In the previous post What is Christian Obedience we have briefly touched the meaning of Christian obedience. In this post we are going to explore more with regards to the believer.What are the implications of obedience in a believer’s life? The key to understand is that it transcends mere rule-following, it’s a matter of heart. Listed below are some important aspects that the believers need to understand.
Responding to Grace, Not Earning It
For many today, the word obedience in itself conjures images of rigid rules and stern authority. If that’s your initial reaction, you’re not alone. But the truth is, Christian obedience isn’t a burdensome obligation. Obedience is a response—a heartfelt outpouring of love and gratitude—and not a tool for earning God’s favor. It flows from the grace we’ve already received, not from a desire to obtain it.
Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly states, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” It is essential to remember that our obedience is not a means of earning God’s favor.It’s a grateful response to the gift of salvation.
The Holy Spirit: Our Partner in Obedience
John 14:26 informs us “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” So in the journey of obedience we are not alone. The Holy Spirit is our helper, our guide, our power source. He convicts us, encourages us, and equips us to live a life of obedience.
Christian Obedience: Hearing and Heeding God’s Word
John 10:27 reminds us that Christ is our shepherd and this is what he says to you and me “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me”. So it’s more than just reading the Bible. It’s about prayerfully listening to the Holy Spirit’s whispers, the still, small voice that guides us. Are we tuning our hearts to His frequency?
Christian Obedience is Surrendering to God’s Will
We all like to be in control, right? But the truth of the matter is that the essence of true obedience means letting go and trusting God. Isaiah 55:8 reminds us “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord” When we surrender ourselves to him completely. He will walk before us, He sees the road ahead, the potholes, and the breathtaking places that He will take us. Let’s surrender completely.
Christian Obedience is Following Christ’s Example
Hebrews 5:8 tells us, “Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.”We the believers and the followers of Christ are called to walk in His footsteps, even when the path is hard. Jesus is an example of complete surrender and ultimate obedience to Father.We are called to follow His example, to prioritize God’s will above our own desires.
Christian Obedience is an Active Journey
Christian obedience is an active concept and an ongoing journey. It is a continuous way of living. It includes;
- Daily surrender
- Making a choice to follow God’s will.
- It is the willingness to relinquish our own plans and ambitions in favor of God’s.
- It is acknowledging that His wisdom surpasses our own and that His plans are ultimately for our good.
- Active Engagement with the word
- This isn’t just a passive reading of scripture. It’s an active pursuit of understanding God’s character and allowing God to shape us into His image. Allowing the word of God to change us consistently.
- Prayerful dependence
- Let the Holy Spirit be our guide.
- Fellowship
- Supporting and walking with other believers.
- True obedience manifests in acts of love, compassion, and service. It’s about reflecting God’s love in our interactions with others.
- Process
- It’s a continual process that requires humility, faith, and a willingness to let go of our own agendas. But it’s also a journey that brings immeasurable joy, peace, and fulfillment.Christian obedience, is a concept woven throughout the Bible. It’s a continuous process of harmonizing our desires with God’s, a journey fueled by love and strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
This post briefly introduced us to Christian obedience and its important elements. In essence, Christian obedience is a journey of transformation. I will conclude this post here. Wishing you a journey that will bring you closer to the savior.
May His grace and love surround you in the journey of love.
