The Power of Obedience
Basilea Schlink teaches that true strength and joy in life come from loving, trusting obedience to God's will, following the example of Jesus Christ.
In this devotional sermon, Basilea Schlink explores the transformative power of obedience in the Christian life. She highlights how obedience, though often unpopular, is the source of true strength and joy, modeled perfectly by Jesus Christ. Schlink encourages believers to surrender their own will and follow God's will faithfully, even in challenging circumstances. This message invites listeners to experience a deeper relationship with God through loving obedience.
Full Transcript
God lives and works today. Why do we experience so little of his wonderful reality in our lives? Perhaps because we are no longer prepared to go the way which brings such happy experiences. What way is this? Listen to the answer offered in today's meditation by Basilea Schlink called The Power of Obedience.
In our day and age no word seems to have become more unpopular than the word obedience, especially among young people. Nothing is as bad as having to be obedient. There is nothing we strive for as much as to live and run our own lives, but in this way we cheat ourselves of the source of all strength for our lives.
Whoever doesn't want to obey anymore shouldn't be surprised if his life has become empty, weak, unhappy, and stale. The life and way of our Lord Jesus really show what the power of obedience is all about. Jesus' obedience was loving obedience, trusting obedience, complete surrender to the will of his Father.
Obedience was a life necessity for him, his daily food. As he said in John 4, my food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. Jesus knew he was given the privilege of doing the very best will, the wisest will of God who created the universe and all mankind.
Yes, to do God's will was the Son's greatest joy, and this was his source of strength. When Jesus calls to us, come, follow me, he is calling us to follow him on the way of obedience, out of love for him. Therefore, when our will is crossed or our plans and desires are overruled, we should learn to surrender completely to the will of God our Father.
This means continually learning and practicing obedience, especially when we have difficult superiors or when others treat us unjustly. To follow their regulations and wishes may mean real suffering for us. However, we're to do it as long as their wishes do not contradict the commandments of God.
By following this way, we will experience what a source of strength there is in obedience. Therefore, do not act according to your own will, but according to God's will, no matter how difficult or incomprehensible it might seem to you. For ways of obedience, walked according to his will, will lead to joy and glory.
Yes, oh Father, I can trust thee, who dost help and deal so justly, firmly plann'd with thy sure aid. So I thank thee now already, for thy promise sure and steady cannot fail to come to pass. You have been listening to a program written by Basilea Schlink of the Little Land of Canaan.
To learn more about how God lives and works today, visit us at our website www.canaan.org. If you contact us, we would be happy to send you a free inspirational booklet. If you do not have access to the web, please write to God Lives and Works Today, 9849 North 40th Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85028-4099, USA. God bless you.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The rarity and unpopularity of obedience today
- The human desire for self-rule and its consequences
- Obedience as the source of true strength
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II
- Jesus as the perfect example of loving and trusting obedience
- Obedience as daily sustenance and joy for Jesus
- Doing God's will as the highest privilege
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III
- The call to follow Jesus on the path of obedience
- Surrendering personal will to God's will
- Obedience especially in difficult circumstances and unjust treatment
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IV
- Obedience leads to joy and glory
- Trusting God's just and firm plan
- Encouragement to practice obedience continually
Key Quotes
“Jesus' obedience was loving obedience, trusting obedience, complete surrender to the will of his Father.” — Basilea Schlink
“My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” — Basilea Schlink
“Do not act according to your own will, but according to God's will, no matter how difficult or incomprehensible it might seem to you.” — Basilea Schlink
Application Points
- Practice daily surrender to God's will, especially when it challenges your personal desires.
- Follow Jesus' example by embracing obedience as a source of spiritual strength and joy.
- Respond to difficult authorities and unjust treatment with faithful obedience, trusting God's plan.