Obeying Jesus’ commands

This post comes by courtesy of a young pastor in Melbourne. True to the mission of TWR, I’m helping the church by spreading his thoughts through mass media.

‘Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…’ (Matt 28.19-20)

Jesus gave his disciples instructions and commands. ‘Do this…’ ‘Don’t do that.’ Jesus’ commands are full of God’s grace, and they’re life-bringing, but only if we actually obey them.

A while back, I wrote down every one of Jesus’ direct commands, recorded in the Gospels, and then grouped similar commands together into a list. Here it is.

Love God!

Repent! Stop sinning! Deal decisively with sin!

Turn to God! Believe the Good News about God’s Kingdom!

Follow me! Give up your life for me!

Remain with me!

Have faith! Believe in me!

Listen to me!

Pray – persistently and faith-fully.

Seek God’s Kingdom and do his will!

Obey my teaching & commands!

Live in God’s peace!

Be pure in your heart! Moreso than in your actions.

Don’t fear!

Don’t worry!

Don’t set your heart on accumulating material wealth.

Don’t fear persecution!

Endure.

Constantly watch for my return!

Go & announce & demonstrate God’s Kingdom & power. Be witnesses about me!

Make disciples!

Love your neighbour (everyone)!

Love each other! Care for other Christians.

Welcome & care for vulnerable people.

Be a servant. (Especially Christian leaders.)

Be humble.

Love your enemies.

Forgive.

Don’t judge!

Don’t divorce!

Don’t get angry!

Be merciful!

As Jesus’ disciples, he wants us to obey him. As you look through this list, the Holy Spirit might be encouraging you, reminding you that you’re growing in obeying one of these commands. Perhaps there is something the Holy Spirit is prompting you to obey Jesus in.

As you obey Jesus’ command to make more disciples, make sure you teach them Jesus’ commands and show them how to live obediently.