Go! And Obey Jesus’ Commands Series

Go! And Obey Jesus’ Commands

Introduction:

Jesus said in John 14:15 (NLT), "If you love me, obey my commandments." His commands are not burdensome but life-giving, guiding us to live in alignment with God’s will. Today, we will explore ten key commands of Jesus and how they shape our daily walk of faith.

1. Love Unconditionally

Matthew 5:44 (NLT) - "But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!"

Jesus calls us to a radical kind of love that goes beyond human inclination. The Greek word agape refers to a selfless, unconditional love that mirrors God’s love for us.

1 John 4:7-8 (NLT) - "Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love."

Are we loving others—even our enemies—the way Christ loves us? True Christian love is not based on emotions but on obedience to God’s command.

Imagine a parent loving a rebellious child despite their actions. That’s the kind of love Jesus commands us to have.

"To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you." – C.S. Lewis

2. Disciple Personally

Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT) - "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you."

Jesus didn’t just call pastors to disciple—He called all believers. The Greek word mathetes means learner or follower. Making disciples is an ongoing process of teaching and mentoring others in their faith.

2 Timothy 2:2 (NLT) - "You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others."

Who are you discipling outside your family? True discipleship is intentional and relational.

"Discipleship is not an option. Jesus says that if anyone would come after me, he must follow me." – Tim Keller

3. Rejoice Irrationally

Philippians 4:4 (NLT) - "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!"

Joy in trials seems irrational, but Jesus teaches that our joy comes from God, not circumstances.

James 1:2-3 (NLT) - "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow."

Do we rejoice in hardships, trusting that God is working all things for our good?

Paul and Silas worshipping in prison (Acts 16:25) exemplifies rejoicing irrationally.

"Joy is the serious business of heaven." – C.S. Lewis

4. Abide Dependently

John 15:5 (NLT) - "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing."

Jesus commands us to abide in Him, fully dependent on His strength. The Greek word meno means to remain or dwell.

Psalm 46:10 (NLT) - "Be still, and know that I am God!"

Are we resting in Christ’s finished work or striving in our own strength?

"The closer you walk with God, the less room for anything to come between." – A.W. Tozer

5. Repent Humbly

Matthew 4:17 (NLT) - "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near."

Repentance isn’t just regret but a complete turning to God. The Greek word metanoia means a change of mind leading to transformation.

1 John 1:9 (NLT) - "But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness."

Do we quickly repent, or do we justify our sins?

"True repentance is not just a change of mind; it’s a change of heart that leads to a change of action." – John MacArthur

6. Pray Unceasingly

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT) - "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

Jesus commands us to have a continuous, personal conversation with God.

Philippians 4:6 (NLT) - "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done."

Is our prayer life sporadic and ritualistic, or constant and heartfelt?

"To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing." – Martin Luther

7. Forgive Frequently

Matthew 18:21-22 (NLT) - "Then Peter came to him and asked, 'Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?' 'No, not seven times,' Jesus replied, 'but seventy times seven!'"