April 25: Light, Life, Love: A Journey Through the Gospel of John – John 14:15-31

1. How can you share your story?
1. Highs, Lows and Hopes (2 of each)
2. Favorite Bible verse, the most influential person in your life, why you live Arizona
2. Generally, is obedience to Jesus’ way of life easy for you or hard?
1. 40% said hard
2. 60% gave a mixed response. At times joyful, other times difficult.
3. Big Idea:  We are not just expected to be obedient to the way of Jesus, but we are enabled to be obedient to the way of Jesus.
4. Read John 14:15-31

John 14:15 - If you love me, keep my commands.

John 14:21 – Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.

John 14:23 – Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.

John 14:24 – Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching.

Love – Truly appreciate someone and hold them in high regard.

Obedience/keep – Observe, fulfill, make a reality true.

Love for God is not vague sentimental feeling, but a love that costs. – Leon Morris

1. Big Idea:  We are not just expected to be obedient to the way of Jesus, but we are enabled to be obedient to the way of Jesus.

If you love me, keep my commands.  John 14:15

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of Truth.  John 14:16-17a

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.  John 14:18

1. Where are you struggling to be obedient to the way of Jesus?
1. Sexuality
2. Financial Giving
3. Submitting to Authority
2. How can you grow in obedience?
1. Seek greater understanding

‘Spirit of Truth’ (14:17)

‘Teach you all things’ (14:26)

1. Walk in faith, even if it doesn’t make sense yet.  

Abraham & Isaac (Genesis 22)

1. The only day you can be obedient in is today. You can repent for yesterday and hope for tomorrow, but today is the day for obedience. 
2. Christianity has not so much been tried and found wanting, as it has been found difficult and left untried.  – G.K Chesterton
3. Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.  Luke 11:28
4. Obedience is better than sacrifice; read 1 Samuel 15:22-23