One Command That Defines Your Entire Life | Bobby Schuller | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

One Command That Defines Your Entire Life

Bobby Schuller

Shepherd's Grove • Oct 31, 2026 • 38 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

Loving God is the supreme commandment, and it begins as an intentional decision of the human will rather than a fluctuating feeling. While it is easy for devoted believers to settle for religious propriety and busy service, Jesus calls us to prioritize sitting at His feet and resting in His presence above all else. By removing harsh attitudes that grieve the Holy Spirit and actively seeking Christ daily, we cultivate a deep, enduring affection for God.

Themes

Wholehearted Devotion to GodPresence Over Religious ProprietySitting at the Feet of JesusThe Sensitivity of the Holy SpiritOvercoming Distractions in Ministry

Pastor's Points

1.

1. Keep His commands

2.

2. Keep His word

3.

3. Keep His company

Key Points

1.
Loving God is a command that involves an intentional act of the human will rather than relying strictly on fluctuating emotions.
2.
When believers choose to obey God and pursue Him whole-heartedly, affectionate feelings for Him naturally follow.
3.
God does not desire leftovers or superficial religious displays; He asks for all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
4.
Believers must prioritize seeking God's presence over religious propriety, avoiding the trap of checking off moral boxes while losing personal intimacy with Christ.
5.
Even good and diligent religious service can turn into a distraction if it pulls us away from resting at the feet of Jesus.
6.
True comfort, peace, and spiritual refreshment can only be found in God's presence, not in temporary earthly escapes or substances.
7.
God approaches us in prayer like the loving father in the parable of the prodigal son, eagerly running out to embrace us whenever we draw near.
8.
The Holy Spirit is gentle and sensitive like a dove, easily grieved by harsh attitudes such as bitterness, anger, slander, and malice.

Sermon Moments

“Loving God is a command that can be obeyed; it begins as a choice of the will, and emotional affection follows obedience.”

“King David was wonderfully 'sloppy' for God—undignified in his devotion—and God loves that kind of passionate affection.”

“Propriety focuses on doing the right religious tasks, but Jesus calls us to prioritize His personal presence above propriety.”

“Martha became distracted by much ministry, but Jesus taught that sitting at His feet is the single necessary thing.”

“We often run to food, substances, or media for relief when stressed, but true lasting peace is found only at the feet of Jesus.”

“When we approach God in prayer, He runs to us like the father of the prodigal son, eager to embrace us with love.”

“The Holy Spirit is like a gentle dove that flies away when doors slam; harshness grieves Him, but kindness welcomes Him.”

“Either we adjust our lives to the sensitivity of the Holy Spirit, or we risk driving His felt presence away.”

This Week

Set aside intentional time each day to sit quietly in prayer at Jesus' feet before jumping into your daily tasks and responsibilities.

Identify secondary relief outlets you turn to when stressed—such as social media, food, or media—and replace them by going directly to God in prayer.

Examine your spiritual routine to ensure you are seeking personal intimacy with Christ rather than merely performing religious duties or keeping up appearances.

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any harsh attitudes in your heart, such as bitterness, anger, or slander, and confess them immediately.

Practice intentional kindness and tenderheartedness toward family members, coworkers, and neighbors, actively choosing forgiveness over holding grudges.

Reflect on your original encounter with Christ when you felt set free, renewing your joy and thanksgiving for your salvation.

Commit to a daily Bible reading and prayer habit that treats loving God as a wholehearted life priority rather than a weekend routine.

Remember This

Loving God is an intentional choice of the will to seek His presence above all else, sitting at Jesus' feet before all other work or ministry.

A Challenge for You

We have to commit our lives to loving God—not making faith a hobby or something we do on the weekends, but making Him everything we are, everything we want to be, and everything we care about.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.