Transformed by Truth: The Power of Love and Obedience
Introduction:
Today, we are considering a powerful statement made by our Lord Jesus in the Gospel of John. It’s a simple yet profound truth that has the power to transform our lives if we truly grasp it. This morning, we’re going to focus on John 14:23 and explore what it means for us as followers of Christ to love Him and obey His commands.
Let’s read the verse together from the New Living Translation:
John 14:23 (NLT): Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.”
This verse contains a powerful promise, but it also calls us to a life of obedience. Let’s unpack this truth together and see how it can transform us.
Point 1: Love for Jesus Is Demonstrated Through Obedience
Jesus begins by saying, “All who love me will do what I say.” In this statement, Jesus connects love with obedience. The Greek word used for “love” here is “agapao,” which is a selfless, sacrificial love. This is not just an emotional feeling but a love that is demonstrated through action. Jesus is saying that if we truly love Him, it will be evident in our obedience to His commands.
This theme of obedience as a demonstration of love is found throughout Scripture. In 1 John 5:3 (NLT), the apostle John writes, “Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.” Genuine love for God results in a desire to obey Him, not out of obligation, but out of a heart that is overflowing with love and gratitude.
Think of a parent-child relationship. When a child truly loves their parent, they want to please them. They obey not out of fear, but because they want to show their love and respect. In the same way, our obedience to God should flow from our love for Him.
As author A.W. Tozer once said, “The true follower of Christ will not ask, ‘If I embrace this truth, what will it cost me?’ Rather he will say, ‘This is truth. God help me to walk in it, let come what may!’” When we truly love Jesus, obedience becomes our natural response to His love.
Point 2: Obedience Opens the Door to God’s Presence
Jesus goes on to say, “My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.” This is an incredible promise! When we walk in obedience, God makes His home with us. The Greek word for “home” is “mone,” which means dwelling or abode. Jesus is not just talking about a temporary visit but a permanent dwelling.
This promise of God’s presence with us is echoed in John 15:4 (NLT), where Jesus says, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.” Our obedience creates an environment where God’s presence can dwell in us and bear fruit through us.
Imagine a houseguest who comes to stay for a few days. While they’re there, you do everything you can to make them feel comfortable. But eventually, they leave, and life goes back to normal. Now imagine if that guest were to move in permanently. You would need to make some changes to accommodate them. That’s what it’s like when God makes His home with us. His presence isn’t just a temporary experience; it becomes a permanent reality that transforms our lives.
Pastor Francis Chan put it this way: “The Spirit of the living God is inside of you. That means you have the power and presence of God wherever you go.” When we walk in obedience, we carry God’s presence with us, and that presence has the power to change everything.
Point 3: Obedience Leads to a Deeper Relationship with God
Finally, Jesus’ promise of God making His home with us points to the relational aspect of our faith. Obedience is not just about following rules; it’s about deepening our relationship with God. As we walk in obedience, we experience more of His love and presence in our lives.
In James 4:8 (NLT), we read, “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.” Our obedience draws us closer to God, and as we draw near to Him, He draws near to us. This is the essence of a relationship with God—intimacy and closeness that grows as we follow Him.
Think of a marriage relationship. A healthy marriage is built on mutual love, trust, and commitment. As each spouse seeks to serve and love the other, their relationship deepens. In the same way, our relationship with God deepens as we walk in obedience to His Word.
As Pastor Charles Stanley once said, “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him. Obedience always brings blessing.” When we choose to obey God, we open the door to greater intimacy with Him and the blessings that come with it.
Conclusion and Call to Action:
In conclusion, Jesus’ words in John 14:23 remind us that our love for Him is demonstrated through our obedience. Obedience opens the door to God’s presence in our lives and leads to a deeper relationship with Him. But this obedience is not something we do in our own strength—it’s a response to His love and a work of His Spirit in us.
So how do we respond? First, we need to evaluate our own lives. Are we walking in obedience to God’s Word? Are there areas where we’ve been resisting His commands? Second, we need to cultivate a deeper love for Jesus, knowing that love is the foundation of our obedience. And finally, we need to invite the Holy Spirit to empower us to live in obedience, knowing that it’s through His strength that we can truly follow Christ.
Call to Action:
This week, I challenge you to spend time in prayer and ask God to reveal any areas of your life where you need to walk in greater obedience. As you do, trust that He will meet you with His love and presence, and that your relationship with Him will deepen as you follow His commands.
Let us pray.
