"Exploring Jesus' New Commandment"
Text: John 13:34-35; 15:9-12,17
Introduction
In our last series, our last topic was on Faith & Works. We concluded very clearly that "It is not 'faith and works; nor faith or works but faith that works!'" If we possess Biblical saving faith, it will manifest in many 'good works'. But what are these 'good works' and how can we practice them?
The texts are of extreme importance, but often neglected. It was at the Feast of the Passover (Last Supper), Jesus had just washed His disciples feet and explained its significance to His disciples. In 13:31- He told His disciples - He was leaving them and they called not to follow Him. In v.34 - He gave them a 'New Commandment'. In 14:12 - Jesus said those who believe in Him will 'do greater works than Him -> 14:15,21. 'If you love me you will keep my commandment -> 15:12, 17.
Take note - there's repetition 3x "Love one another".
Reasons for this topic:
1. The measure of a church - is about how to evaluate the measure of a good church. Some people are attracted to a church by its worship: good music, band, artist singer etc. Worship is very important; but by itself it is not a good measure of a church.
2. Some people choose a church for it's teaching, doctrine, after doctrine which they're right; all others wrong, or miracle stories week after week. But teachings alone unaccompanied by action is not a good measure.
We know the doctrine well - that Jesus Christ, the Son of God came to this earth to die for all sinners - to establish His church - the body of Christ so as to embodied the presence of God amongst us and in the world. The church is to imitate the life of Jesus - to do the work that He has done to us. He worked with only 12 disciples . In a very brief period of 3 years, travelling not more than 30 miles away from base.
Yet the early disciples took the ancient world by storm. In a single day more than 3 thousand souls were added to the faith yet despite all the resources we have today, our conversion rate is way below the rate in the days of Acts. What happened?
(a) Our faith has become a self-centred faith: we want to be entertained with good music and wonderful performances
(b) Our faith has become a self-indulgent faith: health, prosperity
(c) Our faith has become an inactive faith: a comfortable faith, or rather indifferent faith
Let us commit ourselves to put them into practice - knowing that it is Jesus Himself who have commanded us.
- First objective is to build a meaningful relationship
- Second objective is to build a mutual relationship
- Third objective is to build a mature relationship
To fulfil the Great Commission by obeying the Great Commandment
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