How can we "keep God's commandments" in our daily lives today? Revelation 12:17 – The Call to Commandment-Keeping “Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” Remembering the Foundation: Love for God and Neighbor - Jesus summarized all commandments in two: love God wholeheartedly and love people sacrificially (Matthew 22:37-40). - Genuine love fuels consistent obedience; rules without relationship collapse under pressure (John 14:15). Daily Practices that Guard Our Obedience - Start the day in Scripture: let God’s words reshape thoughts before the world does (Psalm 1:1-3). - Pray for strength to obey, not merely for knowledge (Ephesians 6:18). - Memorize key verses that confront personal weaknesses (Psalm 119:11). - Schedule intentional acts of love—texts of encouragement, service projects, hospitality (Hebrews 10:24). - Speak truthfully; refuse “white lies” that erode integrity (Ephesians 4:25). - Steward time and money as God’s property, tracking spending and hours to ensure Kingdom priorities (1 Corinthians 4:2). Walking by the Spirit, Not the Flesh - The Spirit empowers what the flesh resists (Galatians 5:16-18). - Sensitivity grows by immediate obedience to His promptings—apologize, give, refrain, speak up. - Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) is evidence the commandments are being kept from the heart. When We Stumble: Quick Repentance and Restoration - Confess sin immediately; don’t let failures harden into habits (1 John 1:9). - Receive Christ’s advocacy—He intercedes for believers (1 John 2:1). - Replace the sinful act with a righteous alternative; overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Encouragement from the Promise of Victory - Revelation closes with blessing for those “who wash their robes” and “may enter the city by the gates” (Revelation 22:14). - Obedience today links us to the victorious remnant in Revelation 12:17; our daily choices echo into eternity. |
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