SERVICES: SATURDAY 6PM | SUNDAY 9AM & 10:45AM. 

We Livestream at www.FaithFellowshipWeb.com/livestream, through the FFC App, and YouTube.

Live a life of Obedience

Words of Faith Final

Live a life of Obedience

Words of Faith 3-29-2021

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2021

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL

www.faithfellowshipweb.com

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

 

Ephesians 5

[6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. [7] Therefore do not be partners with them.

 

     Obedience is one of those words we resist or perhaps even wince at.  But Paul made it clear that obedience is a vital part of the foundation we build our lives and families upon.

     Remember that the foundation of the family and marriage lies in learning to be imitators of God, as dearly loved children.  Imitating God is manifested in five lifestyle changes. Live a life of Love.  Live a life of purity. Live a life of gratitude. Live the life of an heir.  And finally, live a life of obedience.

      Obedience does only have to do with personal decisions.  It has to do with who we partner with in life.  Paul gave a strong warning.  Don't be deceived!  Don't get suckered in!  Don't be swayed by empty words.  Empty words can lead one down a path that leads to disobedience, leading to God's wrath. 

      In setting a foundation that will be firm in life, family, and marriage, we must be careful not to partner with disobedience.  Those that we keep company with become the ones we build alliances and partnerships with.  From these very relationships, we may even be drawn into marriage.  Don't be deceived by empty words!  The partnership of marriage or any other such partnership will be built on a shifting foundation if partnered with a disobedient person.

      Now some scoff at the importance of obedience.  In the name of "grace," or actually a twisted misunderstanding of "grace," some will shirk at the idea of walking in obedience.  Yet, this flies in the face of Jesus, who taught that obedience is the defining issue in who we are as members of God's family.  Listen to this!  Jesus said, "Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother" (Matthew 12:50).

      Holy Spirit exhorts us: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2).  We are not to be like the world, nor are we to walk in partnership with the disobedience of the world-- "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers" (2 Corinthians 6:14).  "I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people" (1 Corinthians 5:9). 

      Don't misunderstand.  This does not mean that we are not to have friendships with those who do not know Christ.  We are to love and witness to those who are disobedient.  The language here refers to close fellowship.  Do not "mix up with" or associate in close fellowship with those who are disobedient.

      So. Do you have a close associate, best friend, or advisor who is basically disobedient to God? Do you have a business partner who walks in disobedience?  These are matters for careful concern and prayerful action. 

      More basic, are you imitating God or imitating the world?  Are you living a life of love, or a life for yourself?  A life of purity or a life immorality?  A life of coarse foolishness, or a life of gratitude?  Are you living as a Kingdom heir, or a life of idolatry?  A life of obedience, or a partnership with the world?

 

      Father God, set in me a solid foundation.  Give me the grace to imitate Your godly characteristics and make the changes that are needed. Point out to me the fellowship and friendships that are not pleasing to You.  Teach me how to witness carefully without becoming yoked to disobedience.  Let me walk in obedience. In Jesus' Name.