“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15-21
No one has the power in himself to keep all God’s commandments or keep them consistently. The Old Testament Jewish believers failed. Human nature does not and will not support the ways of God- “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD Is 55:8. Keeping God’s commandments can only be done by the help of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the Holy Spirit was first introduced as our Helper. To do the will of God and all that pleases God, we must rely on His help. But how does God view love?
- Loving God– there is to be no emotional theatric when it comes to loving God. You can’t cajole Him with praise songs or words or even giving when you clearly do not obey Him. The words of Samuel to Saul ring deeply again, “…to obey is better than sacrifice…” 1 Sam 15:22. It is those who obey God’s commands that love Him, period!
- Loving promises– There are five things those who love God by obeying Him are promised.
- The Spirit’s abiding vs 17- The third person of the Trinity, who communicates all of God’s resources and effects all of His promises will abide with those who obey God. It is observable that many Bible Saints who were steadfast in faith at difficult moments of persecution experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit. Acts 4:19-20
- Jesus’ comfort vs 18- Just as a child is comforted by the presence of his or her mother or father, so those who obey God will have their souls at peace and rest. Nothing will disturb their souls because the presence of Christ will be with them. Ps 23
- Reality of Jesus vs 19, 21- Do you indeed know the reality of Jesus in your life? That is the lot of those who obey Him. Just as the three Hebrew men stood in the furnace fire with the Son of God, so Christ will manifest Himself to those who obey Him. Dan 3:25
- Assuring hope vs 19- Many believers there are who do not have assurance of salvation; a firm and steadfast assurance that they will live with Christ. Why? Perhaps, they are not walking in obedience. Perhaps, they are doing their own things. Those who obey Christ have assuring hope that when He comes they shall reign with Him. 1 Jn 3:19-24
- Union with the Godhead vs 20- What a grace? To be united with the Godhead- God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we are complete in Him. There is no lack to such who are in union with Him. 1 Jn 3:24
Application Questions
- How would you prioritize obedience to self-sacrificing works?
- Are you lacking in the manifestation of any of these promises? What does the LORD require of you?