25
OBEYING GOD

'To obey, in the New Testament usage, means to give earnest attention to the Word, to submit to its authority, and to carry out its instructions.' A.W. Tozer
Jesus Himself gives a prominence to obedience that we dare not ignore, both in His example and teaching.

To Christ
—obedience was a delight (John 4:34)
—obedience was absolute (Philippians 2:8).

Obedience is essential
—to blessing (Exodus 19:5)
—to belonging to Christ (Mark 3:35)
—to abiding in Christ (John 15:10)

—as proof of salvation (1 John 2:3-5).
Do not wait to be 'convicted' about things: if God has com­manded something, do it.
Peter opens his first epistle by telling us that we are 'elected . . .unto obedience' (1 Peter 1:2). In verse 14 he comes back to it. There it is again in verse 22. Obedience is the starting-point of the sanctified life.

There is no substitute for obedience (1 Samuel 15:22).
Obedience ought not to be a cold, mechanical thing. It should stem from love for God and communion with Him. Com­munion and obedience are twins. We are rarely told in Scripture to obey the commands of God: we are told rather—'obey me', 'obey my voice' (Exodus 19:5; Joshua 24:24; Jeremiah 7:23; Hebrews 5:9).

'The Bible recognizes no faith that does not lead to obedience, nor does it recognize any obedience that does not spring from faith. The two are opposite sides of the same coin. So faith and obedience are for ever joined and each is without value when separated from the other. The trouble with many of us today is that we are trying to believe without intending to obey.' A.W. Tozer


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