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JIM LAWS From John 15:1-17 we have
learned that a key to living life abundantly is fruit bearing, and the key to
fruit bearing is abiding. Now let’s
study the key to abiding—obedience. Why is obedience such an
important key to living life successfully?
Obedience is the fundamental law of the universe for abiding. If a person obeys the laws of health, he
will abide in health. If a pilot obeys
the laws of aeronautics, he will abide in the air, in flight. The reason for our ecological problems is
that we have not obeyed God’s laws with regard to the world in which we
live. If we had, we would still be
abiding in a world of clean air and water, and abundant natural
resources. God has written certain
laws and principles into this world; we cannot disobey them without
suffering. Correspondingly, obeying is
a fundamental law of the scriptures for abiding. Adam and Eve did not abide in life and in
the garden of Eden, because they did not obey. From this line of reasoning we can discover something about obedience that I failed to see for a long time, but is really rather obvious. Obedience is productive. Let me explain. If scientists obey the laws of science, then new discoveries are made, knowledge is gained, and power is acquired. By understanding God’s natural law and following it nuclear power has been discovered. When farmers follow (obey) the laws of agriculture, power is released and crops are produced. By obeying we are able to produce the desired result, and a great deal is gained in the process. Obedience to God “taps into” the power of God for our lives; it brings about the desired result. Philippians 2:12-14 states, Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always
obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out
your own salvation with fear and trembling.
For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good
pleasure. Do all things without
murmurings and disputings.” Obedience is what enables us to abide and bear fruit, in fact, we cannot be saved without obeying Christ, neither from past sins, nor eternally (Heb. 5:8,9). Are you obeying Christ? |