How can we actively "do this" to inherit eternal life as Jesus instructs? Setting the Scene Jesus affirms the lawyer’s summary of God’s law—“ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” Then He says, “ ‘You have answered correctly,’ Jesus said. ‘Do this and you will live.’ ” (Luke 10:27-28) What “Do This” Means • Not a one-time act but a lifelong posture • Not mere sentiment but wholehearted devotion and sacrificial action • The outward evidence of an inward work of grace (Ephesians 2:8-10) Love the Lord Wholeheartedly Heart • Daily yield affections through praise and gratitude (Psalm 107:1) • Guard against idols—anything that rivals God’s place (1 John 5:21) Soul • Keep short accounts with God—confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9) • Meditate on His promises; let truth shape emotions (Psalm 42:5) Strength • Steward body and resources for His purposes (Romans 12:1) • Serve even when energy or convenience is tested (Colossians 3:23-24) Mind • Saturate thoughts with Scripture (Joshua 1:8) • Filter media, ideas, and plans through a biblical worldview (2 Corinthians 10:5) Love Your Neighbor Authentically • See people through Christ’s compassion (Matthew 9:36) • Initiate practical help: meals, rides, childcare, financial relief (James 2:15-16) • Speak truth in love, aiming for their eternal good (Ephesians 4:15) • Forgive as you were forgiven (Ephesians 4:32) • Cross social and cultural lines, as in the Good Samaritan example that follows Luke 10:28 Rely on Christ’s Finished Work • Eternal life is received by faith, not earned (John 3:16; Titus 3:5) • Obedience validates genuine faith (James 2:17; 1 John 2:3-5) • Rest in the “It is finished” of the cross while you work out salvation with reverent awe (Philippians 2:12-13) Empowered by the Spirit • Ask for continual filling (Ephesians 5:18) • Expect the Spirit to pour God’s love into your heart (Romans 5:5) • Watch for the fruit of the Spirit—love leads the list (Galatians 5:22-23) Everyday Practices Morning • Surrender the day: “Lord, Your agenda first.” • Read a short passage; pray it back to God. Throughout the Day • Set phone reminders to thank God or pray for someone. • Interrupt hurry with acts of kindness: hold a door, listen, encourage. Evening • Review the day with the Spirit: celebrate obedience, confess failure. • Plan one concrete way to love a specific neighbor tomorrow. Fruit That Confirms Eternal Life • Growing delight in God’s presence (Psalm 16:11) • Increasing pattern of self-denying service (Mark 10:45) • Tangible generosity to the poor and to gospel work (2 Corinthians 9:6-8) • Perseverance in faith amid trials (James 1:12) Checkpoints for the Journey • Scripture Lens: Am I loving as the Word defines love? • Community Accountability: Do trusted believers see this love in me? (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Spirit’s Witness: Does inner assurance align with outward evidence? (Romans 8:16) “You have answered correctly,” Jesus said. “Do this and you will live.” By trusting Him, walking in Spirit-empowered love for God and neighbor, we actively embrace the eternal life He promises and proves through us. |
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