Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Jesus was exalted by God to become Lord Head of the Church after He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross. The Lordship of Jesus begins at the moment of the confession of His Lordship (Romans 10:9, 10) and is to be followed by a life of obedience to Him and His rule. The Lordship of Jesus is essentially the rule of God’s Word and our submission to it in every area of life.
When a Christian obeys God, he gives the only possible evidence that in his heart he believes God. Our salvation is not only because we believed but also because we obeyed, as Romans 6:17 says, “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.”
Our call to salvation is a call to ongoing obedience. Our ongoing obedience shows who we serve, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness Romans 6:16?” Obedience doesn’t earn our salvation but our salvation should produce obedience. No true teaching of grace will trivialize disobedience or minimize the importance of obedience. Obedience is:
- A FAITH issue Hebrews 11:18.
Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
We all claim Abraham’s blessing but it started with Abraham’s obedience. His obedience showed his belief or his faith. Faith and belief are of the heart and invisible to men. Obedience is seen in our outward conduct, and it may be observed by men.
- A LORDSHIP issue Luke 6:46.
Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
Many say they believe Jesus is Lord but their behavior doesn’t show it. Obedience is the link between belief and behavior. We can measure level of submission of our life to Jesus as Lord not by our accumulation of knowledge but by our obedience
- A DISCIPLESHIP issue Matthew 28:18-20.
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations (MAKE DISCIPLES), baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Obedience is the most reliable sign of a disciple, someone observing (hearing /obeying) all things Jesus commanded. Keep this in mind, obedience is not some sort of depressing, long‑faced act of endurance. There is joy and peace in obeying and doing what is right.
- SALVATION issue Philippians 2:12-16.
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Our salvation needs worked out into all areas of our life in ongoing obedience. Our obedience isn’t just for our benefit but it is also a salvation issue for others; helps this searching world find Jesus. If you are saved, somewhere in your past is someone who obeyed. What if we make the goal of Christianity gathering information and all of us quit obeying?
Pastor John Rasicci is the founder and Pastor of Word of His Grace Church in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, where we are building people who are building the Church. Pastor's ministry mission is to help people discover God's dream for their Life, the Local Church, and the Last Days' Harvest. With a strong emphasis on the grace of God and with a prophetic voice, Pastor John preaches and teaches in churches, conferences, and crusades both locally and throughout the world. He has produced books, tapes, and other teaching materials to empower, enable, and equip Believers with the Word of God. Pastor John is married to his wife Candy who with their three children, Krista, Joanna, John Anthony, and two son-in-laws, Matt and Doug, serve together in the ministry. After graduating from Kent State University, Pastor John pursued a career in professional baseball before accepting the call to the ministry. He and his wife, Candy, received their ministry training from Rhema Bible Training Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Leave a Reply