What does "keep My word" mean in our daily lives? Verse Focus “Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23) What “keep” means • The Greek tereo paints a picture of guarding a treasure, watching over it so nothing is lost (cf. Revelation 3:8). • It is more than memorizing; it is living as if the word were a priceless heirloom entrusted to us. • “My word” refers to every command, promise, warning, and encouragement Jesus has given (Matthew 28:20). Motivation: Love Before Law • “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word” (John 14:23). • Obedience flows from relationship, not mere rule-keeping (1 John 5:3). • Keeping the word shows genuine love and assures the heart that love is real (John 14:21). Daily Expression—Five Frontlines 1. Thought life – Filter ideas through Philippians 4:8. – Reject lies quickly; guard inner dialogue. 2. Speech – Let conversations echo Ephesians 4:29; speak grace, truth, purity. – Refuse gossip, slander, coarse joking. 3. Actions – Align decisions with Matthew 7:12; treat others as Christ treats us. – Show integrity at work (Colossians 3:23-24). 4. Relationships – Practice daily forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32). – Serve family and church with humility (Mark 10:45). 5. Digital spaces – Scroll and post under the lordship of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:31). – Protect eyes and heart from impurity (Job 31:1). Guarding the Treasure • Store the Word: regular reading, memorization, singing, listening (Psalm 119:11). • Meditate: chew on Scripture throughout the day (Joshua 1:8). • Act promptly: delayed obedience weakens resolve (James 1:22-25). Divine Partnership • The Spirit reminds and empowers us to keep the Word (John 14:26; Ezekiel 36:27). • The Father and Son “make Their home” with those who obey (John 14:23), giving intimacy, assurance, and peace (John 14:27). Encouraging Promises • Protection from spiritual death: “If anyone keeps My word, he will never see death” (John 8:51). • Growing love of God perfected in us (1 John 2:5). • Future reward for steadfast keeping (Revelation 3:10-12). Markers of Genuine Keeping • Increasing joy in obedience, not grudging duty. • Quick repentance when the Word is violated. • Observable fruit of the Spirit in conduct (Galatians 5:22-23). • Desire to teach and share Scripture faithfully with others. In sum, to “keep My word” is to treasure, guard, and obey every utterance of Christ, empowered by the Spirit, motivated by love, and evidenced in every corner of daily life. |
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