What Does God Want Me to Do?
November 11, 2024
Does God Love Me?
November 11, 2024
What Are God’s Rules?
When we think of rules, it’s easy to imagine a list of do’s and don’ts. But God’s rules are not just about restrictions; they are an expression of His love for us and His desire to help us live in harmony with Him and others. The Bible provides us with clear guidance on how to live according to God’s will. By following these rules, we experience His protection, peace, and purpose for our lives. Let’s explore what the Bible says about God’s rules and how they reflect His deep love for us.
God’s Rules Are Rooted in Love
The foundation of all of God’s rules is love. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 22:37-39, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… Love your neighbor as yourself.” These two commandments are the heart of God’s law. All of God’s rules, from the Old Testament to the New Testament, are designed to help us love God and love others well. When we follow God’s commands, we align ourselves with His heart and experience the fullness of His love.
The Ten Commandments: God’s Guide for Living
In the Old Testament, God gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments as a moral foundation for their lives. Found in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5, these commandments are not just rules to obey—they are a reflection of God’s holiness and His desire for us to live in righteousness. The Ten Commandments include:
- You shall have no other gods before me.
- You shall not make for yourselves an idol.
- You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
- Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
- Honor your father and mother.
- You shall not murder.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
- You shall not covet.
These commandments help us maintain a right relationship with God, honor others, and live with integrity. They show us what it looks like to reflect God’s character in our everyday lives.
Jesus Summarizes God’s Rules with Love
When Jesus came, He summarized the rules in the Bible with the message of love. In Matthew 5-7, also known as the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus deepened the understanding of God’s rules, showing that they are about the heart, not just outward actions. For example, Jesus says in Matthew 5:21-22, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not murder,’ and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” Jesus expands God’s rules, showing that even our thoughts and attitudes matter. His teaching makes it clear that following God’s rules is not about legalistic obedience but about living with love, purity, and compassion in our hearts.
The Rule of Grace: Love Your Enemies
One of the most radical teachings of Jesus is found in Matthew 5:44, where He says, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” God’s rules go beyond loving those who love us—they call us to extend grace to those who hurt or oppose us. This is a reflection of God’s love for us, even when we were His enemies because of sin. Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Loving our enemies is not easy, but it is a powerful way to reflect God’s love and forgiveness.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Living According to God’s Nature
In the New Testament, God’s rules for living are beautifully summarized in the Fruit of the Spirit—a list of virtues that reflect God’s nature in us. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul writes, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” These qualities are not just actions, but the transformation that happens within us when we follow God’s will and allow His Spirit to work in our lives. As we grow in the fruit of the Spirit, we align ourselves with God’s heart, living in harmony with His rules and purpose for us.
Gods Rules Lead to Freedom
Though God’s rules may feel like restrictions at times, they actually lead us to freedom. In Psalm 119:45, the psalmist says, “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” God’s commands are not meant to bind us but to set us free from the consequences of sin, selfishness, and chaos. When we live according to His will, we experience peace, joy, and purpose. Following God’s rules brings us closer to the life He has designed for us, a life that reflects His love and goodness.
God’s Rules Are a Pathway to Blessing
Living according to God’s rules brings blessings, both in this life and the next. In Deuteronomy 30:16, God promises, “For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him, and to keep His commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you.” Obeying God is not just about avoiding punishment—it is about embracing His blessing. As we walk in obedience, we experience the fullness of God’s provision, protection, and peace.
Gods Rules Show Us the Way to Jesus
Ultimately, God’s rules point us to Jesus. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Jesus is the perfect fulfillment of God’s law. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He offers us forgiveness and grace, making it possible for us to live according to God’s rules, not by our own strength but through His love and power.
Embracing Gods Rules with Love
Gods rules are not burdensome; they are a gift that helps us live in relationship with Him and with others. They are a reflection of His love and wisdom, guiding us to live a life that honors Him. As we follow God’s commands, we experience His presence, peace, and blessing. Most importantly, we grow in our understanding of God’s love for us, the greatest rule of all.
