Bold Living

Obey Scripture to Release God’s Success in Your Life

Obey Scripture: Release God's power in your life. Many Christians know scripture, but don't obey scripture. Be more like Jesus. Become a bold Christian.

Obey scripture. Two simple words that sound so easy. If we are living to honor God, then this is something we must do.

What does it mean to obey God’s commandments? Do we obey the Old Testament and New Testament commandments or do we obey only the commandments Jesus gave us in the New Testament? What about the Law given to Israel? Are we to obey it?

I will answer these questions and also show you where true obedience comes from. Obeying scripture is the third, final, and most vital step for us to do in God’s Success plan.

This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. Joshua 1:8 CSB

If you want to know about God’s Success Plan, read my post here.->God’s Success Plan

Obey Scripture and Christians in America

Christians in America may be the most fortunate believers on earth. We have more and easier access to God’s Word and God’s teaching than possibly anywhere else on earth.

We can buy a Bible anytime we want and almost everywhere we go. We can buy a Bible at Walmart, many churches, truck stops, airports, and even many convenience stores. Bibles are available in many sizes, and I think only God may know how many different translations.

Then, if we cannot or just don’t want to go anywhere, we can go online and buy as many Bibles as we like. Again, there are a plethora of websites to go to.

Here is my favorite place to buy a Bible.

There are thousands of Bibles available at hugely discounted prices -> BIBLES

Beyond Bibles

For Americans, it doesn’t stop with Bibles. We have so many other sources of Christian teaching.

Printed literature. There is a book or, most times, books written on every aspect of Christianity. Lack of knowledge cannot be an excuse for an American. If we lack knowledge in any area, it is our own fault.
The Internet. We can find somebody who has written about any subject in the Bible online. I am not saying they are all good or correct, but it is there. We may have to work a little harder to find the Truth, but it is there.
Electronic devices: computers, tablets, and cell phones.
Streaming

In America, we have no shortage of sources to learn what the Bible says. Most Christians in America have an abundance of knowledge about the Bible.

Looking Like Aliens

There was an old Star Trek episode concerning Captain Pike, who was being held captive by aliens. They could control him and his environment with their minds. The aliens never even spoke. They communicated with each other and him telepathically. Those aliens had small bodies and enormous heads to hold their great mind. Everything they did was through their intellect.
If we could look at the average American Christian’s spirit, I think it may look very much like those aliens. A small, emaciated body and gigantic head. They have a great intellectual knowledge of the Bible and doctrine, but truly little practical knowledge.

It Is Time to Obey Scripture

It is time for us to change. We need to take our great biblical knowledge and apply it to our life, family, and the world. The world, and especially those in America, are searching for truth more than ever.

We are seeing massive changes in our culture due to fear caused by the covid outbreak. There are great cultural, financial, and political upheavals taking place, which are causing people to be increasingly anxious. They feel as if they are standing on shifting dunes of sand and are seeking a rock on solid ground.

Christians have the Rock they need, Jesus. But if the Christians are living in fear and anxiety, how will we be able to show them the Solid Rock? What we need to do is stand fearless, just as the Bible says, and show the world our trust and reliance upon God and His Word.

The Bible tells us to not fear and to not worry. It tells us to cast our cares on Him and assures us He will meet all our needs. The world needs to see our trust in God alone.

If the rock is not Jesus, they have not found the Truth they seek, only more shifting sand.

The Willing and Obedient

Through our obedience to what God says, we can show others Jesus. For it is only through obedience to His commandments that we can rise above circumstances. Isaiah told Israel, “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land.” (Isaiah 1:19 CSB)

It is no different for us. We have to be willing AND obedient. Obedience is necessary, but we need to be WILLING to be obedient. Why is this so?

Because obedience is a heart issue. It is the fruit of love. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commands.” (John14:15 CSB) Our love for the Lord is the reason we obey.

I know in the past Christian obedience was more from fear of God or religious tradition. This is not so now. In this era of greater cultural freedom, obedience comes from love. Now, the question the Lord asks of us is, “How much do you love me?”

Obedience is the fruit of love.

Obey the Word of God

This is the hardest step in God’s Success Plan. Sure, we memorize and quote the Word of God. But to live it? That is the hard part.

Why is it so hard to obey scripture? Obedience requires change. As human beings, we naturally resist change. We stay in our comfort zone and continue in the way we have always gone.

I have been there, so I understand. I read, memorized, and studied the Word. I was proud of how much scripture I knew and how knowledgeable I was. Yet, the day came when I had to make a choice. Was I going to live what I have learned or just be a knowledgeable believer?

Draw A Line in the Sand

The Word has a way of eating at you when you are not doing what it says. One morning I heard Holy Spirit say, “Walk in your knowledge or receive no more revelation until you do.” It was that day I wept in repentance and choose to walk in what God’s Word says to the very best of my ability. That day I drew a line in the sand, stepped over, and refused to back off.

There comes a time where every believer faces the draw-a-line-in-the-sand moment concerning obedience to God’s Word. That moment can affect your whole eternity. It is the moment that can define your life on earth as a Christian. What type of Christian do we want to be? One that goes through the motions acting like a Christian? Or do we live a life of obedience and be a Christian, revealing Jesus to others?

Conform

The choice demands we don’t make the Word conform to our lifestyle; but, instead, we make our lifestyle conform to the Word. Whatever God says we obey and do. No alterations or adaptations. We do what the Word says for us to do.

Obeying God’s instructions isn’t done out of simply obeying a set of rules and regulations. Religion and denominations often create a set of rules their members must follow. Often these man-made rules and regulations are not based on scripture. We are to follow God’s instructions. Jesus spoke harshly of the Pharisees because of their additional rules and regulations that were beyond what God’s Word commanded.

We don’t make the Word conform to our lifestyle. We make our lifestyle conform to the Word.,

Here are the other articles in this series:

A Life of Success Created In Three Bold Steps

First Bold Step to Your Success | Read Scripture Daily

Meditate Scripture | The Next Essential Step to Your Successful Life

Need to know a simple and efficient system for studying the Bible? Read my article: Bible Study for Beginners: The Simple Method for Young and Old

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Richard Affolder

I am an author, blogger, Bible teacher, and preacher. My purpose is to lead believers into a deeper relationship with God, resulting in them becoming A Bold Christian. The goal is "Living All Out For Jesus". We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us. Philippians 4:13

Recommended Resources

Not sure of the resources you need for Bible study? Check out my personal recommended resources list. I have separated the list into free resources, basic resources, and advanced resources.

Click HERE for Recommended Resources.