What Does Obedience Look Like?
A big part of the calling of Christ is about being obedient. Sometimes we tend to view obedience as a kind of chore, when in fact, it is actually the method that brings Him glory, an us greater joy.
In the years of the early Church, Paul the apostle, felt that he needed to cover the subject of obedience with the Church in Rome, where he had not yet even visited. Paul may have felt that some members of the Body would use the fact that God is faithful, just, and righteous no matter what, to argue a point of being unrighteous. Some might wonder how they could be condemned as sinners when God could still get glory out of their unrighteousness.
Some might argue, “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases His glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?” (Romans 3:7)
Their method of thinking was off, as some could slanderously report, which Paul says they did, that we could go on sinning because good will be the end result. To those people Paul says their condemnation is deserved. When God wants something done, you don’t go and do the opposite just because He will always be glorified! Ask the runaway prophet Jonah how that worked out for him.
Why not say—as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say—”Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is deserved. (Romans 3:8)
Obedience is no chore to the faithful follower of Christ, and only produces blessing in and around that followers life. When God says, “Love one another”(John 13:34), it’s for the benefit of all. People will be blessed. Many times we may not feel as if others deserve our love, and God still says, “Love one another, as I have loved you.” It’s not about what others deserve because Christ Himself was obedient to the Father until death, and proved His love for us, even though we were like enemies to Him.
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! (Hebrews 9:14)
Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! (Hebrews 12:9)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1)
How much more should we obey the call to obedience?
What does this obedience look like for you?
Dave Earley
Bible Study Forum
Faith Like A Mustard Seed