The Blessings of Obedience

Jon Beck
Digging Deeper into Sunday’s Sermon

At the end of yesterday’s message from 1 John 2:3–6, I briefly shared several blessings of obedience. I want to dig a little deeper into those truths and expand on them just a touch.

Obedience does not save us, but it gives evidence that we know Christ and brings real blessing as we walk with Him.

Assurance

Obedience strengthens our confidence that we truly know Christ.

“By this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.” — 1 John 2:3

  • Obedience is not the basis of salvation.
  • It is evidence of a changed heart.
  • Growing obedience gives assurance that our profession is real.
  • The question is not, “Am I perfect?” but, “Is Christ changing the direction of my life?”

Fellowship

Obedience deepens our daily walk with Christ.

“Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” — 1 John 2:6

  • To abide in Christ is to live in ongoing dependence upon Him.
  • Obedience brings our lives into greater alignment with His will.
  • We do not obey to earn His love.
  • We obey because we know Him and love Him.

Freedom

Obedience protects us from the destructive patterns of sin.

“For sin will have no dominion over you.” — Romans 6:14

  • Sin promises freedom but produces bondage.
  • God’s commands are for our good.
  • Obedience guards our hearts from patterns that enslave and destroy.
  • Saying yes to Christ means learning to say no to sin.

Joy

Obedience brings the joy of walking in a way that pleases the Lord.

“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love… that my joy may be in you.” — John 15:10–11

  • There is joy in a clear conscience.
  • There is joy in knowing we are walking in God’s will.
  • Obedience does not produce pride in our performance.
  • It produces joy in pleasing the One we love.

Fruitfulness

Obedience produces a life that increasingly reflects Christ to others.

“Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.” — John 15:5

  • Christ changes our words, attitudes, priorities, and relationships.
  • Genuine faith becomes visible in everyday life.
  • Our influence is strengthened when our walk supports our witness.
  • A Christlike life points others to Christ.

Stability

Obedience anchors our lives in the truth of God’s Word.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” — Matthew 7:24

  • Feelings change.
  • Circumstances change.
  • Culture changes.
  • God’s Word does not change.
  • Stability comes from hearing Christ and doing what He says.

The What Now

We do not obey Christ to become His. We obey because we are His.

  • Know Christ.
  • Keep His Word.
  • Walk as Jesus walked.
  • Confess quickly when you fail.
  • Press on in faithful obedience.

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