The Commands of Jesus

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The Commands of Jesus
26/04/09 am

• John 1421
• Theme Christians show their love for Jesus by
  having His commands and by obeying His commands.

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A. Love for Jesus should not be static

• Deepening love is fundamental to any loving
  relationship.
• What measures love for Jesus? Obedience to His
  commands.
• Therefore we must know what Jesus commands are.

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B. What is the purpose of Jesus commands?

• Jesus commands are not
• Vindictive spiteful or malicious
• Killjoys, cf. John 1010.
• Burdensome, cf. Ps. 1199-16 1 Jn. 53.

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• Jesus commands are given out of love for the
  Christian.
• They are a How to get the best out of life
  strategy.

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C. Which commands is Jesus referring to?

• In John 1415-24 when Jesus uses the plural (v.
  15, 21, 24) He is likely referring to individual
  commands in His teaching.
• When Jesus uses the singular (v. 23, 24) He is
  likely referring holistically to Gods revelation.

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• In light of this 1421 is taken to refer to the
  collection of Jesus individual ethical commands.
• But it is obvious that when a person loves Jesus
  he/she will observe the entire revelation from
  God as we have it in the whole of Scripture (OT
  NT).

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D. How does the Christian give practical
demonstration of his love for Jesus?

• Need to have Jesus commands. Greek grasp with
  the mind and make them your own.
• How do we do this? Study.

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• Barriers to study of the Scriptures
• Pride
• Lack of discipline, cf. Prov. 2430-34.
• Bad study helps.
• Dependence on study helps at the expense of
  dependence on the Spirit.

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• Gateways to profitable study of the Scriptures
• Right attitude
• Discipline
• Good study helps
• Depending on the Spirit
• Godly people are disciplined people!

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• 2. Need to obey Jesus commands.

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Conclusion The Acid Test

• John 1421a is an acid test to indicate the
  professing Christians spiritual health.
• Much obedience to Jesus commands health.
• Little obedience to Jesus commands at best
  poor health at worst no spiritual life at all.

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• What does your acid test show?
• May all who profess faith in Christ continually
  improve in devotion to Him and as a consequence
  in obedience of His commands.