Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Saints: Obedient Children

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "obedient children" is a title and description used within the Christian tradition to refer to believers who live in accordance with the teachings and commandments of God, as revealed in the Scriptures. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is emphasized as a key characteristic of a faithful and devout life.

Biblical Foundation

The notion of being "obedient children" is explicitly mentioned in the New Testament. In 1 Peter 1:14 , the apostle Peter exhorts believers: "As obedient children, do not conform to the passions of your former ignorance." This verse highlights the transformation expected of those who follow Christ, urging them to abandon their previous sinful ways and embrace a life of holiness and obedience to God's will.

Spiritual Adoption

The idea of believers as "obedient children" is closely linked to the concept of spiritual adoption. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are adopted into the family of God, becoming His children. This adoption is not merely a change in status but also a call to live in a manner that reflects their new identity. Romans 8:15-16 states, "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children."

Imitation of Christ

As obedient children, believers are called to imitate Christ, who is the perfect example of obedience to the Father. Philippians 2:8 describes Jesus' obedience: "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." This ultimate act of obedience serves as a model for Christians, who are encouraged to follow in His footsteps by living lives of humility and submission to God's will.

Moral and Ethical Conduct

The title "obedient children" also encompasses the moral and ethical conduct expected of believers. Ephesians 5:1-2 instructs, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God." This passage underscores the importance of love and self-sacrifice as central elements of obedience.

Discipline and Correction

The role of discipline and correction in the life of obedient children is addressed in Hebrews 12:5-6 : "And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.'" This passage highlights that God's discipline is an expression of His love and a means of guiding His children toward greater obedience and maturity.

Inheritance and Reward

Finally, the concept of obedient children is linked to the promise of inheritance and reward. As children of God, believers are heirs to the promises of God, including eternal life and the blessings of His kingdom. Galatians 4:7 affirms, "So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God." This inheritance is both a present reality and a future hope, motivating believers to live obediently as they await the fulfillment of God's promises.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 1:14
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Psalm LXXXIII.
... the congregation of God's people in the titles of many ... nation or people of God, or
His saints, who know ... For by such names are most suitably figured the enemies ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxiii.htm

The Second Sermon, in the Afternoon.
... clergy, (how much soever we arrogate these holy titles unto us ... swear by all he-saints
and she-saints too, that ... see them come in again with their names; and that ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/the second sermon in the.htm

Concerning Persecution
... shall they be thought worthy, who clip the names of God's ... It is one of the titles
given to the church ... They have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

Reading the Law with Tears and Joy
... of the law are given in the two titles by which ... It is somewhat singular that thirteen
names are enumerated as ... forgotten by two kinds of men"saints who have ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/reading the law with tears.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... they are designated by their own names; but when ... therefore, to whom he imparts such
titles, he distinguishes ... Wherefore, if any one who is obedient to parents ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Britain's Mercies, and Britain's Duty
... justly incurring the censure of giving flattering titles, I believe ... once more drunk
with the blood of the saints? ... Let the names of Blakeney, Bland and Rea, and ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/britains mercies and britains duty.htm

Appendix.
... TITLES."In a passage which forms a part of the Roman canon ... The only robe which the
saints will need to meet the ... as well as fortified by the high names of Mede ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /appendix.htm

City of God
... are Not Inappropriately Signified by the Names Light and ... 22.--That the Bodies of
the Saints Shall After ... If Men Had Remained Innocent and Obedient in Paradise ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... inward and spiritual fellowship of the saints, they become ... form of speaking, and
these profane titles, derive their ... of men and things their own names is not ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... him you have trained us, made us saints, and honored us ... reader will observe that,
while the titles "presbyter" and ... The names of the first two suggest that they ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm