Wesley Corpus

He "runs the way of God's commandments," now he hath set his heart at liberty. It is his glory so to do; it is his daily crown of rejoicing, "to do the will of God on earth, as it is done in heaven;" knowing it is the highest privilege of "the angels of God, of those that excel in strength, to fulfill his commandments, and hearken to the voice of his word." Methodists count God's commandments as their guide for life. Question: How do God's commands (expectations) compare with those offered by our society? What conflicts do you sense between them? Which commandments do you find the easiest to obey? Why do you think these are the easiest for you? 13. All the commandments of God he accordingly keeps, and that with all his might. For his obedience is in proportion to his love, the source from whence it flows. And therefore, loving God with all his heart, he serves him with all his strength. He continually presents his soul and body a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God; entirely and without reserve devoting himself, all he has, and all he is, to his glory. All the talents he has received, he constantly employs according to his Master's will; every power and faculty of his soul, every member of his body. Once he "yielded" them "unto sin" and the devil, "as instruments of unrighteousness;" but now, "being alive from the dead, he yields" them all "as instruments of righteousness unto God." Jesus makes the connection between loving God and obeying him explicit in John 14:21 & 23. We don't obey God to earn his favor. We don't obey God because we're afraid we'll be in trouble if we don't. The Methodist obeys God out of love for God. This loving obedience to God is a complete devotion to God. Question: Are you fully devoted to God? If so, what does it look like in your life? What reasons might a church person give for not being fully devoted to God? What can you do to lead them into greater love? 14. By consequence, whatsoever he doeth, it is all to the glory of God. In all his employments of every kind, he not only aims at this, (which is implied in having a single eye,) but actually attains it.