782. JOH 14:15. AFFECTIONATE OBEDIENCE

Joh_14:15. Affectionate Obedience

"If ye love me, keep my commandments."’97Joh_14:15.

Our text is a part of the Saviour’s address to his disciples before he left them. Every word therefore has a peculiar weight and solemnity connected with it. He designed each sentence to be treasured up, that after his decease they might be remembered, and carried out in their feelings and practice. In our text he gives them the true and infallible test of their love to him; and. therefore of the genuineness of their profession, "If ye love me," &c. Our text directs us,

I. To the important principle of love to Jesus Christ.

II. To consider the evidence of its possession.

"Keep my commandments."

I. The important principle of love to Jesus Christ.

Consider this principle,

1. As to its nature.

Love to Christ implies several things.

(1.) A knowledge of Christ. We cannot love an unknown object, we may love one whom we have never seen. In reading the history of the good you feel an affection for them. Now love to Christ must be preceded by a knowledge of him. This is presented in this blessed book. The scriptures testify of Christ, reveal his nature, perfections, offices, work, and glory. It implies,

(2.) Satisfaction with Christ. We may know, and not feel interested,’97not entirely approve of the object known. But in Christ there is every thing to satisfy the soul. He is, as to purity, clear light without a spot. He is, as to goodness, love embodied. The love of God, living, breathing, and speaking in our flesh. Then, his dignity and glory are those of Deity. "The brightness of the Father’s glory." Whoso contemplates Christ’s character must exclaim,’97"Thou art fairer than the sons of men, grace is poured into thy lips," &c. "Thou art the desire of all nations." "The fairest among ten thousand," &c. It implies, (3.) Esteem for Christ, and delight in him. To real love these are essential. The spiritually minded feel for Christ the highest reverential esteem, and with this the greatest degree of delight. The breathings of the heart, the thoughts of the mind, and the desires of the soul, will all bear witness to this delight. This esteem and delight will place us at his feet, like the devoted Mary. It will lead us to desire his presence everywhere, and to prefer him to every other object. "To whom shall we go," &c. It will discover us in the ordinances of his grace, seated near him, and reclining our heads on his compassionate bosom. Consider love to Christ,

2. In its causes.

Now, it is not a natural feeling, nor the result of education, nor an accidental principle. It is the result of his love to us, and our apprehension and application of it to our souls. We love him because he first loved us. But why did we not love him sooner? because we did not apprehend; we did not consider, and believe, and apply it to our souls.

"E’er since by faith I saw the stream,

Thy flowing wounds supply,

Redeeming love has been my theme,

And shall be till I die."

But in connection with our apprehension and application of Christ’s love to our hearts, the love of God must be shed abroad in the soul, by the Holy Spirit given unto us.

3. Consider this love in its characteristics.

What should be the features of this love?

(1.) It should be ardent. A flame burning intensely on the altar of the heart.

(2.) It should be progressive. Increase daily. It cannot be stationary. It must advance or decline. But especially,

(3.) It should be preeminent. More than we love what ought to be beloved; more than wo love friends, or the brethren; more than our own ease and enjoyment. It must be the highest, the deepest, and the most comprehensive subject, occupying our thoughts and hearts. Consider this love,

4. In its importance.

Without it we cannot be loved of God’97without it there can be no piety, no peace of mind, no enjoyment of heaven; nay, more, listen to the fearful denunciation, "If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema maranatha." If so, then is it not clear that love to Christ should be an evident principle, that of which we feel fully and satisfactorily assured? How are we to be certain that we love Christ? A delight to think of him, and converse respecting him; a love to his gospel and ordinances; a love to his people; all these are good evidences. But there is one of Christ’s own application,’97one which he has set up, and it is supplied in our text. Hence, in reference to love to Christ, consider,

II. The evidence of its possession.

"If ye love me keep my commandments." Obedience is the essential fruit of a renewed heart.

"’Tis love which makes our cheerful feet

In swift obedience move."

Christ’s commandments,

1. Are revealed.

They are. left on the pages of holy writ "To the law and the testimony." Never mysteriously conveyed; nothing ambiguous.

2. They are sometimes difficult.

Hence self-denial and cross-bearing are always so. To be spiritually-minded, meek, forgiving, &c. To bear reproach, act singularly, &c. To crucify self, &c.

3. They are always practicable.

Who is sufficient? not the carnal man, not the formalist, not the supine; but the humble Christian, seeking and depending on the graciousness of Christ. "I can do all things through Christ strengthening me."

4. They are indispensable.

Not to be despised or neglected. Essential to Christ’s favor, and our own comfort. "If ye love me," &c. Nothing will make up for disobedience. The friend says, If you love me, consult ray mind and pleasure; do not grieve me. The parent says, If you love me, let me have filial respect and obedience. The monarch says, Ye are my loyal subjects, if ye regard my laws and statutes to do them. What wonder then that Christ says, "If ye love me," &c.

Application

1. Right obedience to Christ is humble, universal, and hearty. It does not question, or choose, or obey reluctantly.

2. Christ’s order seems this:’97Hear, repent, believe, be baptized, and then do whatsoever else I command you.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS