What does it mean to "keep His word" in our daily lives? Bold Commitment From the Lips of Jesus “Jesus answered him, ‘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” Really Means • Guard with watchful care (John 17:12) • Obey without dilution or delay (James 1:22) • Treasure as something precious (Psalm 119:11) • Preserve unchanged, refusing to edit or soften (Revelation 22:18-19) Daily Expressions of Keeping His Word • Start the day in the Word, not with random scrolling—letting Scripture set the tone (Joshua 1:8) • Speak truthfully even when a lie would smooth things over (Ephesians 4:25) • Forgive quickly because the Lord commands it, not because feelings have settled (Colossians 3:13) • Order finances, entertainment, and ambitions by what Scripture approves (Matthew 6:19-21) • Share the gospel because Christ directs it, trusting results to Him (Matthew 28:19-20) • Refuse worry, choosing instead to cast cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7) • Love spouse and children sacrificially, reflecting Ephesians 5:25 and Titus 2:4 Helps That Keep Us Keeping • Regular, thoughtful reading—whole books, not just verses (Acts 17:11) • Memorizing key passages for quick recall in temptation (Psalm 119:9) • Fellowship that lovingly confronts and encourages (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Practicing immediate obedience in small matters; momentum builds (Luke 16:10) • Journaling evidences of God’s faithfulness, strengthening resolve (Psalm 77:11-12) Common Barriers and How to Push Back • Forgetfulness → set phone reminders for Scripture portions and reflection times • Cultural pressure → rehearse Romans 12:2; choose biblical worldview over popular mood • Busyness → schedule Scripture intake like essential appointments • Selective obedience → remember that partial obedience is disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23) The Rich Promise Attached When we keep His word: • The Father’s love is actively experienced (John 14:23) • Divine presence settles in—“make Our home with him” • Assurance grows: “By this we know that we are in Him” (1 John 2:5) • Prayers align with His will and are answered (John 15:7) • Joy becomes full (John 15:11) Other Voices in Scripture Saying the Same Thing • “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28) • “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3) • “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24) Living It Today • Read—one chapter of John, noting every command to obey. • Act—choose one directive and practice it before nightfall. • Review—ask: Did I guard, obey, and treasure His word today? Record the answer and adjust tomorrow. |
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