This word “Obey” has a stigma to many, especially if our hearts are rebellious (And, apart from Christ, they all are). And yet, obedience is something even the secular world can get behind. How many times have you heard a politician say “We are a nation of laws” while condoning violence done by their own faction as “peaceful?” That’s what lawlessness does: it seeks to justify its own actions while condemning the same actions done by its opposition. I’m not here to make a political statement, by any means, but I wish to draw your attention to this point: everyone claims “If you love me, you’ll obey me.” It’s written in to our wedding vows, and expected of our children. There is no higher form of expressed love than obedience. Jesus spoke of obedience often. In Matthew 28:16-20, what is commonly referred to as the Great Commission, part of Jesus’ calling to His disciples is “teach them to obey all I have commanded you.” At the Last supper, Jesus says several times “You are my friends if you obey me,” “If you love me, you will keep my commands,” and so on. He even practiced it in His ministry, teaching His disciples, then having them work alongside Him.
In the same way, we are to teach those coming up behind us and alongside us to obey. We’re to teach the commands of Christ, and we’re also to take people alongside us as we do the work of the Church. And Jesus taught and led by example. Too many teachers, parents, and leaders lead by the unspoken mantra “Do as I say and not as I do,” or “Rules for thee, but not for me.” Jesus lived out everything He taught. His disciples lived out what He taught, and nearly all of them died for it. And many more, from then until now, have done the same. Making disciples is less about bossing people around, and more of opening the word, explaining it, and living it out together. This isn’t a rule only for preachers, elders, deacons, and Sunday school teachers, but for every believer everywhere, from the very youngest among us, to the most senior of saints. We are to be the community of Christ, teaching and living out the word, side by side, setting examples, and doing the work alongside one another as the Body of Christ.
Philippians 2
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me, and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.
I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
Comments