How can we "keep the commandments of God" in our daily lives today? The Call to Enduring Obedience “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” (Revelation 14:12) Why Obedience Matters • Obedience displays love for Christ. “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) • It brings assurance that we know Him. “By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.” (1 John 2:3) • It glorifies God before a watching world. “Let your light shine before men… that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) Foundational Commandments Summarized by Jesus • Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. • Love your neighbor as yourself. “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40) Daily Practices for Keeping the Commandments • Immerse yourself in Scripture – Start and end the day with the Word (Psalm 119:105). – Memorize key verses to guard against sin (Psalm 119:11). • Pray continually – Seek wisdom for choices (James 1:5). – Confess quickly when you fall (1 John 1:9). • Rely on the Holy Spirit – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) – Expect His fruit—love, joy, peace, etc.—to show up in real situations (Galatians 5:22-23). • Choose love in every interaction – Speak truth with grace (Ephesians 4:29). – Forgive as you’ve been forgiven (Colossians 3:13). • Steward your body, time, and resources – “Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) – Give generously (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Serve within the church and beyond – Use your gifts to build others up (1 Peter 4:10). – Look for the “least of these” to bless (Matthew 25:40). • Maintain fellowship – Meet regularly with believers for encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Welcome accountability that sharpens (Proverbs 27:17). • Share the gospel – “Go and make disciples… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20) Walking by the Spirit Enables Obedience • The Spirit writes God’s law on our hearts (Hebrews 8:10). • He empowers us to will and to work for God’s pleasure (Philippians 2:13). • Stay sensitive: grieve not, quench not (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19). Handling Failures and Renewing Commitment • Confess quickly; receive cleansing (1 John 1:9). • Remember His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). • Stand up again—“though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” (Proverbs 24:16) Staying in Scripture, depending on the Spirit, and practicing love daily makes keeping God’s commandments a lived reality—one choice, one step, one faithful day at a time. |
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