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Obeying GodIntroduction:
1. We are presently studying a series of lessons based on 13 great themes that are addressed throughout the Scriptures. 2. We began this series with 3 themes relating to the members of the Godhead: a. "God is our Creator" b. "the deity [divinity] of Christ" c. "the ministry of the Holy Spirit." 3. The fourth theme we covered was "the inspiration of the Scriptures." 4. Next we examined "the fall of man" and "the grace of God." 5. "Obeying God" is the seventh great Bible theme we are studying in this lesson. Discussion: I. "OBEYING GOD" IS EMPHASIZED THROUGHOUT THE OLD TESTAMENT A. "Obeying God" is required (Ecclesiastes 12:13). 1. In this passage Solomon revealed "the conclusion of the whole matter." 2. Keeping God's commandments is part of "the whole duty of man." B. God blesses those who obey Him (Deuteronomy 28). 1. In vs.1-2 God promised to bless the Israelites if they would obey Him. 2. He showed in vs.3-14 how abundantly He would bless His people. C. The Old Testament reveals the consequences of disobedience. 1. In our study of "the fall of man" we showed how God punished Adam and Eve for disobeying Him (Genesis 3). 2. In Deuteronomy 28:15 God said He would curse the Israelites if they disobeyed Him, and He gave the details of how He would curse them in vs.16-68. 3. King Saul illustrates the folly of disobeying God (1 Samuel 15:3, 9, 22-23). II. "OBEYING GOD" IS ALSO EMPHASIZED THROUGHOUT THE NEW TESTAMENT A. "Obeying God" is required. 1. In Matthew 7:21 Jesus said that doing the Father's will is a requirement for entering the kingdom. 2. In 1 John 5:3 "the love of God" is associated with keeping His commandments. B. God blesses those who obey Him. 1. By obeying God we can know that we know Him (1 John 2:3, 5). 2. Those who hear and obey the Lord's words will persevere (Matthew 7:24-25). C. The New Testament reveals the consequences of disobedience. 1. Those who do not obey the Lord's words will not persevere (Matthew 7:26-27). 2. Judgment is in store for those who reject the Lord's words (John 12:48). 3. Those who do not keep God's commandments do not truly know Him (1 John 2:4). III. SALVATION INVOLVES OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST A. In our study of "the grace of God" we showed how salvation is a gift that God provides through His grace (Ephesians 2:8). B. However, the Bible also teaches that we must comply with the Lord's instructions to be saved. 1. We learn from Hebrews 5:9 that Christ is "the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him." 2. According to Romans 6:17-18, we are made free from sin when we obey from the heart the form of doctrine that has been delivered. C. A strong warning is given in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 -- those who do not obey the Gospel will be punished when Jesus returns. D. A powerful message of encouragement is given to God's faithful servants in Revelation 14:13. | ||