Topical Bible: Christian Conduct: Obeying Christ

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Topical Encyclopedia

Obeying Christ is a fundamental aspect of Christian conduct, reflecting a believer's commitment to live according to the teachings and example of Jesus. This obedience is not merely a matter of external compliance but is rooted in a transformed heart and mind, reflecting a deep relationship with Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The call to obey Christ is woven throughout the New Testament, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's life with His teachings. In John 14:15, Jesus Himself states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" . This verse underscores the intrinsic link between love for Christ and obedience to His commands. Obedience is portrayed as a natural outflow of genuine love and devotion to the Savior.

In the Great Commission, Jesus instructs His disciples to teach new believers "to obey all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:20). This directive highlights the comprehensive nature of obedience, encompassing all of Christ's teachings and commands.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in empowering believers to obey Christ. In John 14:26, Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will "teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you" . The Spirit guides, convicts, and strengthens believers, enabling them to live in accordance with Christ's will.

Obedience as a Mark of Discipleship

Obedience to Christ is a defining characteristic of true discipleship. In Luke 6:46, Jesus challenges His followers, saying, "Why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' but not do what I say?" . This rhetorical question highlights the inconsistency of professing allegiance to Christ without corresponding actions. True discipleship involves a commitment to follow Christ's teachings in every aspect of life.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Himself exemplified perfect obedience to the Father, serving as the ultimate model for believers. Philippians 2:8 describes how He "humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" . Christ's obedience, even unto death, serves as both an example and an inspiration for believers to follow.

The Blessings of Obedience

Scripture affirms that obedience to Christ brings blessings and spiritual fruitfulness. In John 15:10-11, Jesus promises, "If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete" . Obedience leads to a deeper experience of Christ's love and joy.

Challenges and Perseverance

While obedience to Christ is essential, it is not without challenges. Believers may face opposition, temptation, and trials that test their commitment. However, Scripture encourages perseverance. James 1:22 exhorts, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" . This call to action emphasizes the importance of steadfastness in living out one's faith.

Conclusion

Obeying Christ is a vital aspect of Christian conduct, reflecting a believer's love, devotion, and commitment to the Savior. Through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, the example of Christ, and the encouragement of Scripture, believers are called to live lives marked by obedience, experiencing the blessings and joy that come from following Him faithfully.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 14:21
He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 15:14
You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether Christ Conformed his Conduct to the Law?
... And Christ, indeed, wished to conform His conduct to the Law, first, to show His
approval of the Old Law. Secondly, that by obeying the Law He might perfect it ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ conformed his conduct.htm

1 John ii. 3
... imperfections which still encumber the christian life, there ... to know Christ, and
yet not obeying his commands ... disposition from which such conduct proceeds, that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john ii 3.htm

The Negative Side
... First, that sinners become saints by obeying the Law ... life, but when it is opposed
to Christ! ... it was under such teaching was produced Christian conduct that puts ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the law and the saint/the negative side.htm

Purifying the Soul
... does not mould and transform character and conduct is a ... And the very truths on which
Christian people rest ... dispersed strangers obeyed, and, by obeying the truth ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/purifying the soul.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... they assign to her the sole direction of the conduct. ... The Christian ought, indeed,
to be so trained and ... our mind is utterly incapable of obeying until its ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter ii a summary of.htm

Christ Our Advocate
... are opposed to their becoming Christians and obeying God ... in mitigation of his guilt,
or in extenuation of his conduct. ... You see what it is to become a Christian. ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xvii christ our advocate.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... they assign to her the sole direction of the conduct. ... The Christian ought, indeed,
to be so trained and ... our mind is utterly incapable of obeying until its ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 a summary of.htm

'The Form of Teaching'
... that have ever tried to affect the conduct or to ... The Christian type of character
is a distinct and manifestly ... no such thing as taking Him in and not obeying. ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the form of teaching.htm

Twentieth Sunday after Trinity the Careful Walk of the Christian.
... wisely and circumspectly"; so much upon unwise conduct in regard ... With these things
the Christian must always contend; the ... to the will of God; obeying it while ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twentieth sunday after trinity the.htm

"One Thing Thou Lackest"
... the ruler where he would perfect a Christian character ... In accepting and obeying them
was the ruler's only hope ... God has given us the rule of conduct which every ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 57 one thing thou.htm