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  KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS
  by A.B. Simpson
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Summary: A.B. Simpson emphasizes the necessity of personal devotion to
Christ as the foundation for effective service and ministry to others.

Topics: "Personal Devotion", "Love for Christ"
Scripture References: Mark 14:7, John 21:15

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DESCRIPTION
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A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of personal devotion to Christ
over mere service in his sermon 'Keep His Commandments.' He highlights
Jesus' question, 'Lovest thou me?' as a call for our highest love and
commitment to Him, which is essential for effective ministry. Simpson
warns against being overly focused on the work of Christ at the expense
of our relationship with Him, noting that true love for Christ empowers
us to love and serve others authentically. He illustrates this with the
example of Mary's precious gift, which was personal and heartfelt.
Ultimately, love for Christ is the foundation that sustains our efforts
in His service.

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CONTENT
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"Lovest thou me?" the Master asks of each disciple. He expects our first
and highest love for Himself, personally, and He has a right to it. More
than all our service, more than all our work to build up a cause, He
desires our personal devotion to Him. Mary's gift was precious because
it was personal. Ye have the poor with you always; but me ye have not
always (Mark 14:7), was His tender suggestion of a danger which defeats
His purpose-our being more occupied with the work of Christ than with
Christ Himself. We need the love of Christ in order to fit us for His
work.

Nothing else will give it its true aim and center; nothing else will
sustain us amid its pressures.

When Jesus was about to send Simon to take care of His flock, He did not
ask Him, "Lovest thou my sheep and my lambs?" He asked, "Lovest thou
me?" Mere love for people will not enable us to be true to them; but
love for Christ will give us a reflected love for others that will
enable us to touch them for Him and to bless them as our direct touch
never could.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ab-simpson/keep-his-commandments/
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