Learning To Obey

by Pastor Mark
April 20, 2023

The serious problem of disobedience

Disobedience is a “deadly” problem. It is a problem that has plagued the sons of man throughout time. It was a severe problem that greatly affected Israel throughout its history. The New Testament church also struggled with disobedience. Today, this deep problem of disobedience affects all of us.

We also need to recognise how serious this problem is. Disobedience stems from that which is evil. The prophet Jeremiah wrote what God said about Israel, “Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but followed the counsels and the dictates of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward.” (Jeremiah 7:24) When we disobey the Lord, we are following the counsels and dictates of our evil heart. Let us be challenged not to persist in our disobedience.

The perfect example of the obedience of the Son of Man

“Though He was a Son, yet He learnt obedience by the things which He suffered.” (Hebrews 5:8)

1. Was it easier for the Lord Jesus to be obedient because He was the Son of God?

  1. The answer is “No!”
  2. He learnt obedience as the Son of Man, in the flesh.
  3. He faced all the struggles that all of us face as humans.

2. The Son of Man sought to practise obedience throughout His life and ministry.

  1. As a child, the Lord Jesus grew in favour with God and men (Luke 2:52).
  2. As an adult, He suffered and overcame the temptations of Satan (Luke 4).
  3. At the start of His ministry, He submitted Himself to be ordained as High Priest (Hebrews 5:5).
  4. In fulfilling His role as High Priest, He prayed intensely with godly fear (Hebrews 5:6,7).

3. The Son of Man learnt obedience through His sufferings (Hebrews 5:8).

  1. The Lord Jesus went through tremendous pain and suffering in the flesh.
  2. He was scourged, beaten, mocked and shamed.
  3. He was hated, despised and rejected.
  4. With profound humility, the Lord Jesus became obedient to the point of death (Philippians 2:5­–8).

Our personal challenge is to make obedience a part of our lives

1. Obey as it is indicative of true salvation (Hebrews 5:9)

  1. Obedience should characterise all of us as true believers.
  2. If we are truly saved, our natural inclination would be to obey the Lord.

2. Obey as we are inspired to follow the Lord Jesus’ example

  1. The Lord Jesus’ perfect example is a great and tremendous inspiration to us.
  2. We ought to follow His kind of spirit that is submissive, humble and of godly fear.

3. Obey as God works in us (Philippians 2:13)

  1. To will according to what He desires of us
  2. To do things according to His Word

4. Obey as it is inextricably linked with spiritual maturity (Hebrews 5:12–14)

  1. As we mature, we become more obedient in life and ministry.
  2. When we are fully mature, obedience becomes part of who we are.

Let us be challenged to learn to be obedient, as it is the spiritually mature thing to do.

Back to Article Listing

More Articles

View more