What does it mean to "keep My commandments" in today's context? The Call From Jesus “ If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” – John 14:15 The words are direct, personal, and enduring. Jesus ties genuine love for Him to ongoing, conscious obedience. What follows explores how that obedience looks in twenty-first-century life. What “Keep” Means The Greek verb tērāō carries three complementary ideas: • Guard vigilantly – treating His commands as a treasure to be protected • Obey thoroughly – aligning attitudes, speech, and actions with what He said • Cherish continually – valuing His words more than personal preference (Psalm 19:10) To “keep” is therefore more than memorizing; it is living, safeguarding, and honoring His directives. The Scope of His Commandments 1. Love God wholeheartedly (Mark 12:30; Deuteronomy 6:5) 2. Love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:31) 3. Practice the moral framework affirmed by Jesus—truthfulness, purity, integrity, justice (Matthew 5 – 7; Exodus 20) 4. Live the “new commandment”: love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34) 5. Carry the gospel to the world, making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20) 6. Walk in ongoing repentance and faith (Mark 1:15) These are not suggestions; they are binding words from the Lord who retains all authority (Matthew 28:18). Love: The Motive Behind Obedience • Obedience flows from a relationship, not mere rule-keeping (John 15:10). • The Father and Son respond to obedient love with deeper fellowship (John 14:21). • Keeping commandments shows that the transforming love of God is “perfected” in us (1 John 2:5). Everyday Expressions of Keeping His Commandments Home • Honoring marriage vows and modeling self-sacrificing love • Raising children in the instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4) Workplace • Displaying integrity, diligence, and fairness (Colossians 3:22-24) • Speaking truth without compromise Church Community • Regular gathering, mutual service, and submission to Scripture (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Resolving conflict through forgiveness and restoration (Matthew 18:15-17) Public Square • Advocating for justice and the sanctity of life (Proverbs 31:8-9) • Respecting governing authorities while prioritizing God’s commands (Romans 13:1; Acts 5:29) Digital World • Upholding purity and honesty online • Using platforms to build up rather than tear down (Ephesians 4:29) The Holy Spirit: Empowering Obedience • The Spirit indwells believers to remind, teach, and strengthen (John 14:26). • His fruit—love, joy, peace, and the rest—enables sustained obedience (Galatians 5:22-23). • Walking by the Spirit keeps the believer from gratifying the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Blessings Attached to Obedience • Assurance of salvation (1 John 2:3). • Freedom from the burden of sin’s consequences (John 8:31-36). • Answered prayer aligned with His will (1 John 3:22). • Joy made full (John 15:11). Guardrails Against Legalism • Salvation is by grace through faith, not earned by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Obedience is evidence of life in Christ, never the currency that purchases it (James 2:17). • The yoke of Jesus is easy and His burden light because He carries it with us (Matthew 11:28-30). Final Takeaway To “keep My commandments” today is to treasure, obey, and protect the words of Christ in every sphere of life, empowered by the Holy Spirit, motivated by love, and confident of the blessings God promises to those who walk in faithful obedience. |
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