Keep His Commandments
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the necessity of personal devotion to Christ as the foundation for effective service and ministry to others.
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.
Text
"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.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The importance of personal devotion to Christ - Christ's expectation of our love - The danger of prioritizing work over relationship
- II points: - The significance of Mary's personal gift - Understanding Christ's presence versus service - The balance between devotion and duty
- III points: - The necessity of Christ's love for effective ministry - Reflected love for others through love for Christ - True service stems from a relationship with Jesus
Key Quotes
“Lovest thou me?” — A.B. Simpson
“Ye have the poor with you always; but me ye have not always.” — A.B. Simpson
“Mere love for people will not enable us to be true to them.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Prioritize your relationship with Christ above all else to enhance your service.
- Reflect on how your love for Christ can transform your interactions with others.
- Consider practical ways to express your personal devotion through acts of love.