Obedience to Christ
Obedience to Christ5
The Call of the First Four Disciples Luke 5:1-11
By R.A. Torrey0DEU 11:27PSA 8:6ISA 1:19MAT 4:18MRK 1:16LUK 5:1LUK 14:33JHN 2:5JHN 21:6PHP 3:7R.A. Torrey explores the calling of the first four disciples in Luke 5:1-11, emphasizing the importance of listening to Jesus, obeying His commands, and following Him wholeheartedly. He highlights Peter's initial reluctance and doubts, yet underscores the miraculous catch of fish that resulted from obedience, illustrating that true blessings come from faith and surrender to Christ. Torrey also discusses the significance of recognizing one's own sinfulness and the need to forsake all for the sake of following Jesus, ultimately leading to a greater purpose in 'fishing for men.' The sermon encourages believers to trust in Jesus' guidance and to respond to His call with unwavering faith.
Obedience Unto Christ — the Nature and Causes of It
By John Owen0MAT 5:17JHN 14:15ROM 14:10John Owen emphasizes the significance of obedience to Christ, asserting that true obedience stems from a heartfelt submission to His authority rather than mere compliance with rules. He clarifies that while the moral law remains unchanged, Christ confirmed it and provided new directives for worship, establishing His role as the ultimate lawgiver. Owen argues that obedience is not just about following commands but is rooted in recognizing Christ's divine nature and authority. He warns against the neglect of obedience, which is often overlooked in theological debates, and stresses that all moral duties must be performed in faith through Christ to be acceptable to God. Ultimately, Owen calls believers to acknowledge Christ's authority in both moral and worship practices, as all judgment and accountability rest with Him.
1 John 2:3
By John Gill0MAT 7:21JHN 14:15JHN 15:10ROM 5:5GAL 5:61JN 2:31JN 3:241JN 4:191JN 5:3John Gill emphasizes that true knowledge of God and Christ is not merely intellectual but is characterized by heartfelt love and obedience. This knowledge is evidenced by keeping God's commandments, which are rooted in faith and love rather than mere external observance. Gill distinguishes between the knowledge that leads to salvation and that which is superficial, asserting that genuine faith produces love and obedience to Christ's teachings. He highlights the importance of understanding God's grace and the role of Christ as our advocate and propitiation for sin. Ultimately, true knowledge of God results in a transformed life that reflects His commands and love.
The Narrow Way
By A.W. Pink0MAT 7:13A.W. Pink emphasizes the necessity of entering the 'Narrow Way' as taught by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, highlighting that true obedience to God's commands is essential for salvation. He warns against the delusion of relying on mere heritage or superficial righteousness, asserting that only those who genuinely repent and follow Christ can enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Pink explains that the 'Narrow Gate' represents the challenging acceptance of Christ's teachings, while the 'Narrow Way' signifies a life of ongoing faith and obedience, rejecting worldly temptations. He cautions against false prophets who promote an easier path to salvation, urging believers to strive diligently for the true way that leads to eternal life. Ultimately, Pink calls for a complete surrender to Christ, emphasizing that salvation requires a radical transformation of heart and life.
Wandering Thoughts
By John Wesley0PSA 119:15ISA 26:3MAT 6:33ROM 12:22CO 10:5PHP 4:8COL 3:22TI 1:7JAS 1:81PE 5:8John Wesley addresses the challenge of wandering thoughts, emphasizing the need to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. He discusses the various types of wandering thoughts, their sinful nature, and the importance of understanding their origins to avoid distress and spiritual harm. Wesley reassures believers that while they may struggle with thoughts that distract from God, these do not negate their love for Him. He encourages prayer for deliverance from sinful thoughts while acknowledging that some wandering thoughts are a natural consequence of our human condition. Ultimately, he calls for a focus on cultivating a heart that loves God fully, despite the inevitable distractions of life.