Obedience — It’s Worth It
Posted on August 10, 2015 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters
Obedience – It’s Worth It
The “obedience” word has come up this summer in so many messages during our 2015 Live Courageously conferences. If you would like to watch some great Bible teaching, visit our website www.americaskeswick.org and you can watch the archives.
Our teens sure take a hit when it comes to disobedience. But one of the sad things that I have observed these past couple of years is that parents don’t realize how much we model disobedience to our kids.
We live in the 5th largest senior community in the country and in the villages surrounding us, we learned that only the visitors have to stop at the stop signs. Stops signs are not for the residents. And we wonder why so many fender benders.
We have a law in NJ that requires anyone under the age of 17 to wear a helmet when riding a bike, skateboard or scooter. We’ve been challenged all summer by the parents as to why we are asking their kids to obey the law.
I have shared this quote with you on a number of occasions from Pastor Tim Shorey: “Obedience is doing everything you are told to do IN THE RIGHT WAY (with the right heart attitude inwardly), RIGHT AWAY (immediately) and ALL THE WAY (do a complete job.)
Dr. Paul Tripp says, “for the believer, obedience is not a pain but a joy. Each act of obedience celebrates the grace that motivates and empowers it.”
He reminds us that sinners:
- Tend not to esteem authority
- Like to write their own rules
- Are good at convincing themselves that their wrongs are not that wrong
- Tend to believe in their own autonomy
- Tend to think that they are wiser than they are
- Tend to have a moral code that is formed more by their dreams than by God’s law
- Tend to crave what God has prohibited
- Tend to opt for short-term pleasure over long-term gain
- Tend to rebel rather than submit
Obedience is God’s way. There is great freedom when we obey, first of all, those things that God expects of us, and then when we submit to those who are in authority over us.
I like what Paul Tripp says: “Smile when you obey; you are experiencing the riches of grace. Give thanks when you submit; you are being rescued by grace. Celebrate when you make the right choice; you are being transformed by grace. Sing for joy when you serve God’s purposes; you have just been given evidence of the presence of redeeming grace.” (New Morning Mercies – Crossway)
How are you doing in the area of obedience? Are there areas right now where you need to submit to authority? Are you modeling obedience for your children? Think about it! – Bill Welte is President/CEO of America’s Keswick
Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 79-80; Acts 28
Think About This: Only in obedience can we discover the great joy of the will of God. —Sinclair Ferguson
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:7-8
Want to get away & have dedicated time to read & learn God’s Word?
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
