“If you hold to my teaching you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).

“If you hold to my teaching you are really my disciples” (John 8:31).
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46).
“Whoever obeys my word will never see death” (John 8:51).
“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love” (John 15:10).
“You are my friends, if you do what I command” (John 15:14).

It’s clear that Jesus takes this obedience thing pretty seriously. Why is that? Why is obedience such a big deal? What delight does Jesus get from making us obey?

You see, Jesus wants us to obey not so he can feel better about himself – more Lord-ly, more God-like. Jesus wants us to obey because that’s how WE experience joy and freedom. It’s in obedience that we become who we were truly made to be, and in living into our purpose we experience joy and freedom.

The greatest beneficiary of our obedience is US!

That’s why Jesus says, “If you hold to my teaching you are really my disciples.” And when we obey, “Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

Isn’t that interesting that our freedom is found in our obedience. We are most fully free when we are most obedient because, when we obey, we are most fully who we were created to be.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get busy obeying!!!

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

We are to outdo one another in spurring one another, encouraging one another, nudging one another toward love and good deeds. And one of the primary ways we do this is by encouraging one another to not give up meeting together in worship. Our place in worship – whether online or in person – is essential to a growing faith.

When you show up for worship on Sundays, take a look around you. Who is missing? Note who’s absent and give them a call to let them know that they were missed. Ask if they are doing ok.

I am not sure who wrote the following, but I like it says about worship:

If you go to church looking to become offended, you will succeed.
If you go to church looking for places where people fall short, you will find them.
If you go to church looking for imperfection, you will see it.
But if you go to church looking for an opportunity to worship alongside broken people, you will find it.
If you go to church looking for a place to serve, you will find one.
If you go to church to love people like Jesus, you can.
Ten out of ten times…you find what you are looking for.

Look for Jesus.

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).

Hmmm.

I don’t like it when I get spurred. It hurts. It stings.

What is interesting about the verse of the day is that it tells disciples to spur one another toward love and good deeds. We are to encourage, nudge, peer-pressure, spur one another to love and good deeds. We do that by practicing love and doing good deeds. We are to create such an environment where we spur one another to outdo one another in acts of love and good deeds.

That’s exactly what the Apostle Paul encourages us to do in Romans 12:10, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (ESV).

Can you imagine a church like that? A church that peer-pressures one another to love and good deeds. A church that outdoes one another in acts of service and showing honor to one another.

Wow!

Last thing – there’s a moment when spurring becomes spearing. When encouragement becomes demand, when a nudge becomes a shove. People die when speared.

The aim of our spurring is for the building up. The aim of spearing is for killing. Know the difference.