The Necessity of Obedience in Following Christ
Welcome back to Part 2 of our 4-part blog series, “Understanding the Works of Christ.” In this section, we delve deeper into the importance of obedience to God, as illustrated through Jesus’ teachings and actions. This blog will explore how true discipleship is demonstrated by hearing and obeying God’s words, and how this principle is critical for Christians today.
Hearing and Obeying God’s Words
Jesus made a clear distinction between those who hear and obey God’s words and those who do not. In John 8:47, He said, “He that is of God hears God’s words: you therefore hear them not because you are not of God.” This statement underscores a fundamental truth: true followers of God are identified by their responsiveness to His voice and their willingness to act upon His commands.
The Challenge of Obedience
For many Christians, the concept of obedience can be challenging. Salvation through Christ is a free gift, but it comes with the expectation of following God’s guidance. Obedience is not an optional part of the Christian walk; it is essential. As stated in 1 Samuel 15:22, “To obey is better than sacrifice.” This means that God values our adherence to His commands more than our outward acts of worship or sacrifice.
The Role of Faith in Obedience
Faith and obedience are intrinsically linked. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” True faith naturally results in obedience because it involves trusting God completely and acting on His instructions, even when they are difficult or counterintuitive.
Faith Produces Action
Faith is not merely a mental agreement with certain truths; it produces tangible actions. James 2:17 says, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” This means that genuine faith will always manifest in our behavior. When we believe God’s promises and commands, we demonstrate our faith by obeying Him.
The Consequences of Disobedience
Ignoring God’s instructions leads to chaos and trouble in our lives. God, in His love and wisdom, guides us toward paths that are ultimately for our good. When we choose to disobey, we step out of His protective and providential care, leading to unnecessary difficulties.
The Example of Jesus
Jesus Himself modeled perfect obedience. Despite being the Son of God, He did nothing on His own initiative but only what He saw the Father doing (John 5:19). His obedience extended even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). This demonstrates that obedience to God is non-negotiable, regardless of the cost.
Addressing the Issue of Obedience in Modern Christianity
Today, many Christians struggle with the concept of obedience, often prioritizing their desires or societal norms over God’s commands. This issue is compounded by a lack of strong, godly leadership in both the church and the family.
The Importance of Godly Leadership
Strong leadership is crucial for fostering a culture of obedience. In many families, the absence of authoritative yet loving fathers has created a gap in teaching and modeling obedience. Similarly, in the church, leaders must emphasize the importance of adhering to God’s commands and living out one’s faith through actions.
Overcoming Misconceptions about Obedience
Some misconceptions about obedience need to be addressed. For instance, the belief that good deeds or charitable acts can replace the necessity of obeying God’s specific instructions is incorrect. While these actions are important, they do not substitute for direct obedience to God’s voice.
Jesus’ Teaching on Obedience and Division
Jesus taught that true allegiance to God might cause division, even within families (Matthew 10:34-36). This is because following God’s will sometimes conflicts with earthly relationships and expectations. Jesus’ own life illustrated this principle, as He prioritized His Father’s will over familial ties.
The Light of the World: Our Role as Believers
In John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind, demonstrating that the works of God are meant to be visible and transformative. This healing is an example of the “works of Christ” that we are called to continue.
Jesus, the Light of the World
Jesus declared Himself the light of the world, whose presence brings clarity and truth (John 8:12). As long as He was in the world, His works manifested the Father’s will. But what happens now that Jesus is no longer physically present?
The Church as the Light of the World
Jesus extended this identity to His followers, stating in Matthew 5:14-16 that we are the light of the world. This implies that the works of Christ must continue through us. Our lives should shine brightly, reflecting God’s truth and love to a darkened world.
Continuing the Works of Christ
The cessationist belief that miracles ceased with the apostles is contradicted by Scripture. The works of Christ, including miracles, are intended to continue through His followers. As long as believers are in the world, the light of Christ shines through them, enabling the works of God to be manifested.
Scriptural Evidence for Continued Miracles
To reinforce this point, let’s look at several passages:
- Matthew 5:14-16 – Jesus tells His followers they are the light of the world, meant to let their good works shine before men.
- 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 – Paul explains that the gospel illuminates those who are spiritually blind, continuing the work of Christ through believers.
- Philippians 2:12-15 – Believers are instructed to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, shining as lights in the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, obedience is a critical aspect of the Christian life. It is through hearing and obeying God’s words that we demonstrate our allegiance to Him. As followers of Christ, we are called to continue His works, shining as lights in the world and manifesting God’s power and love. Stay tuned for Part 3, where we will further explore the practical applications of living out the works of Christ in our daily lives.