The commandments of God are not burdensome when we have been truly born again and are walking rightly, following Christ in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Instead of a burden, there is actually joy and contentment in such a soul. Even when difficulties do come, such a soul is sorrowful, yet rejoicing. And, dear saints, that is how we shock this burdensome world and point all who are watching us to the Saviour.
It is very common to hear statements amongst Christians such as, “This life is not easy,” or “It is not easy being a Christian.” Now, we all agree that there is a cost to being a Christian. However, the cost is usually not what is in view. A type of burden is usually assumed. So we now ask: Is being a Christian burdensome? Are God’s commandments burdensome? 1 John 5:1-5 is helpful here to aid us in answering the question as well as to give guidance to liberate Christians from this assumed burden. John Piper’s reflection on the passage is helpful, and I will borrow his thoughts on the matter.
Read 1 John 5:1-5 before moving on.
Rebirth Reorientates Us Towards God’s Commandments
This passage tells us that the commandments of God are not burdensome. Why not? Because “everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” Here is our roadmap for the journey, telling us how to get to the point in our lives where the commandments of God are not a burden, but a joy.
1 John 5:4 says that two things overcome the world:
- Being born of God
- Our faith.
And 1 John 5:1 sets out the relationship between faith and new birth (being born again). “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God.” So our new birth gives rise to faith in the promises of God. This faith overcomes the world. And that overcoming takes away the burdensomeness of God’s commandments.
How Does This Work?
What is the connection between the burdensomeness of God’s commandments and the world? It seems to be two-fold.
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