Our obedience is a litmus test for whether our love for God is true. A want of willingness to submit to God in whatever He commands is symptomatic of a lack of love for Him.  The opposite of love is at the heart of our not obeying God’s commandments, which is how God describes our love for Him (Exodus 20:5-6; Deuteronomy 7:9; John 14:15; 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6). 

Contemplating the question, “If you could preach only one sermon, what would it be?” the thought that keeps returning is, “Love God.”

Perhaps this focus of proclamation comes to mind because our church’s men’s study is going through Jonathan Edwards’ Charity and Its Fruits based on 1 Corinthians 13.  Profound indeed it is that whatever we endeavor for God—however much according to His commands in the littlest jots and tittles—profits us absolutely nothing before the Lord without His love as its source and sum.

Thus, Jesus calls out the orthodox church of Ephesus with a severe warning about losing her first love for Him (Revelation 2:4).  In one of our men’s studies, we somberly mused on the possibility of going in and out of the church’s doors and pews guided by the regulative principle while completely void of any real worship for hours without love!

Of course, we are to obey God.  In fact, our obedience is a litmus test for whether our love for God is true. A want of willingness to submit to God in whatever He commands is symptomatic of a lack of love for Him.  The opposite of love is at the heart of our not obeying God’s commandments, which is how God describes our love for Him (Exodus 20:5-6; Deuteronomy 7:9; John 14:15; 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6).

It breaks one’s heart to see how much love is lost on the things of the lost that should be poured out to God in grateful, adoring, and sincere service (1 John 2:15).  Whereas in our example to follow we see perfect love for God expressed in Jesus His perfect Son by His perfect obedience (John 14:31; Psalm 40:8; Hebrews 10:9).

Read More