 4:20, 21; Heb 13:1; 1Pet 1:22; Matt 22:39; Lk 10:29, 37; Rom 13:10 Matt 5:44; Rom 12:20,21 THE FIRST COMMAND OF ALL

4. LOVE CAN BE MISPLACED –Love self 2Tim 3:2; Matt 16:24 –Love pleasure 2Tim 3:4; Lk 8:14 –Love money 1Tim 6:10; Matt 19:16-22; Lk 2:16-21; Acts 5:1-11 –Love the world 2Tim 4:10; 1Jhn 2:15-17 –Love preeminence 3Jhn 9; Matt 23:6 –Love praises of men Jhn 12:42; Gal 1:10 THE FIRST COMMAND OF ALL

5. Why is love greatest commandment? –On these two hang all law & prophets Matt 22:40 –Love precedes all scriptural obedience Love is permanent 1Cor 13:13 It is universal Jhn 13:35 All need to cultivate this "fruit of spirit” It must be cultivated and increased THE FIRST COMMAND OF ALL