How can we "keep My word" as instructed in John 8:51 today? The Promise Stated “Truly, truly, I tell you, if anyone keeps My word, he will never see death.” (John 8:51) What “Keep My Word” Means • Welcome the words of Jesus as absolute truth (John 17:17) • Treasure them internally—heart and mind (Psalm 119:11) • Live them out in visible obedience (James 1:22) • Guard them from distortion or neglect (2 Timothy 1:13-14) • Persevere in them to the end (Matthew 24:13) Practices for Hearing and Embracing the Word • Read whole books of Scripture regularly, not just isolated verses • Listen attentively in faithful, Bible-preaching churches (Acts 2:42) • Use audio Bibles and faithful teaching while commuting or working • Journal insights and personal applications immediately Storing the Word in the Heart • Memorize key passages (Colossians 3:16) • Meditate slowly—repeat phrases, emphasize different words, pray them back • Sing Scripture-saturated hymns and worship songs • Display verses in places you see often—phones, mirrors, dashboards Obeying the Word in Daily Decisions • Let Jesus’ commands govern speech—truthful, gracious, pure (Ephesians 4:29) • Shape relationships by His pattern of sacrificial love (John 13:34-35) • Respond to trials with faith and thanksgiving (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) • Handle money and possessions as stewards, not owners (Luke 12:15; 1 Timothy 6:17-19) • Engage culture without compromise—light that exposes darkness (Philippians 2:15) Guarding the Word from Compromise • Test every teaching by Scripture, not trends (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1) • Reject additions or subtractions to the gospel (Galatians 1:6-9) • Hold fast even when obedience costs reputation, comfort, or freedom (2 Timothy 3:12) Proclaiming the Word to Others • Share the gospel plainly—sin, substitution, resurrection, repentance, faith (Romans 1:16) • Use Scripture when counseling, encouraging, or correcting (2 Timothy 3:16-17) • Disciple newer believers, teaching them to obey all Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:20) Relying on the Spirit for Power • Ask daily for the Spirit’s filling to remember and obey (John 14:26; Ephesians 5:18) • Walk by the Spirit so desires of the flesh are overcome (Galatians 5:16) • Trust that the Spirit’s fruit will grow as the Word abides (John 15:4-5; Galatians 5:22-23) Encouragement in the Promise Jesus links keeping His word with never seeing death. Physical death may come, yet eternal separation is abolished for those who cling to Him. By hearing, storing, obeying, guarding, proclaiming, and depending on His Spirit, believers today practically “keep My word” and experience the assurance He declared in John 8:51. |
    |