This article is from Issue 5, “Called To Obedience”
SETTLE IT IN YOUR HEART
Bible Reading Series
Dear Reader, it is most recommended, if you are able, that you physically write out all verses mentioned below in full, perhaps in a notebook. Not only are these verses helpful as a reference, but seeing and reading combined verses on a particular theme from the whole council of God’s Word is highly beneficial for spiritual growth. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and to illuminate His word to you, and to impart the faith needed to be both a hearer and a doer. Remember, He is our Wonderful Helper!
To gain the most benefit from these readings, allow time for thinking on each verse, prayerfully asking yourself these questions, making notes on your reflections…..
Do I believe this? If not, Mark 9:23-24, Hebrews 11:6
Am I willing to act on this? If not, Romans 12:1
Am I acting on this? If not, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 4:13
Being A Doer of The Word
Obedience to God’s Word and promptings is easy when it is convenient and pleasing to our own inclinations. However, at other times we experience within ourselves a resistance to some instruction or command of God, which serves to highlight a conflict of interests. These are the times that as Children of God, we have the best opportunity to agree with God’s will and plans over our own, and thus prove that we are not hearers only, but doers of His Word.
1) Throughout the teachings and preaching of The Lord Jesus, He emphasised the necessity and the blessings of practical out-workings. Consider the following statements that Jesus made.
a) John 14:21,23, Matthew 7:21-23
b) Matthew 7:24-27, Luke 11:28, Matthew 12:47-50
2) God speaks through His written Word and directly through His Spirit to individuals. We are warned to test all spirits (1 John 4:1), but also to expect to hear God speak, and to act accordingly with faith.
a) John 20:27, John 14:16-17, Mark 4:23-24
b) Romans 8:14, Isaiah 30:21
c) Acts 13:2, Acts 8:29, Acts 16:6-7
3) Sometimes when we are called to a particular act by The Lord, we feel inadequate for the task and are tempted to shrink back. We may feel uncomfortable, apprehensive, or unskilled, and we are faced with an inner crisis while a decision is being made. When this happens. In these instances, take heart in the following….
a) Philippians 2:13, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 4:13
4) When we read the Gospels, we often see the Lord Jesus give unusual instructions to people that were specific for that moment. Be encouraged by these accounts of the people who trusted and obeyed Jesus regardless of their own thoughts.
a) John 2:7-8, Luke 5:1-6, Luke 6:6-10, Luke 9:12-17, Luke 19:29-34, Luke 22:7-13
5) The Lord’s timing doesn’t always conveniently fit into our preference, mood or plans. But since God’s timing is always perfect, it is our preference, mood or plans that should be laid aside while the instructions of The Lord are carried out. The following verses are examples of some who made no delay in “doing.”
a) Matthew 4:18-20, 4:21-22, Luke 5:27-28
b) Luke 19:1-5, Acts 16:7-10
c) Acts 2:38-41, Acts 8:35-38
d) Acts 5:17-21, Acts 5:26-29
6) Jesus said that His “yoke is easy” and indeed it is, yet a struggle may occur when Jesus leads us in a particular direction, only to realise that a part of us is still yoked elsewhere. It may be a commitment, a relationship, a business/career plan, or social connections that causes a conflict regarding obedience. There are many different things in this world that we can find ourselves entangled in, but when we choose to trust and obey Jesus, deliverance will come. Below are a few snares to consider. While reading, ask The Lord if any apply to you.
Cares of this life. Luke 8:14, 2 Timothy 2:4, Romans 8:5, 1 John 2:15-17
Finance. Matthew 6:24, 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Matthew 6:19-21, 33
Relationships. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
False teachers. 2 Peter 2:1-3, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Colossians 2:8
Traditions of men. Matthew 15:3, Mark 7:13
7) Sometimes the conflict to obey may arise not because of external pressures or attractions, but rather due to the traits of our fallen nature that uses self interest as the measure for making choices. Satan introduced this method of thinking in the Garden of Eden, yet it was always God’s design that we should act according to trust and obedience in Him. Are any of the following traits hindering you?
Fear of man. Proverbs 29:25, Hebrews 13:6, Acts 5:29
Covetousness. Luke 12:15, Hebrews 13:5
Unbelief. Hebrews 3:12, 11:1, Hebrews 10:35, Hebrews 11:6
Seeking reputation. John 5:44, Philippians 2:5-11
Pride. Matthew 23:12, Romans 12:16
Anxiousness. 1 John 4:4, Isaiah 54:17, Isaiah 41:10
Personal ambition. Philippians 2:3-4, James 3:14-16, Philippians 3:7-8
Desire for control and certainty. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 2 Corinthians 5:15, Colossians 3:3
8) We never know when The Lord will call upon us to a specific act. The following verses will help to promote a state of readiness!
a) James 4:7, Matthew 6:33, Hebrews 12:1-3, 2 Corinthians 10:3
Taken from Life On The Altar Publications
Issue 5 Summer 2022
Called To Obedience
LIFE ON THE ALTAR 