A Sure Pathway To Living An Overcoming Christian Life.
The Expected Christian Life and Description
BIBLE TEXT: James 1:21-25; Jeremiah 7:23; Ecclesiastes 12:13; Job 36:11; Exodus 15:26; John 14:15; Jeremiah 7:23; Ecclesiastes 12:13; John 14:23; John 15:14; 1 Samuel15:22; James 1:22; Titus 3:1; 2 John 1:6; 1 John 3:22; Job 36:11.
INTRODUCTION
Obedience is the first and most important virtue in Christian call and everything else follows. As believers, we are to serve God in total obedience to His commands. Total obedience is a true sign of our love for God.
Therefore, it is mandatory for us to obey God and it is a sign of our faith in Him. It is important note that being religious is not a substitute for obedience to the commands of God. If we claim that we love God but deliberately disobey His word, we deceive ourselves. Love for God leads to total obedience, not disobedience (1Samuel15:22; Luk 22:42; Joh 14:15; 15:10,14-15). Hence, we need to regularly examine ourselves and get rid of every resistance to total obedience to God.
2.0 What is Obedience?
According to Dictionary, obedience simply means “compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another’s authority.
To obey is to be obedient, and both words are from the Latin word “obedire” which literally means “listen to,” but is used to mean “pay attention to’.
2.1 What does Obedience mean in the bible ?
Obedience means to hear God’s voice, accept his authority, and do what He says. God expects complete, total obedience. Faith in Christ is obedience; unbelief is disobedience (Act 6:7) .
Therefore, we have a responsibility as believers to submit to the different kinds of authority that God has established:
⦁ Children are to obey their parents (Eph 6:1; Col 3:20).
⦁ In the workplace, employees are to obey their employers (Eph 6:5; Col 3:22).
⦁ In the church, believers are to obey leaders (Phi 2:12; 1Th 5:12; Heb 13:7).
⦁ As citizens of a nation, we are to obey the laws of our country (Rom 13:1; Tit 3:1; 1Pe 2:13).
3.0 Why is Obedience Important?
Obedience is very important in our work with God and all through the scriptures, from Genesis and Revelation, God expects obedience from His children and promises blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience (Deut. 4:40, Deut. 11:27-28; Joshua 5:6).
⦁ .Obedience Is an Act of Worship. Romans 12: 1
⦁ Obedience to God is a Proof of Our Love for Him. 2John 6
⦁ It shows that we have absolute trust and faith in God. 1 John 2:3–6,
⦁ Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice. 1 Samuel 15:22–23
⦁ Disobedience Leads to curse and Death. Genesis 3:14-19; Romans 5:15
⦁ It is a commandment Ecclesiastes 13:12
4.0 Examples of Bible Characters who were totally obedient to God
⦁ Abraham lived a life of total Obedience and faith in God –Genesis 12:1,4 Hebrews 11:8. He obeyed and left his kindred and went out not knowing where he was going.
Also, he obeyed God to sacrifice his only son Isaac.
⦁ Noah obeyed God completely when God told him to build an ark and he followed the exact specifications as given to him before the flood. Genesis 6:22
⦁ Daniel refused to defile himself with the King’s meal. Daniel 1:8
5.0 Rewards of Total Obedience
It is important for us to know that God is always faithful, and He rewards total obedience.
⦁ Abundant Blessings and Multiplication. Genesis 22:16-17
⦁ Divine Favour -Genesis 6:8
⦁ Long Life – Deut. 4:40
⦁ Prosperity -Job 36:11
⦁ Victory over the Enemies – Genesis 22:18
⦁ Divine Protection. Isaiah 43: 2
⦁ Heavenly Rewards (Crown of Eternal Life). Galatians 6:7-8; Proverb 11:30
