Love and Obedience
Passion • Sermon • Submitted
0 ratings
· 1,045 viewsTrue obedience is the natural outflow of a heart filled with true love!
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
Let’s turn in our Bibles to .
You all know that I am not afraid or hesitant to call sin exactly what it is, and I will continue to do so. Usually, in discussing many of those topics, I refrain from being very specific or blunt. However, I have found that sometimes, we need to hear it plain and simple.
However, I have found that sometimes, we need to hear it plain and simple. Some of the subject matter to be covered today requires that I get down to where we live and then some. So, buckle up, and let the Holy Spirit speak to your heart through the Word of God.
Some of the subject matter to be covered today requires that I get down to where we live and then some. So, buckle up, and let the Holy Spirit speak to your heart through the Word of God.
With that said, Let’s turn in our Bibles to .
Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
The Bible says that if we love God, we will love the children of God also. In fact, we remember that Jesus said:
The Bible says that if we love God, we will love the children of God also. In fact, we remember that Jesus said:
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
John goes on to say:
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
Now he introduces an aspect that is all important in this matter of loving God and others. He says that we will know that we love the children of God WHEN - NOT IF we love God AND Keep His commandments! In other words, when we are truly obedient from the heart, then we know that we love God and the children of God.
True obedience is the natural outflow of a heart filled with true love!
John put it this way:
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
That is not to say that we do not tell others that we love them, but rather that saying it is not to be all that we do.
That reminds me of the grumpy old man who was sitting in church as the pastor was speaking from where the Bible says, “Husbands, love your wives...” He said, “Men, you should tell your wife you love her! Tell her often. Tell her in the morning. Tell her in the evening. Tell her as many times as you can in between!
After the service, the old grump passed by the pastor and shook his hand. He looked at the young pastor - he was probably very young like me - and said, “I don’t get it. Why do you think I need to tell her so much? I told her when we got married, and nothing has changed! If it does, I let her know!”
Don’t be like him!
Men, you should tell your wife you love her! Wives, you should tell your husband you love him. Parents, tell your kids you love them. Kids, tell your parents you love them. Church, tell others that you love them!
But don’t let our love only be expressed in words! We should say it, AND we should show it!
Church, tell others that you love them!
We should not only say we love Jesus; we should SHOW it also!
If ye love me, keep my commandments.
If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Jesus says for us to not just say we love Him but to LIVE that love by living in obedience to Him.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
I recognize that obedience, submission, are commitment are all words that are fairly taboo in our society today - especially when it comes to a pastor preaching that we are to commit to, submit to, and obey God. There are many who proclaim their freedom in Christ as if it is a license to live in sin. There are many who tip the scale so far the other way that the Christian life appears to be a burden.
True Christianity is a life of love for God and others that produces a life of love and obedience to God and His Word. It is not a burden. It is not a bother. It is a privilege to serve Jesus Christ!
David Livingstone (1813-1872) - Scottish missionary and explorer in the interior of Africa said, “If a commission by an earthly king is considered an honor, how can a commission by a Heavenly King be considered a sacrifice?”
In other words, why is it an honor to be asked to do something by an earthly king, but for God to ask us to do something, it is such a bother?
See, we are grateful that Jesus saved us from eternity in Hell, but many of us are just not ready to love Him enough to obey Him. We say we love Him, but we do our own thing. We say we love God , but when it comes down to truly living in obedience, we don’t. Yet we think we are right with God!
How can we be right with God and live in disobedience to Him?
Let’s just think of a few sinful things that we do when we come to church.
Did you
How about not singing with the church family or singing songs of worship and not truly worshipping God - making a show, but no real worship taking place from our hearts? What about knowing that God is working in your heart during the preaching, but you do not respond and certainly do not repent? What about knowing that God says that we are supposed to give at the very least 10% of our increase to the Lord’s work, but we only give a $5, $10, or $20 when we made more than $200 that week? What about when we wait around for others to be friendly to us before we speak to them? What about when we neglect to remember to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ?
Those are just a few of the things that we do at church. If we are going to sin at church, you know you are going to sin it up when you get away from here!
I don’t mean you are going to go out and find a dealer to sell you some drugs. I don’t think anyone is chomping at the bit to get out of church so they can go commit adultery, but how many will go through your week and not open your Bible to read it and hear from God or pray and talk to Him (with the possible exception of thanking Him for food or asking Him to bail you out of the mess you’ve gotten yourself into).
See, God has given us His Word so we can read it and learn more about Who He is and What He is like. As we read It, we can be changed to better reflect Jesus Christ, but we have to do it! We cannot just think that a simple perusal of the Scriptures will transform us.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Jesus said:
He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
Now, if you are saved, you can certainly go on doing as you have always done, but you will miss out on the blessings of obedience to your Father. Without the wisdom that comes from the Word of God, we will go in a direction that makes sense to us, but it will bring damage and destruction.
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
But the end thereof are the ways of death.
So, God gave us a book to teach us wisdom - to teach us to discern and obey the will of God and thereby receive blessings from His hands.
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; 2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. 5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: 6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel.
To know wisdom and instruction;
To perceive the words of understanding;
To receive the instruction of wisdom,
Justice, and judgment, and equity;
To give subtilty to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion.
A wise man will hear, and will increase learning;
And a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
To understand a proverb, and the interpretation;
The words of the wise, and their dark sayings.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge:
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
It is the foolish man who resists the will of God and will not seek God’s wisdom in the Bible. We seek after many things to bring us pleasure and peace, but these cannot be found in the ways of the world.
King Solomon was the wisest man to ever walk this earth (except for Jesus Christ). Although he had been blessed with such great wisdom, he utilized his blessing to seek after things to bring him joy. In the end, he said, “It is all vanity!” It is all an empty and senseless waste of time and energy!
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; all is vanity.
And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity. 9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. 10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. 12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Fear God - have a reverential love and honor for God - and keep His commandments! Love God enough to do what He says to do!
Now, as we emphasize the importance of obedience as it relates to love, there are three truths that we must remember.
I have taken Maxwell’s levels of influence and replaced “Influence” with “Obedience” to help us learn how we develop into the kind of obedience God desires from us.
Level 1: Position—Obedience Based on Rights
Level 1: Position—Obedience Based on Rights
I have taken Maxwell’s levels of influence and replaced “Influence” with “Obedience” to help us learn how we develop into the kind of obedience God desires from us.
God is God. That is Who He is. Jehovah - the Self Existent One. As God, He has the RIGHT to be Obeyed
Level 2: Permission—Obedience Based on Relationship
Level 2: Permission—Obedience Based on Relationship
As we enter into a relationship with God, we have a whole new paradigm through which to grow in obedience to God. He is now our Father. As His child, we obey. As we grow in this relationship and through the following levels, we move from have to to want to.
Level 1: Position—Obedience Based on Rights
Level 1: Position—Obedience Based on Rights
God is God. That is Who He is. Jehovah - the Self Existent One. As God, He has the RIGHT to be Obeyed
Level 3: Production—Obedience Based on Results
Level 3: Production—Obedience Based on Results
Level 2: Permission—Obedience Based on Relationship
Level 2: Permission—Obedience Based on Relationship
As we enter into a relationship with God, we have a whole new paradigm through which to grow in obedience to God. He is now our Father. As His child, we obey. As we grow in this relationship and through the following levels, we move from have to to want to.
Level 3: Production—Obedience Based on Results
Level 3: Production—Obedience Based on Results
• Learn to see through the other person’s eyes by asking questions.
• Care more about the person than about the rules.
• Include the other person in your journey by shifting your focus from me to we.
• Make the other person’s success your goal.
• Practice servant leadership.
Level 3: Production—Influence Based on Results• Initiate and accept responsibility for your own personal growth. • Develop accountability for results, beginning with yourself. • Lead by example and produce results. • Help the other person find and give his or her best contribution.
As we see the results of following God’s way or not, we begin developing our understanding of the need to obey Him. The results prove that He knows what He is talking about.
Sin, although pleasurable, is dangerous! Every time we sin, we lose a little more sensitivity to the Lord and His way. We grow in our confidence that the consequence will not affect us. However, no one has ever escaped from the consequences of sin outside of the loving and gracious intervention of Jesus Christ.
Further, when we obey, we are blessed! Through obedience to God and His Word, blessings and a closer, more precious, more enjoyable walk with Jesus Christ are experienced.
This leads us to obey because we WANT to.
Level 4: People Development—Obedience Based on Reproduction/Responsibility
Level 4: People Development—Obedience Based on Reproduction/Responsibility
At this point in our relationship, God begins allowing us to influence others. Because of our love for them and our desire to see them avoid the pitfalls of sin and its consequences as well, we realize our responsibility to obey and lead others in obedience to God’s Word.
Level 5: Pinnacle—Obedience Based on Respect
Level 5: Pinnacle—Obedience Based on Respect
Continuing the journey, we love God and obey Him. We have seen the consequences of disobedience and the blessings of obedience. We have seen His Word and promises hold true not only for ourselves, but also for those we have influenced and led.
His consistent faithfulness and power leads us to obedience out of respect and awe.
Now we obey Him because He is God. We have reached full circle. However, now it is not only because of His right, but because of our awe, wonder, and love!
As we see the results of following God’s way or not, we begin developing our understanding of the need to obey Him. The results prove that He knows what He is talking about.
Sin, although pleasurable, is dangerous! Every time we sin, we lose a little more sensitivity to the Lord and His way. We grow in our confidence that the consequence will not affect us. However, no one has ever escaped from the consequences of sin outside of the loving and gracious intervention of Jesus Christ.
Maxwell, John C.. Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 (pp. 22-23). HarperCollins Leadership. Kindle Edition.
Further, when we obey, we are blessed! Through obedience to God and His Word, blessings and a closer, more precious, more enjoyable walk with Jesus Christ are experienced.
This leads us to obey because we WANT to.
Level 4: People Development—Obedience Based on Reproduction/Responsibility
Level 4: People Development—Obedience Based on Reproduction/Responsibility
At this point in our relationship, God begins allowing us to influence others. Because of our love for them and our desire to see them avoid the pitfalls of sin and its consequences as well, we realize our responsibility to obey and lead others in obedience to God’s Word.
Level 5: Pinnacle—Obedience Based on Respect
Level 5: Pinnacle—Obedience Based on Respect
Continuing the journey, we love God and obey Him. We have seen the consequences of disobedience and the blessings of obedience. We have seen His Word and promises hold true not only for ourselves, but also for those we have influenced and led.
His consistent faithfulness and power leads us to obedience out of respect and awe.
Now we obey Him because He is God. We have reached full circle. However, now it is not only because of His right, but because of our awe, wonder, and love!
Maxwell, John C.. Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 (pp. 22-23). HarperCollins Leadership. Kindle Edition.
Obedience does not equal love.
Obedience does not equal love.
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
Notice it says, “… love God, and keep His commandments.”
These are not the same thing. Love is not something you do.
People talk about being in love and loving their girlfriend or boyfriend, fiance or spouse. The world talks about lovers and says they make love, but love is not something we work up or “make” with someone.
The world talks about lovers and says they make love, but love is not something we work up or “make” with someone.
Doing something that feels good is not love. Doing something that makes the other feel good is not love. It is important that we make sure to teach the truth about love because we get the idea that doing something means we love someone or they love us.
It is important that we make sure to teach the truth about love because we get the idea that doing something means we love someone or they love us.
This idea of works based love spills over into our relationship with Christ and gives fuel to the false belief that our obedience to do a list of religious things - even biblical things - means we love God. Obedience does not equal love! It means nothing more than that we have done something in obedience!
I can do religious works all my life and have not one ounce of love in my heart and life for God. In fact, the less love I have for God, the more my “obedience” will breed resentment and rebellion.
Obedience does not equal love!
Secondly,
Love will be seen through obedience.
Love will be seen through obedience.
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
While obedience does not equal love, our love is seen through our obedience. It is not what or how we do something but that we obey God and why we obey Him that reveals our love.
If a man only does nice things for his wife so they could have sex later, the wife would feel objectified and used. She would quickly lose interest, and she would lose her appreciation for the nice things that he had done. However, if the husband does nice things for his wife because he loves her, later on, they might enjoy sex, but it would not come with feeling a sense of obligation because he had been so nice. Both
enjoy the intimacy with freedom that only comes through unconditional love - NO Strings attached!
When true love grows in our hearts, we will live in true obedience to God, not because we HAVE to but because we WANT to. We will do what pleases Him because we LOVE Him.
Earlier, I mentioned giving financially to support the Lord’s work. When we truly love God, we will not be concerned with percentages as it relates to our giving.
In his second letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul told about the believers in Philippi, a city of Macedonia. He says in chapter 8:
And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
Philippians 8
That is why they gave so sacrificially as he says in verse 2.
how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
Philippians 8:2
Then he tells that same church:
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound towards you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
2 Corinthians 9:
It has been said you can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.
You can do good things in obedience to God’s Word without loving God, but you if you truly love God your life will be marked by faithful obedience.
Growth in love naturally produces growth in obedience.
Growth in love naturally produces growth in obedience.
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
So, if obedience is not love but obedience reveals love, how is love produced and how is it shown to others?
Once again, we turn to God’s answer book, the Bible.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
also
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
1 Corinthians 13:1
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have no charity, I am nothing.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have no charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
1 corinthians 13:
He shows us that being a smooth talker (this is what he means by tongues of men and of angels - he is not talking about so called speaking in tongues) and even a giver is not necessarily love.
Then he describes real love.
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
In his book Developing the Leader Within You 2.0, John Maxwell lays out 5 levels of influence that are earned by leaders. That influence translates into people following them. These same levels of influence can be seen in our obedience to the Lord Jesus.
1 corinthians 13:4-8
How is this kind of love produced?
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
It is the work of the Holy Spirit. So the kind of love that produces true obedience that shows that we truly love God and others comes about through submission and obedience. It is a process that can only be completed by the Holy Spirit.
It is one of those truths that
In his book Developing the Leader Within You 2.0, John Maxwell gives 5 levels of influence that are earned by leaders. (Maxwell, John C.. Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 (pp. 22-23). HarperCollins Leadership. Kindle Edition.)
That influence translates into people following them. These same levels of influence can be seen in our obedience to the Lord Jesus.
That influence translates into people following them. These same levels of influence can be seen in our obedience to the Lord Jesus.
I have taken Maxwell’s levels of influence and replaced “Influence” with “Obedience” to help us learn how we develop into the kind of obedience God desires from us.
Level 1: Position—Obedience Based on Rights
Level 1: Position—Obedience Based on Rights
God is God. That is Who He is. Jehovah - the Self Existent One. As God, He has the RIGHT to be Obeyed.
Level 2: Permission—Obedience Based on Relationship
Level 2: Permission—Obedience Based on Relationship
As we enter into a relationship with God, we have a whole new paradigm through which to grow in obedience to God. He is now our Father. As His child, we obey. As we grow in this relationship and through the following levels, we move from have to to want to.
Level 3: Production—Obedience Based on Results
Level 3: Production—Obedience Based on Results
As we see the results of following God’s way or not, we begin developing our understanding of the need to obey Him. The results prove that He knows what He is talking about.
Sin, although pleasurable, is dangerous! Every time we sin, we lose a little more sensitivity to the Lord and His way. We grow in our confidence that the consequence will not affect us. However, no one has ever escaped from the consequences of sin outside of the loving and gracious intervention of Jesus Christ.
Further, when we obey, we are blessed! Through obedience to God and His Word, blessings and a closer, more precious, more enjoyable walk with Jesus Christ are experienced.
This leads us to obey because we WANT to.
Level 4: People Development—Obedience Based on Reproduction/Responsibility
Level 4: People Development—Obedience Based on Reproduction/Responsibility
At this point in our relationship, God begins allowing us to influence others. Because of our love for them and our desire to see them avoid the pitfalls of sin and its consequences as well, we realize our responsibility to obey and lead others in obedience to God’s Word.
Level 5: Pinnacle—Obedience Based on Respect
Level 5: Pinnacle—Obedience Based on Respect
Continuing the journey, we love God and obey Him. We have seen the consequences of disobedience and the blessings of obedience. We have seen His Word and promises hold true not only for ourselves, but also for those we have influenced and led.
His consistent faithfulness and power leads us to obedience out of respect and awe.
Now we obey Him because He is God. We have reached full circle. However, now it is not only because of His right, but because of our awe, wonder, and love!
(Maxwell, John C.. Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 (pp. 22-23). HarperCollins Leadership. Kindle Edition.)
How?
Read God’s message to you - the Bible
Read God’s message to you - the Bible
Romans
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord;
And in his law doth he meditate day and night.
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Talk to God in prayer
Talk to God in prayer
call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Meditate on God’s Truth
Meditate on God’s Truth
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Believe God’s Truth
Believe God’s Truth
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.
Yield to God’s Truth
Yield to God’s Truth
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Be transformed by God’s Truth
Be transformed by God’s Truth
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians
Share God’s Truth with others
Share God’s Truth with others
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.
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
Colossians
And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.