Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." – Acts 21:13
This text reveals the secret of the beauty and untiring activity and matchless success of the life of Paul. This secret can be put in three words, LOVE FOR CHRIST. The Lord Jesus had Paul's whole heart. There have been many great men and great women in the history of the church of Jesus Christ. Some of their names we know. Some of their names we do not know now, but we shall some day. These great men and women are the men and women who have had a great love for Jesus. A man may have great gifts, but, if he has not great love for Christ, he is after all as a sounding brass and a clanging cymbal. Men and women who have a great love for Jesus – that is what the church needs today. And a great love for Christ is what each one of us needs in our own heart.
I. WHAT LOVE FOR CHRIST WILL LEAD TO
1. Obedience to Christ
"If you love me, you will obey what I command.” – John 14:15
To the one who loves Jesus the words of Jesus will be his most precious treasure.
“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
"If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” – John 14:21, 23
The one who loves the Lord Jesus will not be content with doing the will of Jesus when the knowledge of that will is forced upon his attention. It will be his constant study to discover more and more about the will of Jesus.
