Last month we delved deeply into what Biblical faith is. This month we're going to take a look at what Biblical obedience looks like. As always, I have not included the numerous scripture verses. If you have any questions as to what they are, send me your question in the comments section, and I will answer it ASAP.
Left to our own human devices and sinful nature, it would be impossible to achieve a holiness that would allow us to stand worthy in God's presence. Although our obedience to His Word is proof of our faith and the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, both are results of the Spirit's power and guidance in our lives so that no man can glory in what he himself has accomplished. By His grace, God supplies all we need to enter His kingdom, while we supply the willingness to surrender to His leading us there.
Hebrews 5:9 plainly states, "Christ became the Author and Source of eternal salvation to all those who give heed and obey Him (His teachings)." Jesus said, "Every man who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. When the rain came, the streams rose, and the wind blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." "I tell you, if a man keeps my words, he will never see death." "If a person really loves Me, he will obey my teaching, and my Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home within him." Paul wrote to the Romans, "Through Him and for His name's sake, we (I and my companions) received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to obedience that comes from faith."
Furthermore:
* “We must be doers of the Word and not just hearers." * “...and we know we have a deep and growing relationship with Christ if we keep His commandments. Whoever says ‘I know Him’ and does not live by His teachings is a liar and the Truth is not in them. But whoever keeps His Word has His love perfected in them…"
But how long should we obey Christ?
* "So be patient brothers while you are waiting for the coming of the Lord..." * “I solemnly command you to keep all of Christ’s precepts flawless and irreproachable until the appearance of our Lord Jesus."
* "But we earnestly desire for each of you to show the same diligence and sincerity in realizing and enjoying the full assurance and development of your hope until the end, In order that you may not grow disinterested and become spiritual sluggards, but imitators, behaving as do those who through and by practice of patient endurance and waiting are [now] inheriting the promises."
Our Creator’s greatest joy is the obedient love of His creation. He rewards the devout by sharing His wisdom that leads to their spiritual liberation and escape from the snares of the world. By their faith and obedience to His Word, believers are fortified by the power of God so they may achieve unity with other believers to bring His will to pass more efficiently and effectively. By His very nature, it pleases God to bless and reward those who help accomplish His purpose. But He also blesses those whom He knows will never love Him so He will be seen as truly just and fair on His day of judgment.
But it is so important to remember we are all different, and God works with us on our own level of spiritual growth. Even in the life of a Spirit-filled believer, a certain amount of time is needed to recognize what true discipline is and become used to a to a completely new way of thinking and acting. The apostle John called this "the darkness clearing away". But obedience must eventually emerge.
Left to our own human devices and sinful nature, it would be impossible to achieve a holiness that would allow us to stand worthy in God's presence. Although our obedience to His Word is proof of our faith and the presence of the Holy Spirit within us, both are results of the Spirit's power and guidance in our lives so that no man can glory in what he himself has accomplished. By His grace, God supplies all we need to enter His kingdom, while we supply the willingness to surrender to His leading us there.
Hebrews 5:9 plainly states, "Christ became the Author and Source of eternal salvation to all those who give heed and obey Him (His teachings)." Jesus said, "Every man who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. When the rain came, the streams rose, and the wind blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." "I tell you, if a man keeps my words, he will never see death." "If a person really loves Me, he will obey my teaching, and my Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home within him." Paul wrote to the Romans, "Through Him and for His name's sake, we (I and my companions) received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to obedience that comes from faith."
Furthermore:
* “We must be doers of the Word and not just hearers." * “...and we know we have a deep and growing relationship with Christ if we keep His commandments. Whoever says ‘I know Him’ and does not live by His teachings is a liar and the Truth is not in them. But whoever keeps His Word has His love perfected in them…"
But how long should we obey Christ?
* "So be patient brothers while you are waiting for the coming of the Lord..." * “I solemnly command you to keep all of Christ’s precepts flawless and irreproachable until the appearance of our Lord Jesus."
* "But we earnestly desire for each of you to show the same diligence and sincerity in realizing and enjoying the full assurance and development of your hope until the end, In order that you may not grow disinterested and become spiritual sluggards, but imitators, behaving as do those who through and by practice of patient endurance and waiting are [now] inheriting the promises."
Our Creator’s greatest joy is the obedient love of His creation. He rewards the devout by sharing His wisdom that leads to their spiritual liberation and escape from the snares of the world. By their faith and obedience to His Word, believers are fortified by the power of God so they may achieve unity with other believers to bring His will to pass more efficiently and effectively. By His very nature, it pleases God to bless and reward those who help accomplish His purpose. But He also blesses those whom He knows will never love Him so He will be seen as truly just and fair on His day of judgment.
But it is so important to remember we are all different, and God works with us on our own level of spiritual growth. Even in the life of a Spirit-filled believer, a certain amount of time is needed to recognize what true discipline is and become used to a to a completely new way of thinking and acting. The apostle John called this "the darkness clearing away". But obedience must eventually emerge.
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