Transformed by Truth: "Abiding in Christ's Love" John 15:9-11
John 15:9-11 (NLT): “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”
Introduction
Today, we will explore the profound and transforming truths found in John 15:9-11. Jesus speaks of His love, our call to abide in it, and the joy that comes from such a relationship. These verses invite us to deepen our understanding and practice of living in Christ's love.
Point 1: The Source of Love
John 15:9 (NLT): “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.”
Jesus is speaking to His disciples during the Last Supper, preparing them for His departure. The love Jesus refers to here is "??ap??" (agapao) in Greek, signifying an unconditional, self-sacrificial love. This love originates from the Father and is perfectly embodied in Jesus.
The phrase "even as the Father has loved me" points to the divine, eternal love shared within the Trinity. Jesus' love for us mirrors the Father's perfect love for Him. To "remain" in His love, translated from the Greek word "µ???" (meno), means to dwell, abide, or continue in His love.
Understanding that Jesus' love for us is as profound and unchanging as the Father's love for Him can deepen our trust and security in Him. To remain in His love, we must cultivate an ongoing, intimate relationship with Him through prayer, study of the Word, and obedience.
1 John 4:19 (NLT): “We love each other because he loved us first.”
Our capacity to love stems from God’s initial and ongoing love for us.
Reflect on how God’s love has been evident in your life and let it inspire you to love others with the same selfless love.
Brennan Manning once said, “Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is illusion.”
Point 2: The Practice of Love
John 15:10 (NLT): “When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.”
Jesus emphasizes that remaining in His love is tied to obedience. The Greek word for "commandments" here is "??t???" (entole), which means a divine injunction or order. Obedience is not about legalism but about aligning our lives with God's will out of love and reverence for Him.
Jesus sets Himself as the example of obedience, having perfectly followed the Father's will. Our obedience to Christ’s commands is a reflection of our love for Him and a means to remain in His love.
Evaluate areas in your life where obedience to God’s commands can be deepened. Obedience is a joyful response to His love, not a burdensome duty.
1 John 5:3 (NLT): “Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.”
True love for God is demonstrated by our willingness to follow His directives, which are designed for our well-being and joy.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out God’s commandments in your daily interactions, reflecting His love in practical ways.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, “One act of obedience is better than one hundred sermons.”
Point 3: The Joy of Love
Text: John 15:11 (NLT): “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”
Jesus shares these teachings to impart His joy to the disciples. The joy Jesus speaks of is "?a??" (chara) in Greek, meaning a deep, abiding inner gladness, not dependent on external circumstances.
This joy is a byproduct of living in Christ’s love and obedience to His commandments. It is the same joy Jesus experienced in His relationship with the Father, a joy that is resilient and overflowing.
Pursue a life rooted in Christ’s love and obedience to His word, and you will experience the fullness of His joy. This joy can sustain you through trials and tribulations, providing a deep sense of peace and contentment.
Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT): “…Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”
Nehemiah emphasizes that the joy found in the Lord provides strength and resilience.
In difficult times, lean on the joy that comes from a relationship with Jesus. Let this joy be your source of strength and encouragement.
Consider the story of Horatio Spafford, who wrote the hymn "It Is Well with My Soul" after experiencing tremendous personal loss. His ability to find joy and peace in God during such a devastating time is a testament to the deep, abiding joy that Jesus promises.
Conclusion
John 15:9-11 teaches us about the source, practice, and joy of living in Christ’s love. As we remain in His love through obedience, we experience a joy that overflows.
Call to Action
Reflect on your relationship with Jesus. Are you abiding in His love through obedience to His commandments? Let His joy fill your heart and overflow into every aspect of your life. Share this joy with others, showing them the love of Christ in action.
Encouraging Application
Remember, the love and joy Jesus offers are unmatched and eternal. Embrace His love, follow His commands, and let His joy be your strength and song.
God bless you all. Amen.
