Do we Love God?
(i) How to show our love to God in “action” (beyond words ‘only’)?
The only way for us to show it is by “obeying” His Commands as John 14:15 mentions.
Also, the “Lord’s Commands” to the Gentile Churches are the ones apostle Paul has been mandated to deliver:
“If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 14:37)
(ii) Are we obeying God or sin?
When we don’t obey God’s Commands, we are in turn obeying the commands of the flesh contrary to the Word of God.
So, we are always obeying either God or sin which is contrary to the Word of God.
(iii) True Freedom in Christ
Paradox: Slavery to God is Freedom:
“So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
“You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” (Romans 6:18)
“Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God.” (1 Peter 2:16)
“For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave.” (1 Corinthians 7:22)
“Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.” (Galatians 4:7)
(iv) Contrary to Christ, we remain a ‘slave to the sins which we commit’:
Slavery to sin is ‘bondage’:
“and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.” (Hebrews 2:15)
“They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption, since people are enslaved to whatever defeats them.” (2 Peter 2:19)
“Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.” (John 8:34)
(v) Obedience is Greater than any sacrifice
“Samuel said, “Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22)
(vi) True Love
True Love does NOT rejoice in evil Acts against God’s Commands but in ‘His Truth’ only (e.g. His Commands):
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 3:6)
(vii) Many will be offended by God’s Commands too and hate those who preach it (they will ‘win’ in persecuting & even killing the true believers)
“Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for My Name’s sake.
And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” – Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:12)
Conclusion
Don’t worry about the false accusations of the world due to “obeying God’s Commands” as the “prophets of God” suffered the ‘same’ treatment too when ‘they preached God’s Commands’ as well:
“But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)
“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.” – Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:11)
“Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man.
Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets.” – Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:23)
“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” – Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:13)
*Example of ‘for the sake of the Son of Man’ is ‘preaching the Blessed Lord’s Commands’ (John 14:15, 1 Corinthians 14:37)
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