Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Obedience is Not Optional

God says that He expects us to: __________________

Too often, our response is a series of excuses, rationalizing, and statements about our position or liberty in Christ.

This would be fine...if we and God were peers.

It is, however, entirely inappropriate if God is our Lord, and we His slaves.

How does scripture depict our relationship?

"If you love Me"--then what? You'll give him a chance to convince you His way is in your best interest? Or is it, "If you love Me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15)?

"For this is the love of God, that we"--what? Wait until we feel led? Wait until we're exhorted correctly? Wait until "the Spirit" gives us some extra-biblical confirmation? Or is it, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments..." (1 John 5:3)

Is the one called as a freeman to Christ his colleague? His equal? His debate opponent? Or, is he Christ's slave (1 Corinthians 7:22)?

Is not every member of my body to be presented as a "slave to righteousness", resulting in sanctification (Romans 6:19)?

If one argues, "we are not merely slaves, but also sons", the questions become more difficult and yet (I think), more obvious.

Is a son a peer to his father? Does a son not owe respect, honor, and obedience to his earthly father (Colossians 3:20, Malachi 1:6, Ephesians 6:1)? If so, is it not much more the case with our heavenly Father (Hebrews 12:9)?

When our response to divine commands is an excuse--we're acting like the serpent, not a slave. 

A slave, much less a son, doesn't get to choose whether he should obey. It's not optional nor voluntary. James makes that perfectly clear (James 4:17).

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