Levels of Christian Obedience
This post is about the three levels of Christian obedience. The main points are taken from the book ‘Reflections of a Discerning Christian’ by Nelson Thomas. I have also added a few of my own points after meditating on the same verses.
Obedience to God’s commandment is one the basic marks of a genuine believer. A ‘spirit of disobedience’ energizes an unbeliever to oppose and disobey God’s Word, so Paul calls them ‘sons of disobedience’ (Ephesians 2:2).
There is a progressive nature in the levels of Christian obedience. Beginners who know the Lord obey God’s commandments. As they grow in their love and devotion to the Lord, they are challenged to keep the words of the Lord. Further, as they continue to abide in Christ and mature in their spiritual walk, they realize the value of following the example of Christ.
[1] Obey His Commandments
1 John 2:3,4 - Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
Our knowledge of God as our Savior and Lord is substantiated by obedience to His commandments. These refer to the written, documented precepts of God, which are very clear and plain that anyone can read, understand, and keep.
A true Christian does not find it a difficult thing to be obedient to God’s commands. Obedience is the natural result of having fellowship with God.
[2] Obey His Words
1 John 2:5 - But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.
A true believer obeys even the words of Christ. Obedience to God’s commandments proves our knowledge of Him, but obedience to His words proves our intimate relation and love for the Lord
It’s not an obedience based on the terror of the Lord of the mechanically fulfilling what is written; but, out of love, affection and devotion for Christ, they are committed to do those things that will please the heart of Christ.
A believers’ relationship to sin changes after they accept Christ as their Savior. They no longer love sin as they did before. They don’t enjoy sin the way they did before. They are no longer comfortable with their sins as they were before.
Ephesians 6:6 - not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
All our work should be done for the Lord, not only because we think He is watching us or because we want to please others with our actions. We should desire to obey God’s words and follow His will. This is only possible through constant communication with Him via prayer and with regular study and meditation of His word.
[3] Obey His examples
1 John 2:6 - He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
We need to imitate the example of our Lord; follow His life itself. We must follow Christ in all parts of our lives - our walk, our talk, and our thoughts.
1 John 4:17 - Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.
A Christ-lover’s greatest responsibility is to continue the mission of Christ by living out His life! We shouldn’t just be satisfied on the Day of Judgement because we are not going to hell. We should be bold on that day if we have followed Christ in all aspects of our lives.
There are certain areas where we can definitely walk like Him by the help of the Holy Spirit
Wash the feet of one another as He did
John 13:15 - For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.
Suffer as He suffered
1 Peter 2:21 - For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
Forgive as He has forgiven us
Ephesians 4:32 - And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Colossians 3:13 - bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Love as He loved
John 13:34 - A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
Be humble as He is humble
Philippians 2:5 - Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
