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A New Commandment

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“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” (John 13:34)

Have you ever wondered why, in John 13:34, Jesus refers to the commandment to love one another as a “new command?” For what reason is this new? The disciples were not unfamiliar with the idea of love. The Old Testament made it very clear that you were to love God and your neighbor with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. What, then, made this “a new commandment?”

Even the Greek word “agape,” which Jesus used to describe “love,” was new and uncommon. It is a spiritual sort of love that transcends what the human heart might produce on its own; it is not an innate or natural kind of love. Because Jesus exemplified this type of love with His own life, He stated, “. . . as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” The world has never seen . . . . . . .

Almost every Bible doctrine finds its best defense and fullest explanation in Paul’s letter to the Romans. Throughout the ages, this one book has single-handedly sparked revivals, incited revolutions, altered the history of nations, and transformed billions of lives.

The great preacher, John Chrysostom, thought so highly of this letter that he read it once a week for 18 years. Romans will be our pulpit focus for several weeks.

This week, we will look at Romans 1; next week Romans 2 and 3 of this beloved book.

CHURCH FOCUS MINISTRIES

Church Focus Ministries is an international Bible-teaching ministry providing digital and printed content designed to equip disciples for Christ, encourage believers in God's Word and educate Christians for service.