Revision as of 18:14, 25 April 2023

Theological Proposition/Focus:

Homiletical Proposition/Application:

Introduction:

Image:

Need:

Subject: Obedience

Preview: Today we are going to talk about obedience as a spiritual discipline. We will begin with what, move to why, and conclude with how.

Text: John 14:15, If you love me, keep my commands.

Setting the Stage:

What is a Spiritual Discipline.

We are in the middle of a series focusing on spiritual disciplines. Spiritual disciplines are the regular practices that when systematically practiced can help an individual nurture their relationship with God and grow in Christ likeness. None of the Spiritual Disciplines are new ideas but the label Spiritual Discipline makes it clear that these practices should be should b a regular and purposeful part of the Christian life. The term Spiritual Discipline also acknowledges that these practices are not necessarily easy or something that comes naturally to every Christian. It takes work energy and effort to live a disciplined life.

There are several examples of Spiritual Disciplines, some we have talked about, and some we still need to talk about.

Prayer

Bible study

Meditation

Fasting

Today we are going to talk about obedience as a Spiritual Discipline.

Body

What does it not look like to make obedience a spiritual discipline?

Making obedience a spiritual discipline does not look like following a bunch of rules in order to make one right with God (Ephesians 2:8-10).

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

I want to start by making one thing clear here.

We do not have a right relationship with God because we are obedient! This is vitally important.

Rather, our obedience comes out of our right relationship with God as suggested by John 14:15.

Turn with me to Ephesians 2:8-10.

In context Paul is writing about our previous status of dead in transgression and sin but made alive in Jesus.

The key point Paul makes is that we are saved by grace

As we talk about obedience we must always remember that order matters, we are not saved by obedience, we are saved by grace.

Making obedience a spiritual discipline does not look like following a bunch of rules in order to guarantee special favor from God (John 9:1-3).

First, this is a common misconception, we are used to the law of cause and effect, but when we over apply the law it is called Karma, and this is not a Christian doctrine.

Look at how Jesus responded in John 9:1-3.

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

Second, there is a significant theological problem with what I describe as Christian Karma.

If God favors one who is obedient then my actions change God who is immutable.

What does it look like to make obedience a spiritual discipline? (Romans 6:15-23)

Making obedience a spiritual discipline looks like offering yourself as a slave to obedience (Romans 6:15-16)

First, remember, grace is not an excuse to sin.

A level one understanding of the Gospel says I am a sinner and need to do good to please God. This is not saving knowledge.

At level two someone says, "I am a sinner and incapable of saving myself, I need Christ's atonement." This is saving knowledge but not complete knowledge.

In fact, this is a dangerous place for a Christian. Christian's in this place can make a logical jump and conclude that since we are sinners we might as well embrace our sin and go crazy.

At level three someone says, "everyone is a slave to something, I don't want to be a slave to sin so I will instead enslave my self to obedience.

That is, the slave to obedience refuses to serve sin and sinful desires and instead chooses to obey not to earn favor from God but rather because it is the right thing to do. The phrase "which leads to righteousness." Here righteousness is not a state of justification, that is already accomplished by grace, righteousness here is probably a reference to justice, fairness, uprightness.

Making obedience a spiritual discipline does look like patterning oneself after Christ (Romans 6:17).

Why should I make obedience a spiritual discipline? (2 Cor. 9:6-15)

How can I make obedience a spiritual discipline?