Blessings Through Obedience

Blessings Through Obedience

Introduction

1. On the one hand, the Scriptures teach that we are

saved by faith, not by works:

"8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9)

2. On the other hand, the Scriptures teach that we are

save by works and not by faith alone:

"24Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (James 2:24)

3. It is not within the scope of this lesson to

expound and reconcile these Scriptures. Rather, I

want to discuss the difference between ‘works’

and ‘obedience’ and demonstrate that:

a. We cannot be saved by works.

b. Obedience is essential to our salvation.

I. Works And Obedience

A. No person is able to earn salvation (Ephesians

2:5; Titus 3:5).

1. If a person lived a sinless life, would he be

saved?. If a person lived a sinless life then

he would have no need of salvation:

a. Jesus lived a sinless life (2 Corinthians

5:21; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5).

b. In theory, we can live sinless lives but

in practice no man ever has or will

(Romans 3:23; 5:12; Galatians 3:22).

"10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." (1 john 1:10)

2. If we falter can we make it good? Can we, by

good works, remove our sin? No, for Jesus

Himself has purged us of sin (Romans 3:25;

Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 1:7; 2:1; Colossians

1:4; Hebrews 1:3; 10:12; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18;

1 John 2:2; 4:10).

"3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;" (1 Corinthians 15:3)

a. The very reason Jesus was manifest was to

take away our sin (1 John 3:5). Therefore,

we cannot do anything to remit our sins.

b. However, we must confess our sin:

"9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

B. Every person is required to be obedient:

1. You are the servants of whom you obey (Romans

6:16).

2. The apostles received their apostleship

to “bring about the obedience of the faith…”

(Romans 1:5).

3. Many were obedient to the faith:

"7And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." (Acts 6:7)

4. Peter asks what will become of those who do

not obey the gospel of God (1 Peter 4:17).

The following Scriptures give the answer to

this question:

"8But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath," (Romans 2:8)

"8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:" (2 Thessalonians 1:8)

a. It is clear that the wrath of God rests on

the children of disobedience (Colossians

3:6).

b. God does not even want us to keep company

with the disobedient (2 Thessalonians

3:14).

5. But is our salvation dependant upon our

obedience? Hear the Scriptures:

"9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;" (Hebrews 5:9)

a. I don’t think the Scriptures could be any

clearer than this, do you?

b. Even Jesus was obedient to God:

"8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:8)

C. Summary:

1. The Scriptures teach that no one can earn

their salvation:

"8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9)

2. The Scriptures also teach that Jesus is the

author of salvation to all those who obey Him:

"9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;" (Hebrews 5:9)

3. Can we not see that there is a difference

between ‘working’ and ‘obeying’?

a. If a person attempts to work for his

salvation, he will find only bitter

disappointment.

b. If a person obeys the gospel, if he is

obedient to Jesus, he will find salvation.

II. The Realm Of Spiritual Blessings

A. What spiritual blessings are available? Lets

look at Paul’s summary (Ephesians 1:3-14):

1. Chosen to be holy and blameless before Him

(1:4).

2. Predestined us to adoption as sons (1:5-6).

3. Redemption through His blood, the forgiveness

of sins (1:7-10).

4. An inheritance (1:11-12).

5. Sealed with the Holy Spirit (1:13-14).