If You Love Jesus You Will Take His Commands Seriously (Clip)
Zac Poonen emphasizes that genuine love for Jesus is demonstrated by taking His commandments seriously and persistently striving to obey them.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of taking God's commandments seriously and not just speaking about loving Jesus without genuine commitment. It challenges believers to be honest about their love for Christ and to actively fight against sin, even if the process of overcoming it takes time, as a true reflection of their love for Jesus.
Full Transcript
You won't keep my commandments. That's the reason you don't keep my commandments. Any commandment that you have heard in this church from the Bible or that you've read in the Bible yourself, which you don't take seriously to keep it.
Today, you heard the reason. All your talk about loving Jesus Christ is absolute nonsense. It's bogus.
It's a lie. Don't ever say that again, that you love Jesus. Speak the truth and say, I do not love Jesus Christ.
That's why, not that's why I fall into anger or fall into lust. That's why I don't take those things seriously and fight against it. It may take you one year, 10 years to overcome it, but if you're fighting it every day, it shows that you love Jesus Christ.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The importance of keeping Jesus' commandments
- Common excuses for disobedience
- The link between love and obedience
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II
- The reality of failing to obey
- The danger of claiming love without obedience
- The need for honesty about our love for Jesus
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III
- The process of overcoming sin through persistent effort
- Love demonstrated by daily spiritual battle
- Encouragement to continue fighting against sin
Key Quotes
“You won't keep my commandments. That's the reason you don't keep my commandments.” — Zac Poonen
“All your talk about loving Jesus Christ is absolute nonsense. It's bogus.” — Zac Poonen
“If you're fighting it every day, it shows that you love Jesus Christ.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Examine your life honestly to see if your actions reflect your claim to love Jesus.
- Commit to daily spiritual battles against sin as evidence of your love for Christ.
- Do not be discouraged by slow progress; persistent effort is a sign of genuine love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is obedience important in loving Jesus?
Obedience is the evidence of genuine love for Jesus, as He said, 'If you love Me, keep My commandments.'
What if I struggle to keep God's commands?
Struggling and continually fighting sin shows your love for Jesus; persistence is key even if victory takes time.
Can I claim to love Jesus if I disobey Him?
No, claiming love without obedience is dishonest; true love is shown through serious commitment to His commands.
How long does it take to overcome sin?
It may take years, but consistent daily effort to fight sin demonstrates genuine love for Jesus.