The Bible teaches us that it’s quite possible for faith to be exercised, without corresponding works, but it would not meet God’s approval. Any, and all claims to be a Christian, without obedience to God’s will is a futile effort in religion, for our relationship with God is premised on our willingness to do whatever He says. There is now a form of Christianity that has been emerging for centuries, and has culminated in a religion that is full of praise, and professed faith in Christ, but permits its subscribers to do whatsoever is right in one’s own eyes.
This brand of religion has now become so popular with the mainstream, that anyone, doing anything, in anyway at any time can now join the bandwagon. But the Bible teaches us that if God had to choose
praise and obedience, He will undoubtedly choose the latter, since praise minus obedience is equal to flattery. As Christians, we should avoid the snare of flattering God, by telling Him what He likes to hear, without obeying His word, for Christ declares such worship to be utter vanity. Let’s read:
Matthew 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
1st Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.
In order that genuine faith in God be exercised, it must be followed up by obedience. Even in those mortal struggles against hereditary, and cultivated tendencies to evil, obedience to the word of God is necessary, even if our thoughts and desires conflict with what we know to be right, for at some point in time, Christ will grant us the victory, but we must walk in obedience to His revealed will, until every chain is broken.
If David, and Samson had steadfastly resisted the unlawful desires of the flesh, they would not have fallen, even though their innermost thoughts were not in harmony with God’s revealed will. In His own time and way, God would have granted to them the complete victory, thus bringing their thoughts and desires into harmony with truth. With our personal experiences, we will find that at times our thoughts and desires are not in sync with “It is written”, but if we continue to obey Christ in spite of those internal conflicts, He will one day grant us complete victory. That is why we conclude that obedience that works by faith, and love, is the final, determining factor, when it comes to our relationship with Christ. But there are some lingering issues in the minds of the multitudes, pertaining to obedience, which need to be addressed, before we take up our case study for this evening.
Issue # [1] There are some who have taken offence to God for Him placing the tree of good, and evil in the midst of the Garden, and thus allowing it to be possible for our first parents to choose to eat from it. They overlook the fact that there may have been thousands upon thousands of other trees, including the tree of life, from which the pair could freely eat. But if God had placed the prohibition on a perfectly good tree, the same result would likely take place, for the issue is not about whether or not the tree was good for food; the issue back then was, and still is obedience.
Issue # [2] There are others who blame God for not revealing much more detailed information about the whereabouts and activities of satan. They argue that if his disguise as a serpent was made known, it would have greatly altered the outcome. However, more information does not always translate into more obedience. The surgeon general has posted the most, dire warnings about the link between so many cancers and cigarette smoking, yet the sale of tobacco continues to go through the roof.
Indeed, if he were to put a skull, and two crossed bones on every pack, sales might actually increase. Thus, we conclude that obedience is not so much about the information given, but on our willingness to follow that which is good and right.
Issue # [3] Then there are others who will only obey when it makes logical sense to do so. If science does not view an instruction from God as being feasible, then some may not be willing to step out in faith to
obey. This is especially true in our day where the theory of evolution encourages people to question everything, and believe nothing that cannot be first proved by humanistic theories and research in a lab. This last issue brings us to our case study pertaining to the issue of obedience.
An impotent man has been crippled for thirty-eight years, on account of his own sin, and yet he vainly endeavors to reach the pool at Bethesda, where it is believed that an angel comes down to trouble the waters at certain seasons, so that the first to jump in could be healed. Christ approaches the venue, He sees the man’s plight, and then asks the man a very simple, but straightforward question. Let’s read:
John 5:6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
We observe that no formal introduction is given by Christ, about who He is and the supernatural power He possesses. He does not ask the man about his sin which is the root cause of his illness, nor does Jesus give any rational reason why His command should be obeyed. He does not ask the man to exercise any faith in Him. He just gives a simple instruction, and the result will hinge on whether, or not the crippled man will choose to obey. Now, there is a question pertaining to the issue of obedience which we must address before proceeding. Question: Why should the man obey in this instance?
Answer [1] He has nothing to lose, for he has been crippled for 38 years, so if Someone comes along and gives such an instruction, then, at least, it is
worth a try. Often, when we are at our lowest point the Lord may give us instructions in His word, and we should consider that we have nothing to lose by obeying His word. In many cases, it may not make sense, nor might it be based on scientific research, but if we obey anyway, the good results will accrue.
Answer [2] It is a good command, in that it does not involve violating any known laws of God, so there is nothing to prevent the crippled man from obeying, with a clear conscience. He does not wait either, for hesitation could squash the blessing, as is often the case when we take too long to obey. He jumps to his feet, reaches for his bed, and in obedience, the strength that he needs is imparted, and the rest is history. But he looks around to thank the One who has healed him, and to his surprise, the Person is gone. Let’s read:
John 5:9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked.
12 Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?
13 And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.
The determining factor was, and still is obedience, which leads us to observe carefully the following passage of scripture.
James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
[Patriarchs And Prophets. pp 148>152] In the obedience of faith, Abraham had forsaken his native country—had turned away from the graves of his fathers and the home of his kindred. He had wandered as a stranger in the land of his inheritance. He had waited long for the birth of the promised heir. At the command of God he had sent away his son Ishmael. And now, when the child so long desired was entering upon manhood, and the patriarch seemed able to discern the fruition of his hopes, a trial greater than all others was before him.
The command was expressed in words that must have wrung with anguish that father's heart: “Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, ... and offer him there for a burnt offering.” Isaac was the light of his home, the solace of his old age, above all else the inheritor of the promised blessing. The loss of such a son by accident or disease would have been heart rending to the fond father; it would have bowed down his whitened head with grief; but he was commanded to shed the blood of that son with his own hand.
It seemed to him a fearful impossibility. Satan was at hand to suggest that he must be deceived, for the divine law commands, “Thou shalt not kill,” and God would not require what He had once forbidden. Going outside his tent, Abraham looked up to the calm brightness of the unclouded heavens, and recalled the promise made nearly fifty years before, that his seed should be innumerable as the stars. If this promise was to be fulfilled through Isaac, how could he be put to death? Abraham was tempted to believe that he might be under a delusion.
In his doubt and anguish he bowed upon the earth, and prayed, as he had never prayed before, for some confirmation of the command if he must perform this terrible duty. Darkness seemed to shut him in; but the command of God was sounding in his ears, “Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest.” That command must be obeyed, and he dared not delay. Day was approaching, and he must be on his journey.
Returning to his tent, he went to the place where Isaac lay sleeping the deep, untroubled sleep of youth and innocence. For a moment the father looked upon the dear face of his son, then turned tremblingly away. He went to the side of Sarah, who was also sleeping. Should he awaken her, that she might once more embrace her child? Should he tell her of God's requirement? He longed to unburden his heart to her, and share with her this terrible responsibility; but he was restrained by the fear that she might hinder him.
Isaac was her joy and pride; her life was bound up in him, and the mother's love might refuse the sacrifice. Abraham at last summoned his son, telling him of the command to offer sacrifice upon a distant mountain. Isaac had often gone with his father to worship at some one of the various altars that marked his wanderings, and this summons excited no surprise. The preparations for the journey were quickly completed. The wood was made ready and put upon the ass, and with two menservants they set forth.
Side by side the father and the son journeyed in silence. The patriarch, pondering his heavy secret, had no heart for words. His thoughts were of the proud, fond mother, and the day when he should return to her alone. That day—the longest that Abraham had ever experienced—dragged slowly to its close. While his son and the young men were sleeping, he spent the night in prayer, still hoping that some heavenly messenger might come to say that the trial was enough, that the youth might return unharmed to his mother.
But no relief came to his tortured soul. Another long day, another night of humiliation and prayer, while ever the command that was to leave him childless was ringing in his ears. Satan was near to whisper doubts and unbelief, but Abraham resisted his suggestions. As they were about to begin the journey of the third day, the patriarch, looking northward, saw the promised sign, a cloud of glory hovering over Mount Moriah, and he knew that the voice which had spoken to him was from heaven.
Even now he did not murmur against God, but strengthened his soul by dwelling upon the evidences of the Lord's goodness and faithfulness. This son had been unexpectedly given; and had not He who bestowed the precious gift a right to recall His own? Then faith repeated the promise, “In Isaac shall thy seed be called”—a seed numberless as the grains of sand upon the shore. Isaac was the child of a miracle, and could not the power that gave him life restore it?
Looking beyond that which was seen, Abraham grasped the divine word, “accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead.” Hebrews 11:19. Yet none but God could understand how great was the father's sacrifice in yielding up his son to death; Abraham desired that none but God should witness the parting scene. He bade his servants remain behind, saying, “I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.”
The wood was laid upon Isaac, the one to be offered, the father took the knife and the fire, and together they ascended toward the mountain summit, the young man silently wondering whence, so far from folds and flocks, the offering was to come. At last he spoke, “My father,” “behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Oh, what a test was this! How the endearing words, “my father,” pierced Abraham's heart! Not yet—he could not tell him now. “My son,” he said, “God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering.”
At the appointed place they built the altar and laid the wood upon it. Then, with trembling voice, Abraham unfolded to his son the divine message. It was with terror and amazement that Isaac learned his fate, but he offered no resistance. He could have escaped his doom, had he chosen to do so; the grief-stricken old man, exhausted with the struggle of those three terrible days, could not have opposed the will of the vigorous youth. But Isaac had been trained from childhood to ready, trusting obedience, and as the purpose of God was opened before him, he yielded a willing submission.
He was a sharer in Abraham's faith, and he felt that he was honored in being called to give his life as an offering to God. He tenderly seeks to lighten the father's grief, and encourages his nerveless hands to bind the cords that confine him to the altar. And now the last words of love are spoken, the last tears are shed, the last embrace is given. The father lifts the knife to slay his son, when suddenly his arm is stayed. An angel of God calls to the patriarch out of heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” He quickly answers, “Here am I,” And again the voice is heard, “Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, from Me.”
Some may be wondering why this story has been penned in the Bible, and why Abraham chose to obey, even if it involved a terrible ordeal. The fact is that in our day we hear a whole lot about praise, thanksgiving, and faith, but the issue of obedience is missing in most of today’s versions of Christianity. A nominal type of faith, without the corresponding works has taken hold of the majority, and the truth has been watered down, so that hardly any sacrifice on our part is called for.
The Sabbath of the fourth commandment requires that believers exercise their faith in Christ through obedience to His word, and all His commands, but unlike Abraham, and the impotent man, many folks chose not to obey God, even though the Sabbath commandment starts with the word “Remember”. Let’s read:
Exodus 20:8 Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work.
10 But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates.
11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.
And like the crippled man, there may be questions in our minds which need to be resolved, questions such as “Why should we obey? The same answers given in the crippled man’s experience of faith and obedience, will also apply to us in our day.
[1] We have nothing to lose.
Mark 10:28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.
29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, 30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. 31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
Isaiah 58:13 If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
[2] It is a good command.
Exodus 20:12 Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.
A whole lot of stress and turbulence may be headed our way soon, and the developments in the spiritual and political realms may drive us to the very brink. It is in times like these, that God invites His people to rest, from worry and care, and labors and stress. If like Abraham, and the crippled man, our faith in God finds true exercise through obeying His word, then every promise in the Bible will be ours because they were given to those, who like Abraham, obey the voice of God. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages to rest by faith, and obedience to every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Let’s read:
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of his word.
God bless!