The Outcome Of Obedience

· I am reasonably sure, that we all would agree the Holy Spirit comes to reside in all of us when we are born again. However,

according to the Word of God, there are measures of the Spirit imparted to those who strive to obey God. The measure of God’s Spirit given to us is in direct connection to our obedience….

Joh 3:34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. (another version states that the Spirit was given to Christ “without limitation” There has never been a near rival to Christ’s obedience to the Father!

#3) ACQUIRE THE FAITH:

· Even our level of faith is directly connected to our obedience.

Mt 8: 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

· Obedience is clearly a key to great faith. Understanding and submitting ourselves to authority is crucial to our level of faith. Let’s consider this principle further!

1Jo 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

1Jo 3:21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

· The reason that our heart condemns us is because the law of God written on our heart reveals disobedience. It does not say that God condemns, it is our own heart. Thank God that He is greater than condemnation. He convicts to bring us near to Him! PRAISE HIM FOREVER!

· Jesus lived his earthly life and did great miracles BY FAITH. HE DEPENDED ON THE FATHER FOR EVERYTHING HE DID. The Scripture teaches that He had great confidence or FAITH in God.

Jn 8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

· If we will be a people of great faith we must also be a people of great obedience!

1Jo 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

1Jo 5: 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

#4) ACQUIRE THE FELLOWSHIP:

· In the account of the three Hebrew children we have a wonderful illustration of the relationship between obedience and fellowship with the Lord! The command that they so daringly obeyed was: the first commandment THOU SHALT HAVE NO OTHER gods BEFORE ME! (Ex 20:3)

· The Kings command was to worship an image made by the hands of men. The cue was when they heard the music. THEIR ANSWER WAS: NO WAY! NOT NOW! NOT EVER! NOT EVEN IF WE HAVE TO BE BAKED UNTIL WE ARE WELL DONE! IT WILL NOT HAPPEN!

· THE KING GOT MASSIVELY TICKED AT THE BOYS AND CRANKED THE FURNACE UP TIMES 7 AND IT WAS SO HOT IT KILLED THE HELP!

Dan 3: 15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?