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1 year ago
Seeking Blessing Through Obedience: Discovering the Rewards of Following Jesus
Seeking Blessing through Obedience
Have you ever wondered why we struggle to obey the commands of Jesus? Why do we find it so difficult to turn away from evil and do good? The answer lies in our lack of confidence that obeying will bring more blessing than disobedience. We fail to fully hope in God's promises. But what exactly did God promise?
Peter, in his letter, shares the teachings of Jesus, urging us to bless others and not repay evil for evil. He reminds us that we were called to bless, and in doing so, we will obtain a blessing. Quoting from Psalm 34, Peter tells us, "Whoever desires to love life and see good days . . . let him turn away from evil and do good" (1 Peter 3:10–11).
Peter, following Jesus' example, is unashamed to use the promise of greater joy as a motivation for obedience. He encourages us to bless those who revile us, with the promise that in doing so, we will obtain a blessing. The prospect of enjoying everlasting life and experiencing joy for all eternity should be reward enough to resist the temporary pleasures of vengeance.
Obeying Jesus will always lead to a better outcome than disobedience, even if that obedience comes at a great cost, even our very lives. Jesus himself said, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time . . . with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life" (Mark 10:29–30).
The key to being able to follow Christ in the costly way of love is to have hope, a strong confidence that if we lose our lives in doing his will, we will find it again and be richly rewarded forever. This hope empowers us and enables us to overcome the challenges and temptations that come our way.
As we study the Bible, we find numerous examples of individuals who chose obedience over disobedience, even when the cost was high. Abraham, for instance, was willing to sacrifice his own son Isaac because he trusted in God's promise. And God, seeing Abraham's faith, provided a ram for the sacrifice instead. Abraham's obedience and trust in God's promise led to blessing.
Another example is found in the story of Joseph. Despite being betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, Joseph chose to honor God through his obedience. He resisted the advances of Potiphar's wife, even though it meant imprisonment. But in the end, God exalted Joseph and made him a ruler in Egypt, fulfilling the promise he had given to Joseph through dreams.
These stories teach us that obedience to God's commands, even when it seems difficult or costly, leads to blessings beyond our imagination. But how can we develop the kind of hope and confidence that enables us to obey wholeheartedly?
One way is to meditate on the promises of God found in the Bible. By immersing ourselves in his Word, we are reminded of his faithfulness and his desire to bless those who obey him. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." When we allow God's Word to guide us, we can walk confidently in obedience, knowing that he will lead us to blessings.
Another way to cultivate hope and confidence is through prayer. By spending time in communion with God, we can pour out our fears, doubts, and struggles, and ask him to strengthen our faith. We can ask him to help us trust in his promises and rely on his power to enable us to obey.
Additionally, we can seek the support and encouragement of fellow believers. Surrounding ourselves with a community of like-minded individuals who are also striving to obey God can provide the accountability and encouragement we need to stay on the path of obedience. Together, we can remind each other of God's promises and spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
In conclusion, obedience to God's commands is not always easy, but the rewards far outweigh any sacrifices we may have to make. When we choose to turn away from evil and do good, we open ourselves up to experiencing the blessings that God has in store for us. By having hope and confidence in his promises, meditating on his Word, praying, and seeking the support of other believers, we can find the strength and courage to obey wholeheartedly. So, let us embrace the path of obedience, knowing that in doing so, we are seeking blessing and ultimately, the joy of eternal life with our Savior.
Have you ever wondered why we struggle to obey the commands of Jesus? Why do we find it so difficult to turn away from evil and do good? The answer lies in our lack of confidence that obeying will bring more blessing than disobedience. We fail to fully hope in God's promises. But what exactly did God promise?
Peter, in his letter, shares the teachings of Jesus, urging us to bless others and not repay evil for evil. He reminds us that we were called to bless, and in doing so, we will obtain a blessing. Quoting from Psalm 34, Peter tells us, "Whoever desires to love life and see good days . . . let him turn away from evil and do good" (1 Peter 3:10–11).
Peter, following Jesus' example, is unashamed to use the promise of greater joy as a motivation for obedience. He encourages us to bless those who revile us, with the promise that in doing so, we will obtain a blessing. The prospect of enjoying everlasting life and experiencing joy for all eternity should be reward enough to resist the temporary pleasures of vengeance.
Obeying Jesus will always lead to a better outcome than disobedience, even if that obedience comes at a great cost, even our very lives. Jesus himself said, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time . . . with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life" (Mark 10:29–30).
The key to being able to follow Christ in the costly way of love is to have hope, a strong confidence that if we lose our lives in doing his will, we will find it again and be richly rewarded forever. This hope empowers us and enables us to overcome the challenges and temptations that come our way.
As we study the Bible, we find numerous examples of individuals who chose obedience over disobedience, even when the cost was high. Abraham, for instance, was willing to sacrifice his own son Isaac because he trusted in God's promise. And God, seeing Abraham's faith, provided a ram for the sacrifice instead. Abraham's obedience and trust in God's promise led to blessing.
Another example is found in the story of Joseph. Despite being betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, Joseph chose to honor God through his obedience. He resisted the advances of Potiphar's wife, even though it meant imprisonment. But in the end, God exalted Joseph and made him a ruler in Egypt, fulfilling the promise he had given to Joseph through dreams.
These stories teach us that obedience to God's commands, even when it seems difficult or costly, leads to blessings beyond our imagination. But how can we develop the kind of hope and confidence that enables us to obey wholeheartedly?
One way is to meditate on the promises of God found in the Bible. By immersing ourselves in his Word, we are reminded of his faithfulness and his desire to bless those who obey him. Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." When we allow God's Word to guide us, we can walk confidently in obedience, knowing that he will lead us to blessings.
Another way to cultivate hope and confidence is through prayer. By spending time in communion with God, we can pour out our fears, doubts, and struggles, and ask him to strengthen our faith. We can ask him to help us trust in his promises and rely on his power to enable us to obey.
Additionally, we can seek the support and encouragement of fellow believers. Surrounding ourselves with a community of like-minded individuals who are also striving to obey God can provide the accountability and encouragement we need to stay on the path of obedience. Together, we can remind each other of God's promises and spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
In conclusion, obedience to God's commands is not always easy, but the rewards far outweigh any sacrifices we may have to make. When we choose to turn away from evil and do good, we open ourselves up to experiencing the blessings that God has in store for us. By having hope and confidence in his promises, meditating on his Word, praying, and seeking the support of other believers, we can find the strength and courage to obey wholeheartedly. So, let us embrace the path of obedience, knowing that in doing so, we are seeking blessing and ultimately, the joy of eternal life with our Savior.
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