Your Obedience

Colossians 3:18-4:1

How many times can you remember your parents telling you to do something? What catchy phrase did they use to get your attention? I remember hearing my dad or mom tell us, “Don’t make me pull this car over,” if we were on a road trip. My dad had a look he would give us, which told us, “We are dead.” My parents had a rule; they told us to do something only one time. The next time would mean trouble. My wife and I raised our children to respect us; my daughters feared my wife more than I. We had them be obedient because we loved them and knew what was best for them. We loved each other and wanted to show our daughters what a healthy marriage looked like. It also allowed us to talk to them about Jesus and His love for them. His commandments are not burdensome, nor are they to kill any fun in their lives, but to protect them.

Let's not forget, God’s words are not restrictions, but keys to a life of abundance and fulfillment. John 10:10

John 10:10 NIV

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Paul has explained how theirs and our obedience to Christ is exemplified through our service.

First, we see it in the home.

Second, we see it in our work environment.

Lastly, we see it is with each other.

Believers show obedience to the Lord in their families.

To see obedience to Christ begins inside the marriage and carries over into the family before it can be seen in the Church or the community. Wives submit to their husbands, husbands love their wives as Christ loves the Church, and children always obey their parents.

Imagine a ship sailing smoothly through the ocean. The captain and crew work together seamlessly, each knowing their role and trusting one another. In the same way, when a wife submits to her husband, it creates a beautiful harmony in the marriage, allowing them to navigate life's challenges together.

Women submit because that is the way God ordered it. 1 Corinthians 11:3 , 1 Timothy 2:13 , Ephesians 5:23

1 Corinthians 11:3 ESV

But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.

1 Timothy 2:13 NIV

For Adam was formed first, then Eve.

Ephesians 5:23 NIV

For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.

Husbands, it's not about demanding submission from your wives, but about being a husband who is worthy of it. You are commanded to love your wives as Christ loved the Church. Ephesians 5:25 ; 28

Ephesians 5:25 NIV

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her

Ephesians 5:28 NIV

In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

How can we claim to love ourselves but show no love to our wives? How can we say we love our brothers and sisters but not love our wives? Do we remember that we have become one flesh with our wives? What are we teaching our children when they see how we treat their mother?

It is time we put our wives before ourselves and give them what they need, desire, and deserve. This will help raise obedient children.

The story of Ruth and Naomi provides a robust biblical example of obedience in the home. Despite their challenges, Ruth's obedience to Naomi demonstrated a deep commitment to family and faith, inspiring future generations.

Children are to be obedient to their parents. It is the first commandment that carries a promise. Ephesians 6:1-3 Exodus 20:12

Ephesians 6:1–3 ESV

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”

Exodus 20:12 NIV

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

The present tense of the imperative hupakouete (be obedient) demands continuous obedience to your parents. One day, when you are independent, the respect and obedience you showed your parents will reflect in your children. Striking or cursing one’s parents was punishable by death in the Old Testament. Exodus 21:15-17 Proverbs 30:17

Exodus 21:15–17 NIV

“Anyone who attacks their father or mother is to be put to death. “Anyone who kidnaps someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnapper’s possession. “Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.

Proverbs 30:17 NIV

“The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.

You are to obey your parents except when it contradicts God’s laws.

Fathers, we should not provoke, stir, irritate, or exasperate. In simple terms, we should stop nagging our children. If we constantly nag our children, they will lose their courage. When we were growing up, when we broke a horse, we never tried to break their spirit. This could mean winning a play day or pushing cattle out of thickets. Parents should never try to provoke their children until they lose their courage.

Believers show obedience to the Lord in their work environment.

People are constantly watching us. The moment we tell anyone we are a Christian, we have opened ourselves up for scrutiny. Imagine a hardworking employee who always goes the extra mile, treats everyone with respect, and maintains integrity in the face of temptation. They may not openly discuss their faith, but their actions speak volumes about their commitment to Christ. This kind of character in the workplace can be a powerful testimony of Christ's influence in their life.

How we handle difficult situations, constructive criticism, or a write-up will tell them all they need to know about you and Christ. Paul wrote about slaves and how they are to treat their masters. I know some of us think we are not slaves (but we are slaves to either Christ or this world). It is how we respond to our supervisor here. Remember, we are not working for earthly things, but we work unto the Lord for our heavenly rewards. Ephesians 6:7

Ephesians 6:7 NIV

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,

Believers show obedience to the Lord by serving others.

I love the scene in McClintock where John Wayne’s natural son, who is playing Delvin Warren, the SOD buster who moved into the territory of New Mexico, takes a swing at George Washington McClintock. John Wayne looks puzzled that he just gave this young man a job and takes a swing at him. Delvin Warren tells McClintock he should have been appreciative of giving him a job. McClintock tells young Delving he did not give him a job, but he would earn the job by doing x, y, and z. Young Delvin tells McClintock he never had to beg to work for someone, and McClintock would not understand this. George Washington McClintock tells Delving something that should resonate with us Christians. Everybody works for someone.

We either work for Christ or the world. If we work for Christ, we should have a servant’s heart. At DBU, the motto is “Training Servant Leaders.” As Christians, we are to lead by and through serving others. This starts with serving each other. How can we claim to be Christ’s followers if we are not serving each other? Matthew 20:28

Matthew 20:28 NIV

just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Applications:

L: Lord Paid It All

E: Be watchful for the Enemy

G: God Delivers

A: Attitude

C: Church Culture

Y: Your Obedience

1. LEGACY Starts inside the family

2. Your Obedience has everything to do with your walk with Christ.

3. LEGACY will be seen in your service to others.

Imagine holding a family heirloom—a pocket watch passed down through the generations. As its hands continue to mark the passage of time, it serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of our ancestors. Just as this watch holds the stories of those who came before, we, too, contribute to a narrative that will shape the future.