Taking Obedience Seriously
INTRODUCTION.
A. It is the purpose of this lesson to consider the subject of obedience. This is easily seen in the lack of attendance, lack of love, lack of study, etc.
B. It is the purpose of this lesson to show how serious God is about obedience and to show why we are to obey.
C. When I use the term “obedience,” I am referring to a person following the commands of the scriptures, living their life based on the principles taught in God’s word, and avoiding those things that are wrong. A person who lives obediently is a person who puts obedience to God above all else.
I. THE NEED TO OBEY GOD’S WORD.
A. We must do the will of God. (Matthew 7:21-23)
1. The will of God the Father is revealed to us in the inspired word. (II Timothy 3:16,17)
a. God revealed His will through the writings of the apostles who wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
b. The will or word of God is contained in the New Testament writings. If we are to know the will of God, then we are to study His word.
c. His words are profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.
2. Not doing God’s will is practicing lawlessness or iniquity. (Matthew 7:23 - “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” KJV)
3. If we do not obey the will of God, then we will not enter Heaven. (Matthew 7:21-23)
B. Obedience puts one into a loving relationship with God. (John 14:21-23)
II. THE NEED TO OBEY THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS CHRIST.
A. Jesus taught the will of God. (John 14:24) Also, John 5:19 reads, “Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.” (KJV)
B. We must obey the teachings of Jesus since we will be judged by Jesus. (Romans 2:16; II Timothy 4:1)
C. Obedience to the words of Jesus will being salvation. Consider the promise made in Mark 16:16.
D. Obeying Jesus will keep us from seeing spiritual death. John 8:51 reads, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.” (KJV)
III. THE NEED TO OBEY THE TEACHINGS OF THE INSPIRED WRITERS.
A. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to the apostles to help them remember all that Jesus had taught them. (John 14:23-26; 16:13)
B. The apostles taught the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:6-9, “. . . that which we have preached unto you. . .” “. . . than that ye have received . . .” Cf. Galatians 1:10-12 - example of Paul preaching via revelation.)
C. The teachings of the apostles were confirmed by God through signs and wonders. (Hebrews 2:2-4)
D. If we reject the apostles, then we reject Jesus. If we reject Jesus, then we reject God. (John 15:18,23; I John 2:23)
IV. OBEDIENCE MUST WORK WITH FAITH.
A. Without faith, one cannot please God. (Hebrews 11:6)
B. Jesus taught belief (faith) and obedience.
1. John 3:16 and Matthew 7:21
2. John 8:24 and Mark 16:16
C. James 2:14-26 teaches that faith without works if dead.
V. OUR OBEDIENCE MUST BE IN WORD AND IN DEED.
A. Obedience begins by believing (John 3:16), repenting of one’s sins (Acts 2:38), confessing one’s faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized into Jesus Christ (Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-4)
B. After a person is saved, he should then live a life of obedience to God and His word. Paul wrote, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:17, KJV)
CONCLUSION.
A. Obedience is required by God from every person.
1. The person who is not a Christian must make the decision to obey the Gospel’s call.
2. The person who is a Christian must continue to live obediently to the word of God.
B. Do you take obedience to God seriously? If not, then you should change because God takes obedience to His Word seriously.
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Taking Obedience Seriously -- February 17, 2002 -- File # 1289 - Obedience
by John M. Duvall – Lawton ,OK