OUTLINE:
Obedience of Faith
There’s a divine sequence that leads to blessings from God. (e.g. 2Jn 6; 1Jn 5:1-3)
Obedience
Obedience isn’t just something we do, it becomes us. It is the preeminent feature of our behavior in Christ. It establishes and confirms our abiding in the sphere of love. It’s a state of being, not a laundry list of “todos”.
Obedience of Faith
There’s a divine sequence that leads to blessings from God. (e.g. 2Jn 6; 1Jn 5:1-3)
Obedience
Obedience isn’t just something we do, it becomes us. It is the preeminent feature of who we are in Christ. It establishes and confirms our abiding in the sphere of love. It’s a state of being, not a laundry list of “todos”.
The Obedience Litmus Test
Is our obedience “burdensome” or not (1Jn 5:3)? Our honest answer indicates whether we are riding or abiding (“riding” means just along for the ride, playing religion).
The Word Sanctifies Us
God’s good intention is that we be sanctified in truth. The efficacy of the Word is empowered by the Holy Spirit. In other words, our sanctification is a function of the Word. Absence of this Truth debilitates the process of sanctification.
Jn 8:31-32
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Integrity and Freedom
You see, the “secret” to integrity, and therefore freedom, is abiding in the Truth. The alternative is to abide in lies, which guarantees bondage.
Living In Lies
One BIG lie promotes a bunch of “downstream” little lies. The result is living a life of lies (all of which rob a person of God’s blessings). Sex outside of marriage is a perfect example.
“Big” Lies That Relegate Owners Slaves to Lots of “Little” Lies
• Sex is OK as long as you’re really “in love”
• Lying is OK when used to remain unoffensive
• The end always justifies the means
• Ecumenicalism promotes love, therefore it’s OK
• Judging of any kind is wrong (“only God can judge”)
The pain we feel under the weight of Truth is the result of our flesh clinging for life to lies!
1Ti 1:5
The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
Protecting the Flock
A pastor’s job is NEVER to appease the flesh; rather, a pastor’s job is to see human flesh KILLED! (1Ti 1:5, 4:1-4; Ro 8:9-13)
“put to death the deeds of the body”
If your flesh isn’t being DESTROYED during a message, then something’s either wrong with the message or you. There should be ZERO encouragement for the flesh during a sermon. (2Ti 4)
Integrity Between Two Hearts
1Ti 1:5The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
– AND –
Pr 23:12Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.