Thoughts from the Sermon, “Love through Obedience” John 14:15-31

Thoughts from the Sermon, “Love through Obedience” John 14:15-31

by Vermon Pierre, Lead Pastor

1. God is not pursuing a casual friendship with us. He’s not looking to date us and then try things about by living together. God is pursuing a committed relationship with us.

2. A committed relationship with God brings with it certain obligations. Central to these obligations is obedience to Jesus (John 14:14, 21, 23). Jesus makes it clear – we can’t truly love him, and thus can’t truly love God, apart from keeping his commandments. As Leslie Newbigin put it, “Obedience is the test of love, love is the content of obedience.”

3. Jesus promises that we will receive two tremendous gifts as part of our committed relationship with God.

  

    a. The gift of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-20, 26) 

    The Holy Spirit is the person of God resides within us. He ensures that God is always with
    us, ready to encourage us, strengthen us, and guide us in all situations. He is “the Spirit
    of truth” who reveals God’s truthto us and helps us remain faithful to God’s truth.

   b. The gift of peace (John 14:27) 

   Jesus will give us a peace that gives us a sense of composure and confidence even in
   the midst of trouble and conflict. His peace helps us to maintain unity with other believers.

   

4. And so, our committed relationship begins ultimately with God, since he must move towards us through Jesus Christ in order that we might be in relationship with him. Our relationship will develop and grow by the grace of God as he gifts us with his Spirit and peace and as we obey him in love.