As we continue with our series from the book of 1 John on “How to spot a real Christian,” we see one of the greatest secrets to knowing the blessing of God. It’s also one of the clearest signs that someone is a son or daughter of God. Very simply, it is obedience.
Obedience brings blessings. Disobedience brings pain, separation from God, and curses, just as Adam and Eve experienced. Living a life of disobedience to God is very clear evidence that you are not a Christian. Living a life of obedience to God is one of the surest proofs that you are a Christian (1 John 2:3-6; 1 John 5:3).
John learnt all about the importance of obedience from his first-hand experience of Jesus. Jesus taught that obedience was necessary to be a disciple (John 14:15). Jesus modelled a life of obedience to His Heavenly Father. Even though it is not always easy, obedience brings blessings to our lives. In the book of 1 John, this disciple of Jesus explains what obedience means in practice.
1. Obedience means doing what Jesus says (1 John 5:3; John 14:23; John 15:14; Matthew 22:37-40; Matthew 6:9-15; Matthew 25:35-36,40)
2. Obedience means living like Jesus lived (1 John 2:6; Romans 12:2; Mark 16:15; Matthew 9:36; Mark 10:45; John 13:14)
3. Obedience means conquering like Jesus conquered (1 John 5:3-4)
Apply
1. Obedience means doing what Jesus says (1 John 5:3; John 14:23; John 15:14). So, what are these teachings of Jesus that we are to be obey? Briefly, let’s look at a few:
- Love God and love people (Matthew 22:37-40)
- Forgive others (Matthew 6:9-15)
- Care for the needy (Matthew 25:35-36,40)
How much are we obeying these particular commands?
2. Obedience means living like Jesus lived (1 John 2:6). Jesus showed real obedience to doing the will of God. You can spot a real Christian when you see them living in obedience to God, which is totally contrary to the culture of today. We live in a culture of disobedience but we as Christians must not conform to today’s culture, rather to what the Word of God teaches (Romans 12:2). Jesus lived His life focussed on spreading the good news of the kingdom of heaven, not focussed on the things of this world. And He tells us to do the same (Mark 16:15). Jesus lived a life of compassion (Matthew 9:36) and a life of service (Mark 10:45; John 13:14). Is this the way we are living? If we are obedient to Jesus, we too will be focussed on the mission of winning people to Christ, showing compassion to the multitudes and having humble, serving heart.
3. Obedience means conquering like Jesus conquered. It’s not all hard work being obedient. In fact, it’s the way to succeed in life and ministry (1 John 5:3-4). One of the true signs that someone is a Christian is that they will turn from disobedience to obedience, from living their own way to living God’s way. Are you a rebel at heart? Or have you decided not to be self-willed any longer and submitted your will and all your life to truly becoming a follower of Jesus. This is the moment you can do so.
