1. The Commands of Jesus John 14:21 Theme: Christians show their love for Jesus by having His commands and by obeying His commands. 26/04/09 am

2. 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.

3. B. What is the purpose of Jesus’ commands? Jesus commands are not: Vindictive – spiteful or malicious; Killjoys, cf. John 10:10. Burdensome, cf. Ps. 119:9-16; 1 Jn. 5:3.

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

5. C. Which commands is Jesus referring to? In John 14:15-24 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 God’s revelation.

6. In light of this 14:21 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).

7. D. How does the Christian give practical demonstration of his love for Jesus? 1.Need to have Jesus’ commands. Greek – grasp with the mind and make them your own. How do we do this? Study.

8. Barriers to study of the Scriptures: Pride Lack of discipline, cf. Prov. 24:30- 34. Bad study helps. Dependence on study helps at the expense of dependence on the Spirit.

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

10. 2. Need to obey Jesus’ commands.

11. Conclusion – The Acid Test John 14:21a is an acid test to indicate the professing Christian’s spiritual health. Much obedience to Jesus’ commands = health. Little obedience to Jesus’ commands = at best poor health; at worst no spiritual life at all.

12. 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.