What does "keep My commandments and practice them" reveal about God's expectations for us? Introduction to the Phrase Leviticus 22:31: “You are to keep My commandments and practice them. I am the LORD.” God speaks as covenant King; His words carry absolute authority and perfect wisdom. The twin verbs “keep” and “practice” outline a full-orbed expectation for His people—one that unites reverent attentiveness with daily action. Two-Part Expectation: Guard and Live Out • Keep (Hebrew shamar): – Guard like a treasure; don’t let His words drift or be distorted. – Maintain continual vigilance over the heart (Proverbs 4:23; Psalm 119:11). • Practice (Hebrew asah): – Translate guarded truth into observable deeds (James 1:22). – Let obedience shape speech, choices, habits, relationships. Together the terms crush selective obedience; God wants an unbroken link between conviction and conduct. Motivations Rooted in Relationship • “I am the LORD” reminds Israel—and us—of: – His ownership (Exodus 19:5). – His holiness that sets the standard (Leviticus 19:2). – His covenant faithfulness that deserves loyal love (Deuteronomy 7:9). • Jesus echoes the same logic: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience, then, is relational devotion, not mere rule-keeping. Comprehensive Scope of Obedience • Whole life, not event-based (Colossians 3:17). • Public and private realms—what Israel did in worship and at home (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Perpetual, not seasonal (1 Peter 1:14-16). God’s expectation sweeps every arena and every hour. Obedience Expressed in Practical Action • Mercy and justice (Micah 6:8). • Sexual purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3). • Honesty in speech and business (Ephesians 4:25; Proverbs 11:1). • Generous care for the vulnerable (Deuteronomy 24:17-22; James 1:27). Such practices demonstrate that His commandments govern real life. Continuity Across Scripture • Old Covenant: “So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you” (Deuteronomy 5:32-33). • New Covenant: “By this we know that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments” (1 John 2:3-4). The ethical thread is seamless; grace empowers what law first required (Romans 8:4). Personal Application Today 1. Study the Word—then ask, “How will this shape my next decision?” 2. Build accountability; guarded truth thrives in community (Hebrews 10:24-25). 3. Pray for delight in obedience; God supplies both will and work (Philippians 2:13). 4. Adopt a lifestyle of swift repentance; keeping includes returning quickly when we fail (1 John 1:9). Summary “Keep My commandments and practice them” reveals a God who expects His people to treasure His Word internally and embody it externally, motivated by covenant love and enabled by His ongoing grace. |
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