October 21, 2009
"Teach them to obey everything I commanded you."
Matthew 28:18-20
What must Christians do to follow Jesus beyond salvation?
1) Know what He said, not just what others say He said.
2) Seek to understand why Jesus spoke the words He spoke.
3) Apply what Jesus taught.
When we study the commands of Jesus we must make a decision.
1) Do I want to know?
2) Do I want to understand?
3) Will I apply?
John 14:21 21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."
When we choose to learn and obey the commands of Jesus, we place ourselves in a position where we can love Him. In doing so we will be loved by the Father, and by Jesus. Then He (Jesus) will also show Himself to us.
Lets start by looking at some commands of Jesus found in the book of Matthew.
Jesus…
1. …commands John to baptize Him. Matthew 3:15
2. …commands people to repent. Matthew 4:17
3. …commands disciples to follow and fish. Matthew 4:19
4. …commands followers to rejoice when persecuted. Matthew 5:12
5. …commands followers to be salt. Matthew 5:13
6. …commands followers to be light. Matthew 5:14
7. …commands believers to seek forgiveness and reconciliation.
Matthew 5:24
8. …commands followers to remove stumbling blocks from their lives. Matthew 5:29 & 30
9. …commands followers to speak the truth with nothing added.
Matthew 5:37
10. …commands followers to love their enemies. Matthew 5:44
11. …commands followers to be perfect (complete in righteousness.)
Matthew 5:48
