August 24, 2021: SOAP #4282:  Jeremiah 33-34; Psalm 74; 1John 5

SCRIPTURE:  1John (NIV) 5:3 This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome [grievous KJV}.

OBSERVATION: John was writing to the church.  To people who have not made Jesus their Savior and Lord, keeping God’s commands can seem very hard to do.  They like their own freedom too much to willing submit to another.  BUT for those who are living for the glory of Jesus, His commands are not a burden. 

APPLICATION:  In serving the Lord, I have found: 
First, obedience to God’s commands is for my good. 
Second, God’s commands are motivated by His love for me!
Third, my obedience is motivated by my love for Him!
Fourth, God graciously placed His Holy Spirit in me to help me! 

The Holy Spirit teaches me God’s law and its reasons. 
The Holy Spirit convicts me when I do something that disappoints God. 
The Holy Spirit empowers me to joyfully obey God’s will. 

John wrote it well: “And His commands are not burdensome!”

PRAYER: Yes, Lord, your commands are not burdensome. The more I know you, the more reasonable your commands appear. Being your child gives me a sense of belonging; being your servant gives me a sense of usefulness. Keeping your commands develops my direction.  What an honor to be known as yours.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!