From Duty to Devotion

LET US PRAY

Sermon Title: "From Duty to Devotion" Scripture: John 15:15 (NIV) "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."

For the next little while, I’d like to preach from this title, “From Duty to Devotion.”

Introduction:

Are you a servant or are you a friend? By definition, a servant is one who performs duties for a master. A friend is defined as one attached to another by affection or esteem or a favored companion.

Whatever you are, both being a servant and being a friend involves being in a relationship: one based on work, the other based on love.

A servant , a worker for anyone who is or has been employed—at the most basic level you are a servant. Most all of us realize the Proverb: “If you don’t work, you don’t eat!!” We spend most of our lives being a servant!

But how often do we pause to reflect on the incredible privilege of being called a friend? How many of us have our friends and besties here in the house? I hope well can say we have at least one earthly friend? Have you considered making friends with the one who is closer than a brother? Jesus is the One!!!

As believers it’s easy to get caught up in the routine of our religious duties—serving, attending church, reading the Bible, and following commands. We often hear about following Jesus, obeying His commands, and serving His Kingdom.

Often, our spiritual journey can feel like a series of duties—things we must do, rules we must follow, tasks we must complete. We serve, we pray, we try to do what’s right, and it can feel like we’re just checking boxes, fulfilling obligations.

While these are important, Jesus desires something much more for us. He wants us to move beyond mere obligation and into a genuine, loving friendship with Him. This friendship is characterized by love, obedience, and revelation. Jesus wants to move us From Duty to Devotion!!!

EXPOSITION

Think about that for a moment: the Creator of the universe, the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, calls us His friends. This is not a casual or superficial acquaintance or relationship but a profound invitation into intimacy, trust, and purpose. In the ancient world and some ways even still today, a servant was someone who simply did what they were told without questioning or understanding the bigger picture. But a friend, shares commonalities and chooses connection—and those who choose to become a friend of Jesus—are people who share in the heart and mission of the Master! This shift from servant to friend[or from duty to devotion] isn’t just a change in title; it’s [it’s about taking our relationship with the Lord to another level ]a radical transformation of our relationship with God. It means we’re not just working for Him; we’re walking with Him, sharing in His vision, and growing in His love.

Here in the text, I believe Jesus is inviting us into something far deeper than duty; He calls us into a relationship of devotion, where we’re not just servants fulfilling commands but friends who share in His heart, His vision, and His mission.

Imagine the difference: a servant does what is required out of obligation or fear of punishment, but a friend acts out of love, trust, and genuine desire to please. In the ancient world, a servant obeyed orders without necessarily understanding the purpose behind them.

Jesus is inviting us to move from mere duty to true devotion—a shift that changes everything. When we embrace our friendship with Christ, our faith becomes less about what we have to do and more about who we get to be with. Our actions flow not from obligation, but from a deep, personal connection with Jesus.

What it means to transition from duty to devotion, from serving out of habit to living out of love? How do we shift from servant to friend? How many of us, at one point or another longed for friends, a tribe or a squad? How many of my singles have desired partnership and intimacy with a future wife or husband? All these things are great things to hope for, but Jesus offers us something far greater—friendship, partnership, and intimacy with our God!!!

Because Jesus, speaking to His disciples, made a powerful shift in their relationship: He no longer called them servants but friends. Our God thru Jesus Christ is the One who creates relationship—and in fact, relationship exists within God Himself: FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT! And in Jesus, true and loving relationship is created for us with the Lord!!! A relationship with Jesus should redefine how we understand our relationship with Christ and others. With Jesus, Moving from Duty to Devotion, is all about RELATIONSHIP!!!

Jesus show us that with Him we can have:

Point 1: A Relationship based on Love [v.12-13]

We find here in the text, that Jesus is sharing intimately from His heart and His intent, that His desire was that their joy be made complete. We need to know that Jesus can give us a relationship based on love. It’s not just about friendship in the way we commonly understand it; it's about a deep, sacrificial, and purposeful relationship rooted in love.

Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us, highlighting the ultimate expression of love: laying down one’s life for one’s friends. This is what Jesus did!!

The foundation of a friendship with Jesus is love. Not just any kind of love, but the kind of love that Jesus has shown us—sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional. This is the love that led Jesus to lay down His life for us. It’s a love that goes beyond feelings or convenience; it’s a commitment to put others before ourselves, to serve, to forgive, and to care deeply for one another.

How are we loving others in our daily lives? Are we loving as Christ loved us—sacrificially and selflessly? Any friendship with Jesus should compel us to love others in the same way.

With Jesus we have a relationship based on love, and

Point 2: A Relationship of obedience by way of devotion [v.14]

Scripture Reference: “...You are my friends if you do what I command you”

Now, I don’t know about you, but neither I nor my friends, or at least the people I call friend require obedience. But, what I think that has been conveyed among me and my friends is an allegiance to each other that I don’t have to force, because of the love we have for each other; we show up because of our devotion for and to each other!

Jesus ties friendship with obedience, but this isn’t the obedience of a servant bound by duty; it’s the obedience of a friend motivated by love. True friendship with Jesus leads us to follow His commands not out of fear, but out of a desire to honor and please Him. When we truly understand the heart of Jesus, our obedience becomes a natural response to His love.

Application: So are we obeying Christ’s commands out of obligation, or out of devotion? Are we acting out of love and solidarity and relationship rooted in a genuine desire to live out our friendship with Him? But God’s Word tells us that even being in obedience to Jesus brings us blessing!!! But what an even greater blessing to us, when we choose to obey the Lord, just because we love Him!!! WE CAN HAVE A RELATIONSHIP OF OBEDIENCE BY WAY OF OUR DEVOTION TO JESUS!!!

And finally, Saints,

Point 3: A Relationship of Revelation and Intimacy

Jesus calls us friends because He shares with us the secrets of the Kingdom. Friends confide in each other, and Jesus does the same with us. He reveals God’s heart, His plans, and His purposes. As His friends, we are not left in the dark but are invited into a deeper understanding of God’s will. This relationship of revelation means that we are not just following commands; we are participants in God’s divine plan.

Application: Are we taking time to listen to what Jesus wants to reveal to us through His Word and prayer? Friendship with Jesus means being open to His guidance and wisdom.

Scripture Reference: “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business.”

A servant’s role is limited to following orders, often without the full picture. But friendship is rooted in intimacy, trust, and closeness. Jesus desires that we know Him deeply and personally. This intimate relationship isn’t just about duty; it’s about love and connection. When we think of our closest friends, we think of shared experiences, joys, and even sorrows. Jesus invites us to walk closely with Him in every aspect of life.

Application: Are we cultivating that intimate relationship with Jesus, or are we stuck in a servant mindset? True friendship with Jesus means sharing our hearts with Him and allowing Him into every area of our lives.

Point 3: A Relationship of Purpose

Scripture Reference: “Instead, I have called you friends...”

Being friends with Jesus means we are given a greater purpose. Friends of Jesus are called to bear fruit, to make a difference in the world, and to carry out His mission. We are no longer simply workers in the vineyard but partners in the harvest. This purpose-driven friendship means that our actions are motivated by love and a desire to fulfill God’s will on earth.

Application: Are we living out the purpose that comes with being Jesus’ friends? Our friendship with Him should compel us to serve others, spread the Gospel, and live out our faith boldly.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on John 15:15, let’s remember that Jesus has invited us into a friendship that goes beyond servitude. It’s a relationship marked by revelation, intimacy, and purpose. He doesn’t just want followers; He wants friends who know His heart and share in His work. Let us embrace this friendship, drawing closer to Jesus and living out the incredible calling He has placed on our lives. May we move beyond being mere servants and step into the full joy of being friends of Jesus.

. In John 15:15, Jesus says something truly remarkable: “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

These words mark a profound shift in how we relate to Jesus.