What is fellowship with God? (Part Two)

From the desk of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D. In part one, we looked at Jesus’ words in John’s gospel. He said, “He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him” (John 14:21). What does it mean to have and keep His commandments? It’s important for us to understand and embrace these words because Jesus says that this person loves Him! First let’s understand that having and keeping God’s commandments speaks of a spiritually mature believer. It speaks of the believer who’s being led by the Holy Spirit of God! How do we know this is true? Earlier in this passage (the context), Jesus noted that those who love Him would obey His teachings (John 14:15). Then, He followed that statement with reassurance that the Holy Spirit would come to be in believers (John 14:17). In other words, our ability to follow the will of God depends on the influence of His Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14–16). Later, Jesus will reinforce this idea of the Spirit guiding and teaching believers (John 15:26; 16:7–11). True obedience is motivated by love (and enabled by the Holy Spirit) not by trying to keep the commandments. Love for Jesus motivates obedience to Jesus. Jesus is talking about the believer who has and keeps His commandments. The Greek verb rendered “keep” means “the attitude of obedience which is marked by concern for, and attentiveness to God’s will.” This speaks of a spiritually mature believer in Christ! Immature believers aren’t at this point of keeping God’s commandments. It speaks of the will of God for every Christian. God wants us to develop, grow, and mature in our relationship with Him. This is how it’s done. Be encouraged!