Obedience, Open Door to the Divine Fellowship
Rev. Enoch Thompson | July 22, 2024 | John 14:15-21
KEY VERSE:
Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." John 14:21 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
The revelation of truth and the receiving of that truth must result in acceptance and compliance to that truth for the truth to benefit the receivers. It is said of the people of Israel that “. . . the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. Heb 4:2 (NIV). Obedience to the revealed truth is a requirement for living the new life in Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus spells out in very clear terms the demand and expectation He has of those of us who claim to believe in Him. He has just been teaching about the fact that He is God, and then He declares, "If you love me, you will obey what I command.” John 14:15 (NIV). Putting the thought together we can understand that true belief in the claims of Christ to His being God should lead to a deep love for Him. This love if it exists at all must show forth in willing joyous obedience to Him.
Any claim to believing in the person, deity and sacrificial death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, which does not result in a transformed way of be-ing, thinking and doing raises serious questions as to the authenticity of that faith declaration. The proof of Christian faith is the character of Christ displayed by the believer.
The icing on the cake is that when we commit to obedience to Christ and His teachings we are drawn into and given access to God and to fellowship with God; “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." (John 14:10). Wow, what a word!
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Do you believe in Jesus Christ as your God who died in your place? Do you believe in His teachings and the demands they make of you? Then let us commit to living by His truth and its demands, and we shall be truly blessed.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I believe in you, I love you, and I want to follow you all my life long. Please help me to obey your commands and grant me the joy of a living loving walk with you. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: SHOW MYSELF The phrase "show myself" in Greek is "ἐμφανίσω ἐμαυτόν" (emphanisō emauton). "ἐμφανίσω" (emphanisō) means "to manifest," "to reveal," or "to show," and "ἐμαυτόν" (emauton) means "myself." This phrase indicates a self-revelation or a clear manifestation of one’s presence or nature.
In our key verse for today's devotional, we learn that obedience leads to a deeper fellowship where Jesus promises to reveal Himself to the obedient believer. This self-revelation is a significant aspect of the relationship between the believer and Christ, highlighting that true knowledge of Jesus is contingent upon following His teachings. The passage assures believers that their faithful obedience will result in a personal and profound encounter with Jesus, characterized by divine love and presence. Reflections. Understanding that obedience to Christ opens the door to deeper divine fellowship can transform how we approach our daily lives and spiritual practices. It challenges us to view obedience not as a duty but as an opportunity for a richer, more intimate relationship with Jesus. How can you cultivate obedience in your life to experience a deeper revelation and fellowship with Jesus Christ?
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