Monday, 23 August 2021
THE POWER OF OBEDIENCE
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8).
God has His structures and systems, and operates by principles, but there’re those who always choose their own way. The Bible says there’s a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death (Proverbs 14:12). It pays to listen to God and follow His ways. Never walk in disobedience.
For example, as a result of Adam’s disobedience, the Bible tells us “Death ruled like a king…” (Romans 5:17 CEV). The Amplified Classic translation puts it this way: “…because of one man’s trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one…” Well then, as one man’s disobedience led to condemnation for all men, so also did Christ’s act of righteousness lead to eternal life and divine acquittal of all men. Jesus, the second and last Adam, did this by obedience.
We also read in our opening verse that He “...being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Remember that Jesus is Himself God, but nothing was going to make Him rebellious against the Father. He was going to be obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross. God had to respond to the obedience of Jesus: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). He was given the highest title that could be conferred, because of His obedience. Glory to God!
Obedience is a great blessing in the realm of the Spirit. Being born again, you have an obedient spirit; the Bible calls us obedient children (1 Peter 1:14). So, it’s natural for you to walk in the light of God’s Word, and be completely yielded to spiritual instructions.
PRAYER: My life is consecrated to you, dear Father; thank you for your love for me, and for your glory in my life! Today and always, I live to glorify you, serving you with whole-hearted devotion, keeping your Word, fulfilling your purpose for my life, and producing works of righteousness, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
1 Peter 1:13-14; Philippians 2:5-10
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 8 & Psalms 120-127
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 18:18-27 & 1 Samuel 10