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Obedience

This is a Bible study on Obedience.    Click here for a printable Bible Study Guide.

 

And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it. Luke 8:21

 

 

   Serving God is obedience.  All believers serve God.

 

What is obedience?

The dictionary defines obedience as the act or instance of obeying; the quality or state of being submissive to the will of one in authority.

Obedience is action.  Obedience is doing the word of God.

Obedience to God is being submissive to the will of God, God is the one in authority in every believer's life.  Obedience is hearing the voice of God and doing it, doing all God says to do. 

Every believer that comes to God, by grace through saving faith, has heard the voice of God.  Without hearing the voice of God no one is saved.  From the moment God breathes life into us when we are born, God calls us to Him.  God calls every person to Him.

As believers of Christ, we are to obey God by filling ourselves with Him through His Word and through prayer and worship, through fellowship with Him. 

True believers of Christ hear the voice of God and do all He says.

Which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God: Then the LORD said unto me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying,  Hear ye the words of this covenant, and do them.     Jeremiah 11:4-6

If we obey God today, we will be His people and He will be our God.

Obedience is NOT words we say, obedience is what we do.  Obedience is action.

Obedience to God is the product of salvation.  Obedience to God is produced from saving faith in Christ Jesus.  Obedience to God always follows genuine salvation.

When we receive genuine salvation, obedience to God is unavoidable because His Son, Christ Jesus lives inside our heart.  Christ abides in believers and believers abide in Christ.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.     Ephesians 2:8-9

By the grace of God we are saved through faith in God.  By the grace of God, we are able to have faith in God to salvation. 

By the grace of Christ Jesus we are saved through faith in Christ Jesus for our salvation, through faith in Christ we become the children of God, the saved in Christ (Galatians 3:26).

Faith is a gift from God.  Through faith in God we are able to receive salvation, and by receiving salvation we are given the ability, strength and power from God to obey God. 

By the power of God though Christ Jesus, we are able to obey God.  Through Christ, we are given the strength and power to obey the words of God.  We do nothing by ourselves, we do ALL things through Christ Jesus.  Everything we are, and do is through Christ.  Without Christ we are nothing.  No one obeys God except through Christ Jesus.

We exist because of Christ, we live because of Christ, we are because of Christ Jesus.

John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.     John 3:27

For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.     Galatians 6:3

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.     1 Timothy 6:7

 

Without Christ we can do nothing.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.     John 15:5

 

With Christ all things are possible.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.     Philippians 4:13

 

When did God say we must obey Him?

From the beginning of time

From the beginning, God said that we must obey Him.

From the very beginning of the world, from the start of creation, God required obedience from all that He created.

And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.  And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:  But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.  Genesis 2:15-17

All believers of Christ Jesus are to continue abiding in Him, living by faith, following the ways of Christ, living for God.

Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.  Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. 1 John 2:23-24

 

When we receive salvation

Salvation is obedience to the voice of God.  God calls all of His creation to Him.  When we answer God's call, and say "yes" to Him, when we choose His Son, Christ Jesus, we are able to receive salvation through faith in Him.  Obtaining salvation is doing the will of God (1 Thessalonians 5:9).  God appointed us to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Thessalonians 5:9

Salvation is received when we first obey God.  Salvation CANNOT be received without obedience to God.  No one saves themselves.  Nothing a person can do can save themselves.  No amount of works or deeds can save you, because salvation is the gift of God by His grace alone.  Salvation is of God, belongs to God, salvation is the gift of God, God alone owns salvation.

Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah. Psalm 3:8

The moment we receive salvation we are obeying God and we are to continue obeying God for the rest of our lives, for eternity.  Obedience does NOT stop with salvation, obedience begins with salvation.  Obedience to God, obeying God, begins with our salvation.

We receive salvation by the grace of God through faith in God, when we answer 'yes' to the call of God.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

When we come to God, answer His call to us, recognize our sin and repent of our sin, ask Jesus for forgiveness of our sins and ask Him into our hearts and into our lives, we are saved from sin and death, by the grace of God through faith in God. 

God does NOT want anyone that He created to perish, die in sin, and be cast into hell, and be eternally separated from Him.  God wants all of His own to come to repentance through faith in Him (2 Peter 3:9).

God created us to be with Him forever.  God desires that every person be with Him forever.  God wants all humankind, which He created, to spend eternity with Him, in His Kingdom of Heaven, in His love for ever and ever.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

God has made a way for ALL of us to spend eternity with Him, and that way is through His Son, Jesus Christ, and we all can become the children of God through active faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26).  By obeying God and believing in His Son, Jesus, anyone can receive salvation.

 

When we are baptized.

Being baptized in water is obeying God.  Baptism does not save anyone from sin and death, because only God saves.  Being baptized is following the word of God, obeying God's commandment.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:19-20

The word of God reads that baptism does not save anyone.  We do not receive salvation through baptism.  We are all saved the exact same way, the one and only way, by the grace of Jesus Christ through faith in Jesus Christ, which is by the grace of God through faith in God.

Baptism is an outward pledge to God and all who witness it, that you have chosen Christ Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour, that you have asked God to forgive you of your sins, that you have entered into a covenant with God to follow His ways and not your own ways, that you have given your life to Christ, and will follow Him and obey Him, do what He says, all the days of your life.

Baptism is an outward expression of your love for God, that you love Him with all your being, that you choose to separate yourself from sin and the lust of this world, that you choose to separate yourself to God, dedicate your life serving God and obeying God, no matter what the cost, no matter what happens in this flesh you will obey and do what the Lord has planned for your life.

 

All the days of our lives

We are to commissioned by God to share His truth with the world around us  every day of our lives.

God asks that all His children be His ambassadors, His representatives, His light, His voice, sharing with this fallen world His love and His truth.

God commands that all of His children, the saved in Christ, throughout everything that we say and do, to reflect Christ, reflect God's love, let others see Jesus in us, so that others may ask what is our joy, and that by sharing that our joy comes from Jesus that others may want what we have and come to salvation.

The unbelieving and the lost choose NOT to obey God, and by choosing their own path, instead of following and doing the will of God, they have turned away the salvation of God, they have chosen to forfeit their inheritance into the Kingdom of God, they have chosen to spend eternity separated from God.  Discarding obedience to God forfeits anyone's salvation.

Obedience to God begins at salvation and never ends.  The saved in Christ, the children of God, obey God all the days of their lives.  If you do NOT obey God while you are alive here on this earth, you will NOT be able to be with Him for eternity.

Obedience to God is not an option with God.

 

How long must we obey God?

Believers of Christ obey God now, today, and for all eternity. 

Obedience to God begins with salvation and never ends.  The children of God obey Him forever.

Salvation is NOT temporary.  Salvation is an eternal commitment to obey God.  Salvation is eternal faith in God.  Salvation is everlasting faith in God.

 

We are to be in obedience to God when Christ appears

We are to have obedience and saving faith at the appearance of Jesus, so that we will not be ashamed before Him.

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. 1 John 2:28-29

When our obedience to God and our saving faith is eternal, our salvation is eternal.

We are to continue abiding in Christ forever.  Our continued obedience to the word of God, to Christ Jesus, is our proof of our salvation.  Obedience toward the righteousness of God is our assurance of salvation.

Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. 1 John 2:24

 

Why aren't we saved by obedience?

We are NOT saved by obedience to God, because God says that we are saved by His grace alone through faith in Him alone.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Nothing that we can do can save us from sin and death.  Our obedience and our works cannot save us.

Only God saves.  No one saves themselves through their own obedience or their own works. 

God is sufficient to save us all by Himself.  Our obedience and/or our works are not required by God for salvation.

No one earns salvation by their own merits, their obedience, or their works.  God says that if we could earn our own salvation, by our own works, by our own obedience, why would we need His grace?

God is sufficient for all our needs (2 Corinthians 3:5).  God is enough.  God is able to give us His salvation all by Himself.  God needs nothing from us, but we need everything from Him.

There is only one truth, the truth of God.  There is only one righteousness, the righteousness of God. 

Our works, nor our obedience is required for salvation.  Saying that our obedience or our works is required for salvation is calling God a liar, because God says that we are saved by grace through faith, NOT of ourselves, salvation is the gift of God.

Some people think that faith is obedience, and since we receive salvation through faith, they think that we are saved by obedience.  BUT faith is NOT obedience and faith is NOT works.  Faith is the gift of God.  We are all given a measure of faith by God (Romans 12:3).  We are all gifted faith by God, so that we might believe in His Son to salvation.  Faith is NOT obedience.  Faith is NOT works.  Faith is a gift from God, faith is the substance of things hoped for, salvation is hoped for, and faith is the evidence of things not seen, by faith we receive the salvation of God (Hebrews 11:1).

Seeing is not believing, but believing is seeing.  Faith is not something that we can see like works or obedience, but faith is the substance of things hoped for, we have faith to salvation, we have faith to eternal life.  Faith is the evidence of things not seen with the eye, but seen with our heart, we receive evidence of God through faith, we see God through faith, we are saved through faith in God by His grace.  Salvation is an ongoing condition of obedience to God through faith, faith not by our own means, but faith given to us through the power of Jesus Christ.

God says that we are NOT saved by our works, by our obedience, or by anything that we can do.  God alone saves people from sin and death.  Our faith is in God alone to salvation.  We are NOT saved by anything other than by the grace of God. 

God does NOT say we are obedient to Him to receive salvation, but we are obedient to God because we love Him (John 14:15).  God says that we have assurance that we know God if we keep His commandments (1 John 2:3).  We are obedient to God because we love Him, and we love Him because He first loved us.  We are obedient to God, we obey Jesus because of salvation. not to gain it.

Assurance of our salvation is submitting ourselves to God's will.  Obedience is the product of salvation, not the reason for it.  No one is given salvation because they obey God, because has always been and will always be the gift of God.  Salvation is the gift of God by the grace of Christ Jesus, we are saved by grace.

No one is given salvation because of works that they do for God.  God has done all the works required for salvation.  The works required for salvation were completed by the Son of God, Jesus Christ.  We cannot add to the works, already done for salvation.

We are all saved the exact same way, by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:5,8).  By the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ we are saved.  We become the children of God, the saved, by faith in Jesus Christ.

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26

 

How do we show our obedience?

We show our obedience to God by serving Him, giving our lives to Him, submitting to God.

Yielding ourselves; Submit all to God

It does matter to God how we live our lives!

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Romans 6:16

Whoever we obey, who we yield to, submit to, give to, God says that is who we serve, who we are servants of, is who we obey.  We are the servants of whom we obey.  Are you a servant of sin, or a servant of righteousness?  Do you serve sin? 

If we yield to sin, if we give in sin, which is unrighteousness, and live lives of unrighteousness, live in sin, then we are serving sin, which is obeying the devil.  Serving sin is obedience to the devil.  Serving righteousness is obedience to God.  Serving sin, obeying the devil, living in sin leads to death and hell.  God tells us all in His word that the wages of sin is death, the results of not ceasing from sin, is death and separation from God for eternity.  Disobedience to God leads to sin and death, eternal death in hell, without God for eternity.

If we yield to righteousness, when we say NO to sin, cease sinning, submit ourselves to God, if we give our lives to Christ and live in His Holy ways, if we seek righteousness, seek God, we are serving Christ.  Obedience to God is righteousness and leads to eternal life in Heaven with God for eternity.  Through Christ Jesus we are able to have faith in God, we are able to receive salvation, we are able to obtain eternal life, we are able to live by faith to God in righteousness, by the power of God, which God promised to ALL people who receive Him through faith.

Obedience to God through saving faith is the only way to God.  No one can get to God any other way.  There is no other way to know God, to see God, except by the grace of God through faith in God, faith in Christ Jesus.

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26

If you think you can be saved WITHOUT obedience to God, you are believing a lie straight from the devil himself.  Salvation is NOT automatic.  No one is born with salvation.  We are not born into this world saved.  We must choose God.  We must choose to be saved through faith in Christ Jesus.

The word of God states that the disobedient to God will never see eternal life in His Kingdom of Heaven.

Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.  They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. Titus 1:15-16

Disobedience to God is in the "past lives" of the children of God.  The children of God live in faith and obedience to God.  The children of the devil, the lost, all without the salvation of God live in disobedience to God.  Disobedience to God is the "past life" of the saved.

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Ephesians 2:2-3

The wrath of God is on the children of disobedience, the children of the wicked one, the children of the devil.

A child of God is NOT a child of disobedience.

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.  Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: Ephesians 5:6-8

And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,  In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9

Those who do NOT obey the gospel of Christ, who do NOT obey God will be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord.

People who do NOT obey God cast themselves into hell. 

When we submit ourselves to God, when we place God first in our lives, when we love God with all our heart and being, then God gives us the power to obey Him, the power to resist the temptation of sin from the devil, and the power to cast the devil and all evil and sin far away from our lives.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

 

Follow righteousness

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

 

Seek God

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. James 4:8

But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.  When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;  (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them. Deuteronomy 4:29-31

Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. 1 Chronicles 16:11

Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.  Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore. Psalm 105:3-4

 

Put on Christ

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.  And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:27-29

 

Who should receive our obedience?

God is worthy to receive our obedience.

Only fear and only serve the one true God

Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things he hath done for you. 1 Samuel 12:24

Only fear the LORD God.

Only serve the LORD God.

As believers, if we could just remember this one scripture and live by it, our lives would be so much better. 

When I only fear the LORD God AND only serve the LORD God with all my heart, everything else in my life is set right.

We are NEVER to obey anyone OVER God.  Our obedience is to God Almighty, the Creator, our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ, alone, and to no one else.

 

We are to obey God rather than men

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29

What is obeying God rather than men? 

As believers, we believe and obey only the word of God, the doctrine of Christ.

The doctrine of man and the traditions of men are NOT to be followed by believers of God.

The doctrine of man that contradicts the gospel of God, and the traditions of men, made up to please men rather than please God are NOT to be followed by believers of Christ Jesus.

Obedience to God must be met before anything else in the life of any believer.  Obedience to God is above all else.

 

What are some doctrines of men?  Here's a few: 

  • It is okay to lie, everyone does it. 
  • It is okay not to go to church, they are a bunch of hypocrites anyway. 
  • It is okay to get drunk and abuse your body with drugs. 
  • It is okay to live in sin, no one is perfect. 
  • No one really follows the 10 commandments today, it is impossible. 
  • I won't be punished for living in sin, because I'm a Christian. 
  • All Christian's go to heaven anyway, it doesn't matter how I live my life. 
  • Once saved, always saved. 
  • Some people today have new revelations from God that supersedes the Holy Bible, the word of God.
  • I can believe in the Holy Bible and other teachings that contradict it.
  • People other than God can forgive my sins.
  • Jesus Christ was just a good man.
  • No one can know that they are truly saved.
  • Everyone goes to heaven when they die.  No one goes to hell.   There is not a hell.
  • Only a certain appointed number of people will be in Heaven.
  • It is okay to commit adultery, after I'm done I'll ask God to forgive me, and everything will be alright. 
  • It is okay to bow down to a statue if it is in a religious place. 
  • It is okay to look at sin as long as I'm not doing it.
  • Premarital sex is okay because we are in love.
  • Homosexuality is okay today, times have changed.
  • I don't have to forgive all people.
  • It is okay to dress provocatively, everyone does it.
  • It is okay to pray to the saints. 
  • It is okay to pray to someone other than God Almighty. 
  • Everyone swears today.  Everyone lies and cheats and steals.
  • There are many ways to God other than His Son, Jesus Christ. 
  • It is okay to hate some evil people, because of what they do. 
  • It is okay not to obey God sometimes. 

 

These are just some of the doctrines of men that contradict the word of God.

Doctrines of men are false.  Doctrines of men do NOT agree with the Doctrine of God.  Doctrines of men are the opposite of the doctrine of Christ.

We are only to follow the Doctrine of God, the Doctrine of Christ, the gospel of Christ is the only doctrine a child of God follows.

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1:9

We are to avoid all people, who cause division and offences that are contrary to the Doctrine of God, because they do NOT serve our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.   For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. Romans 16:17-18

As believers of Christ, we are to touch NOT, taste NOT, handle NOT the doctrines of men or the commandments of men.  Why?  Because all who do will perish with the using of them.  All who use, teach, preach, condone, publish, study, share, doctrines of men, that are contrary to the doctrine of Christ will perish, die without God (if they do not repent of their sin, turn from their evil ways, profess and follow the ways of Christ Jesus).

(Touch not; taste not; handle not;  Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Colossians 2:21-22

Following the doctrines of men, anything contrary to the gospel of Christ, leads to death and separation from God for all eternity.

As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,  Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 1 Timothy 1:3-4

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 1 Timothy 4:1

We are told by God that in the "latter times" the end times of this world, that some Christians will depart from the faith, leave God, forsake God, deny God by giving in to seducing spirits, yielding to sin, believing in the doctrines of devils.

How do we avoid "departing from the faith"?  By living in faith every day, by abiding in Christ Jesus, by obeying God by staying in the faith, by continuing in the doctrine of Christ Jesus.

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. 1 Timothy 4:16

Anyone without Christ Jesus, without the salvation of God, is "destitute of the truth", because the truth of God is Christ Jesus, the truth of God is obtained by His grace through faith in His salvation, by receiving the gift of God, which is eternal salvation.

Withdraw yourself from those who are destitute of the truth, all people who teach anything other than the doctrine of Christ Jesus.

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;  He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,  Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 1 Timothy 6:3-5

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:13-17

 

Obey your parents in the Lord

Besides God, the scriptures tell us to obey our parents in the Lord.

We are NEVER to obey anyone above God.  Our obedience is first to God Almighty, the Creator, our Saviour and Lord.

Through obedience to God, we are to obey our parents.  God is always first.  God has our obedience above and over anyone else in this world.  God's words are the final authority. 

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.  Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; Ephesians 6:1-2

What is the promise of God to those who obey His words?

That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. Ephesians 6:3

Obeying parents is well pleasing to the Lord.

Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Colossians 3:20

 

Servants obey your masters

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:  And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Colossians 3:22-23

So you say that we do not have servants and masters today, but we do have employees and employers and we should apply these scriptures to our bosses in our workplaces.

 

Our Government

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:17

 

What should we obey?

 

The doctrine of Christ

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Romans 6:17

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:16-17

 

The commandments of the Lord your God

A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: Deuteronomy 11:27

 

Obey God's voice

Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. Deuteronomy 13:4

Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the LORD thy God, and do his commandments and his statutes, which I command thee this day. Deuteronomy 27:10

But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. Jeremiah 7:23

 

What shouldn't we obey?

 

Do NOT obey sin

Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. 1 Corinthians 15:34

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27

All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.  We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. 1 John 5:17-18

 

Do NOT obey the lusts of the flesh

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,  Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 1 John 2:16-17

 

What are the lusts of the flesh?

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies. Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

 

Do NOT obey unrighteousness

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. Romans 6:12-13

Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.  He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:7-8

In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. 1 John 3:10

 

Do not obey other gods

And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known. Deuteronomy 11:28

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen 1 John 5:21

 

Where should we have obedience?

 

Obedience to the Faith

By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Romans 1:5

 

What has obedience done?

 

For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Romans 5:19

The disobedience of Adam who sinned against God, disobeyed God, brought sin into this world.  All humankind "were made sinners", because of sin, the disobedience of Adam, by the sin of Adam.

Through the obedience of Jesus, we are able to be made righteous.  Through His sacrifice on a cross, Jesus opened the path to righteousness for all humankind so that through Christ we might be saved from sin and hell and receive eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven with God for eternity.

We are able to be made righteous because of the obedience of Christ Jesus.  Through the works of Christ Jesus we are able to be made righteous, we are able to receive the gift of God, which is salvation, through faith in Jesus.

Through Christ's obedience we are made righteous.

By the grace of God, Christ died for the sins of the world, so that we might be saved and receive everlasting life.

By the grace of God, Christ tasted death for us, so we wouldn't have to, so that we could live.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. Hebrews 2:9

 

Can I be saved by obeying God?

 

Salvation is the gift of God.  Every person since the beginning of time is saved the exact same way, by the grace of God through faith in God (Ephesians 2:8).  That's it, nothing else is required.

The price of salvation has already been paid by Christ Jesus, one sacrifice for sins forever.  Christ paid the price of salvation once and for all people for all time.  Nothing else is due, no other payment is required for salvation.  We can do nothing to earn salvation, because it is the gift of God.

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:  But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; Hebrews 10:10-12

We are all saved the same way, by the grace of God through faith in God.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2:8

Everything we have is a gift from God.  Everything we have is by the grace of God.

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10

I am what I am because of the grace of God.  I labor for Christ, produce good works, pursue righteousness, seek God; but no, NOT I, but the grace of God that is in me.  It is not "my" means that saves me, it is by the grace of God that I have received salvation.  We are all given the ability to receive salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.  God gave us the faith that we have; faith that we exercise to receive salvation. 

Faith is a gift to us from God above.  By the grace of God, we receive faith; and through faith we can obtain salvation.

By the grace of God, I am able to do what I do, serve Christ, produce good works, live righteously, seek God; by the grace of God I am what I am.  Only by the grace of God through Christ are we able to do anything.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

I am not saved because of something I did, I don't produce good works by myself, I am not righteous by my own abilities, only through Christ am I able to do anything, for it is God who works in me both to will and do of HIS good pleasure.

We receive the gift of faith, by the grace of God.  Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 

Through the word of God, the calling of God, that we all hear in our hearts, we receive faith.  Answering 'yes' to the voice of God, the calling of God to obtain salvation, we are saved.  We receive faith by the grace of God. 

We receive salvation, by the grace of God.  Everything is by the grace of God.

By the grace of God we are born.  From the moment God breathes life into our bodies, when we are born, God calls us to Him. 

We all hear God's call, but we do not all answer God's call.  All people have faith, but not all people have faith in God.

God calls all people to Him.  God calls everyone.  No one is left out. 

We all have the same choice whether or not to answer God's call.  It is our choice to choose God.

It is the will of God that ALL the people of this whole world, to answer God's call to come to Him.  God wants every person to obtain salvation.

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Thessalonians 5:9

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:15-17

 

So, are we saved by obedience to God? We are saved by obedience to God's call to Him, for obedience to faith. 

For obedience to faith, we receive salvation by the grace of God.

By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Romans 1:5

Only by believing in God is anyone saved.   We are saved by the grace of God through faith in God.

Unbelief is the only thing that can separate anyone from God.  Without faith in God you will never see God.  Without faith in God you cannot be saved by God from sin and death.  Without believing God is ALL who He says that He is you cannot please God.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6

It is not a lack of good works, or service, that will keep you from the Kingdom of God.  It is not a matter of which denomination or religious sect you belong to that will keep you out of Heaven.  God said that only unbelief in Him will keep you from Him.  Unbelief is departing from the living God.

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. Hebrews 3:12

People without faith in God, faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, will NOT enter into Heaven, but will be separated from God for eternity.

So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Hebrews 3:19

All people disobedient to God, those without faith in God, the unbelieving shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is hell.

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8

 

No one is saved without obedience to God.  For we are all God's children through faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26).

No one remains saved without obedience to God (Hebrews 3:14).

 

 

Why can't we be saved by works?

Many people today believe that we are saved by obedience to God through our own works.

Many people believe that serving and obedience to God is required for their salvation.

Many people believe that they are saved by God and their good works.  Faith plus works does NOT equal salvation.  Faith plus nothing equals salvation.

God tells us that we are NOT saved by works; and He tells us why, because He has already done the works for our salvation.  The work required for our salvation has been completely finished by Jesus Christ.

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Titus 3:5

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:4-9

 

Salvation by works is not biblical

Do people who believe in salvation by works, believe this way because 'works' is something that they can see?  Because other people can see their good deeds and good works?  Do people believe in salvation by works, because works are tangible, works can be seen, works can be measured?

Salvation by works is not biblical, meaning it is not said by God.

 

God has always said that we are all saved the same exact way - we are saved by the grace of God through faith in God.  Ephesians 2:8-9

If we could receive salvation by our own works, then salvation is NOT by faith, because faith is not seen.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

 

God says we are heirs to the promise through faith; and if we could be saved by our works, then faith is made void.  Faith is not a response to get God to do something, but faith is believing in what God has already done - God has already completed all the works required for our salvation - our salvation is paid in full - total complete - it is finished by the work of Christ Jesus.

For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Romans 4:13-14

 

Why didn't God want us to be saved by our works?

The reason that God did not want us to be saved by works, is because God wants us to have faith in Him alone - not faith in ourselves, not faith in our own works, because that would be self pride, which is sin.

If we could do works by ourselves and be saved, why would we need faith, or His grace? 

Why did Christ die, if we could be saved by our works?  If we could establish our own salvation through our own means, why would we need God?

The works of Christ Jesus finished the work required for our salvation.  Our salvation is complete, void of nothing, needing nothing.

Our faith begins and ends in Christ Jesus.  Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith.

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

We cannot give anything more towards our salvation.  When we receive the free gift of God, which is salvation, through faith in God, by the grace of God, our salvation is complete.

We cannot add to the perfect work of God.  Nothing else needs to be added to the work of God.  God's work was completed in Christ Jesus.

We can't come to God on our terms.  We come to God on His terms.  We can't say, "well I will do this and I will do that and then God will save me".  We don't make the rules.  We don't dictate to God what we will "do" for His salvation.

Salvation is only received by those who submit themselves to God through faith.  Total and complete trust and faith in God alone for our salvation, is the only way anyone is saved.

All the work for salvation has been completed.  All we must do to be saved is accept God into our lives as Lord and Master, submit ourselves to God, have faith in God.

The work of God was finished in Christ Jesus.  Christ died on the cross for all the sins of all the world.  When Jesus said "it is finished", He was saying that His work that He came to earth to do - which was to destroy sin and death, to make a way for us to God - was done.  Nothing more was needed, it was finished, the work of salvation was finished.

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. John 19:30

The work of Jesus is perfect; God's work is perfect.

He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. Deuteronomy 32:4

 

If we could receive salvation by our works, then what of grace?

By the grace of God we are able to have faith in God to salvation.  The end of our faith is salvation.

We are saved by grace.  Through grace we are saved.  By the grace of God we are saved.

The grace of God is sufficient to save us all.  The grace of God is able to save us.  God is able to save us by Himself; He needs nothing from us.  Nothing we have is worthy enough to obtain salvation.  Through faith in Jesus Christ we can obtain salvation.  Through Christ Jesus we are made perfect.  Through Christ Jesus we are made worthy to obtain the salvation of God.

Salvation is the gift of God, the operation of God, by God Himself and none other.

By the grace of Jesus Christ we are saved.  The grace of God is enough.

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Acts 15:11

If we are saved by the grace of God, then that's it.  We can't be saved by grace and by our works, because grace cancels out works; a gift is not a gift, if you have to work for it. 

How can a gift be a free gift, if you have to work for it?  This is why it is written in the word of God, "and if by grace, then it is no more of works; otherwise grace is no more grace".

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. Romans 11:6

God said, if we could obtain salvation by our works; then is it no more grace.  If we were saved by our works, then our works would cancel out the grace of God for salvation, God is not need. 

If we could work for our salvation; then the grace is of no effect, meaningless, not needed.  If we could obtain salvation by our own works, then why do we need God?  If salvation could be obtained through rules, services, laws done by us, than the grace of God is meaningless. 

Even a child knows a gift is free.  If you have to work for something; it is NOT a gift.  The word of God reads that salvation is the gift of God.

 

Salvation is the gift of God. 

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2:8

 

Salvation is eternal life, the gift of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

So that there is no misunderstanding, God even tells us in His word that His gift is free.

 

Salvation is the free gift of God, given by the grace of God alone to all people who have faith in Him.

But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. Romans 5:15

 

Over and over in His Word, God tells us that we are not saved by our own works, but according to His grace we are saved, NOT of works.  We cannot be saved by our works.

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 2 Timothy 1:9

God will NOT give us His gift of salvation in exchange for our good works.  God needs nothing from us.  God will NOT give us His free gift of eternal life in exchange for our good deeds, or our charity toward the poor, or our sacrifices, or our serving Him, or for donations of money in His name.  Nothing we could ever have to give God is worthy for exchange for His salvation.

 

God's free gift of salvation cannot be earned or purchased by us.  The price of our salvation has already been paid for by the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Acts 8:20

God's free gift of salvation is given freely to all who come to Him, who have faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, as their personal Lord and Saviour, faith that He alone can save them from sin and death.  The gift of salvation is given to all people by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord God and Saviour.

Without faith in God it is impossible to know God and to understand salvation.  Without faith in God it is impossible to please God.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Only through faith in Jesus Christ can anyone see God, know God, understand salvation, and please God.

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 1 John 5:20

Salvation is not from any other person, not from rituals or ceremony, not from words said or recited over you, not by joining a particular group of people or organization, not from completing a course, not from going somewhere, not from anyone except Jesus.  There is no other way to receive the salvation of God except from God Himself.

 

Special Note:  The concept of 'works for salvation', this would be a non-issue if people would understand that before salvation we have zero works to give to God.  Before our salvation we do NOT have works acceptable to God.  Before salvation our works do not exist in the eyes of God. You have no works to give God before salvation. Works for God come AFTER salvation - NOT BEFORE - therefore no one can be saved by their works because they don't exist, they do NOT have any works to give God.  God says that our works are but filthy rags, unworthy to give to Him.  Only after we are cleansed by the blood of Jesus, only after we put on the righteousness of Christ Jesus do we have any presentable works to give our King.

We obey God because of salvation, not to receive it.  We obey God because of who He is and because we love Him with all our hearts, with all our minds, with all our strength.

 

Why should I obey God?

Some may say since they are not saved by works - why do any?  If I am already saved then why should I obey God?

Believers obey God because they love God, there is no other reason.

We all show God how much we love Him the exact same way.  We show God just how much we love Him by our obedience to Him.

 

I obey God, because I love God

I love my LORD GOD and I will keep His commandments.  I love my LORD GOD and I will obey His Word.  I love my LORD GOD and I will listen to what He says and do what He says, "not my will, but thine be done".

If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. John 14:21

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.  He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. John 14:23-24

And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:  And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.  And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. Mark 12:29-31

I am a child of God through salvation by the grace of God.

 

Obeying God is LIFE

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them. Deuteronomy 30:19-20

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.  But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons Colossians 3:24-25

But Jeremiah said, They shall not deliver thee. Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the LORD, which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well unto thee, and thy soul shall live. Jeremiah 38:20

 

Obey God for all the great things he has done for us

Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things he hath done for you. 1 Samuel 12:13

 

Obeying God is better than sacrifice

And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD?   Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22

 

Christ abides and remains in those who obey the Lord God

Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. 1 John 2:24

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1:9

We obey God because of salvation, not to receive salvation.  Christ abides in us through salvation; and, we obey God because Christ abides inside of us.

 

 

How can we obey God?

 

Obey from the heart the gospel of Christ

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.  Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. Romans 6:17-18

 

Walk in the Spirit

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Galatians 5:16-17

When we do NOT walk in the Sprit of God, when we walk in the flesh, sinning and obeying the devil, we are unable to obey God and do the things God wants of us.

When we walk in the Spirit we are able to obey God.

 

Work out your own salvation

We can obey God by following His Word, by working out our own salvation with fear and trembling.

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12

Why should we work out our salvation?  Because it is the will of God.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

 

Through the Spirit

By purifying our souls through the Spirit to unfeigned love of others we obey the truth of God.

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1 Peter 1:22-23

 

Through Repentance we are obedient to God

He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.  If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures. Job 36:11

Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever. Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD. Jeremiah 3:12-13

 

By trusting in the name of the Lord

Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God. Isaiah 50:10

 

Walking in His ways

But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. Jeremiah 7:23

 

Who shouldn't we obey?

 

Do not obey the voice of man

When we fear man over God, when we obey anyone other than God, we disobey God.

And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. 1 Samuel 15:24

Fearing people and obeying what people say, what the world tells us is right, instead of listening to the voice of God, instead of following the Word of God is disobeying God. 

We shouldn't put anyone's word over the Word of God.  We should only fear the Lord God.

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29

When we do NOT obey God we are living in unbelief.  The unbelieving will NOT inherit the Kingdom of God, are not saved, will NOT receive eternal life in the presence of God.

The unbelieving have cast themselves into eternal death which is hell for eternity without God.

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21:8

Who are the unbelieving?  Those who say they know God but deny Him by living in sin, being abominable and disobedient to God.

Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.  They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. Titus 1:15-16

DO NOT BE DECEIVED. The unbelieving and disobedient are not the children of God.

God knows His own children.  Just because you say you are a child of God, doesn't mean you are.

The children of God do NOT live in sin and disobedience toward God.  The children of God do NOT abide in darkness and sin, they abide in the Light of Christ and live in righteousness.

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12

Saving faith in Jesus opens our eyes to truth, turns us from darkness to light, from sin to righteousness, from living unholy to living for God in holiness, and from the power of satan to the power of God.

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Acts 26:18

As believers of Christ, we put on the Light of Christ and walk in the Light of Christ, because we are children of the Light.

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Ephesians 5:8-9

Through saving faith in Jesus we have been delivered from the power of satan and the power of darkness.

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: Colossians 1:13

And being delivered from darkness, sin has no power over the children of God anymore, therefore we do not live in sin.

Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:5

It is a miracle that Christ called me out of darkness into His marvelous, wonderful, never ceasing light, saved me from hell.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 1 Peter 2:9

Do not be deceived.  The ungodly, unbelieving, disobedient, unrighteous will not receive entrance into heaven.

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;  And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;  And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; 2 Peter 2:4-6

If God did NOT spare the angels in heaven that sinned against Him but followed satan, and cast them to hell, in chains of darkness, AND God did not spare any of the people at the time of Noah, but only spared eight people out of the whole world, AND God did not spare anyone but Lot from Sodom and Gomorrha, that God destroyed as an example of what will happen to the ungodly and disobedient, know that God will judge the unjust one day and they will receive their reward of disobedience.

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:  But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 2 Peter 2:9-10

And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;  Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 2 Peter 2:13-14

 

What happens when we obey God?

 

We inherit the kingdom of God

We receive salvation through obedience of faith in God.

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.  But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons Colossians 3:24-25

 

We become servants of righteousness

But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.  Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. Romans 6:17-18

 

Faith is established and increased

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17

 

We receive a Blessing

A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: Deuteronomy 11:27

But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. Jeremiah 7:23

 

 

All people who HATE, do not obey God

Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.  He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.  He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.  But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. 1 John 2:8-11

In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.  For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 1 John 3:10-11

And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. 2 John 1:5

 

People who love the world and the lust of the flesh

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. 1 John 2:15-17

 

People who live in sin, purposefully and willfully sin

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.  Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 1 John 3:8-9

 

People who do NOT obey the voice of God

We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have sinned against the LORD our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God. Jeremiah 3:25

Now the LORD hath brought it, and done according as he hath said: because ye have sinned against the LORD, and have not obeyed his voice, therefore this thing is come upon you. Jeremiah 40:3

The lost and the saved, all sinners must confess their sins and repent of their sins to receive eternal life.

 

The unbelieving do NOT obey God

Those who turn from the truth

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

 

Those bewitched by satan

Satan does not force us to sin, but satan tempts us with sin, just like he has from the beginning of time with Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden.  Satan didn't force Adam and Eve to sin, he just presented sin to them.  It was the choice of Adam and Eve to yield to the temptation of sin.

Being tempted of sin is not sin, but yielding to the temptation of sin is sin. 

When we choose to say "yes" to sin, when we "yield" to the temptation of sin, then we have committed sin against God.

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? Galatians 3:1

We sin, when WE choose NOT to obey the truth of God.  The devil cannot force us to do anything; but, the devil can tempt us, and he is very persuasive. The devil and his demons can place events in our paths to tempt us to sin, make it easy to sin, create an atmosphere conducive for sin.

"The devil made me do it" may be a popular saying, but is not biblical.  "The devil tempted me to do it" is biblical.

Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by satan; but, Jesus NEVER "yielded" to the temptation; Jesus did NOT sin; God cannot sin.  Being "tempted of sin" is not sin.  The yielding to the temptation is sin.

Temptation to sin NEVER comes from God.  The persuasion to disobey God comes from satan, not from God.

Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. Galatians 5:7-8

God does not force us to obey Him.  Obedience to God is our choice.  Obedience to God is produced through saving faith in God.

 

Those who walk in imagination of evil hearts

Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart: therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do; but they did them not. Jeremiah 11:8

 

Those who do NOT listen to the voice of God

But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction. Jeremiah 17:23

Stiff-necked people harden their hearts against God; do not listen to God , that they might hear the truth and receive salvation.

Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God. 2 Kings 17:14

 

Those who do NOT walk in God's ways

Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. Daniel 9:10

And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. 2 John 1:6

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Romans 8:9

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:13-14

If we live in sin, fulfilling the lusts of the flesh, we are NOT walking in the Spirit of God. 

If we walk in the Spirit of God, God says that we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

What is the lusts of the flesh? God says the lusts of the flesh are adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strive, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

And such like shall NOT inherit the kingdom of God.

All sin must be repented of to receive inheritance into the Kingdom of God.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

As children of God we are ordained to walk in good works for God.

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, Ephesians 4:1

How can we walk worthy of God?  By obeying God, showing obedience to Christ in our lives by walking in the ways of our Lord and Saviour, the one and only living God who saved us from death in hell, and gave us eternal life in His Kingdom.

Walking in the ways of Christ is saying NO to sin and not giving any place to the devil in our lives, and living in love and peace with everyone.

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;  And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Ephesians 5:1-2

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7

That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:12

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1 John 2:6

 

Those who do NOT follow the commandments of God

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 1 John 2:4

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.  And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Luke 6:45-46

And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it. Luke 8:21

 

Those who do NOT live by the doctrine of Christ

All people who live in sin

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17

 

All people who live in darkness

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:5-7

Living in sin, living in darkness is a choice people make for themselves.  We are all born with free will to choose our own path in this life.  God sets before every person life and death, blessing and cursing, and God says to choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19).   But God forces no man to follow Him, it is our choice alone.  We either choose life with God or choose a life without God.  You choose.  You cannot blame God for your bad choice, you cannot blame your parents or any other person, you cannot blame your culture, life or death is your choice.  There has been people a lot worse off than you, who didn't let anyone or anything stop them from choosing God.  You have no excuse.  There is always someone who has had it worse than you have.  God is greater than any circumstance that you think you are in.  God is able to change the course of any person's life, all you need to do is submit to Him, ask Him to save you, and He promises that He will give you life, abundant life.

Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.   Jeremiah 17:14

 

All people who live in unrighteousness

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Romans 1:18

Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Romans 1:29-32

But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; Romans 2:8-9

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. Romans 6:13

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 2 Thessalonians 2:10

But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;  And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 2 Peter 2:12-14

All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. 1 John 5:17

 

Evil people do NOT obey God

All people who turn away from God.

Turning away from God, not abiding in God, not living for God, not obeying God can happen to any person, whether you have once been saved or never been saved.

Living a godly life will not save you, nor will saying you are saved.  Salvation is received in the heart.  Salvation comes from the heart not from the mouth.  Salvation is a conversion from sin and death TO righteousness and life.

Salvation is being saved from sin and death.  One who lives for sin does not live for God, has not received salvation.

God makes it crystal clear, the children of God cannot live in sin.

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.  In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. 1 John 3:9-10

If I live for sin, if I sin on purpose, plan sin and commit sin daily in my life, I am not a child of God.  We are OF who we obey.  If we obey sin we are OF the devil and the children of the devil.  If we obey righteousness we are OF Christ and the children of God.

We are servants of whom we obey.

The children of God are dead to sin through belief in Jesus Christ, because Jesus destroyed sin and death.

If we are OF God, OF Christ we are NOT to sin.

God cannot sin.  If we are OF God we will not sin.

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44

Who do you listen to?  God or the devil?

He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. John 8:47

No one can walk with Christ and live for the devil.

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1 John 2:5-6

 

What happens to those who do not obey God?

The disobedient to God, the abominable, all people who do not obey God, are cursed, condemned, and will perish, and will receive everlasting punishment, separated from God for eternity.

 

Cursed

And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known. Deuteronomy 11:28

And say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Cursed be the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant, Jeremiah 11:3

 

The hand of the Lord is against them

But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers. 1 Samuel 12:15

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:32

 

Die without God

But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge. Job 36:12

 

Tribulation and anguish

But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; Romans 2:8-9

 

Everlasting destruction

Those who choose not to obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ will be punished with everlasting destruction, they will be cast into the pits of hell for eternity.

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9

We know that separation from the presence of the Lord is damnation, hell.

Those who obey the word of God, seek to fulfill God's will, seek fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ, who put on Christ and walk in His way, who serve righteousness, who stay in His Word, who though faith and obedience have received the free gift from God of eternal salvation will inherit the kingdom of God and will spend eternity in heaven with our Father God and Jesus our Lord and Saviour.

But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king. 1 Samuel 12:25

And now I have this day declared it to you; but ye have not obeyed the voice of the LORD your God, nor any thing for the which he hath sent me unto you.  Now therefore know certainly that ye shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, in the place whither ye desire to go and to sojourn. Jeremiah 42:21-22

 

What does God give those who obey Him?

 

The Holy Ghost

And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. Acts 5:32

 

Eternal Salvation

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Hebrews 5:9

 

He will be our God and we His people

But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. Jeremiah 7:23

 

Wellness

But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. Jeremiah 7:23

 

How do we learn obedience?

 

By suffering

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; Hebrews 5:8

 

Walking in His ways

But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. Jeremiah 7:23

 

Special Note:  God is love, first and foremost.  God loves us and desires our love.  God gave us His love to show us how much He loves us.  God desires that we give our love to others and back to Him.  God doesn't want a bunch of religious robots.  God desires our love, God desires our friendship.  God desires a relationship with us through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

The concept of obedience has been so distorted by the world system of religion.  God does not desire to punish us for doing wrong, God desires to love us, show us His love, teach us how to love one another, God desires to show us the fullness of His love, the wonder of His love, and what He has done for us through love and what His love can do for you and for this world.

We must throw off and abandon the old tired inaccurate rhetoric of religion concepts and believe in God, trust in God, believe His word, God is love.

God loves you, God desires to share His love with you, forever.

 

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