This week we want to continue looking at obedience. Last week we saw that agreement and obedience is paradoxical. As a foundation for obedience we saw that it is vital for me to agree with the Word of God. That is not all I need to do. I can agree but still disobey. Obedience is a key to walk in the authority and especially the authority of God.
Satan’s sin was disobedience against God and that resulted in rebellion.
When satan sinned against God, he did not sin against God’s holiness. He never said, “I want to be as holy as God.” Satan never sinned against God’s righteousness or even God’s glory. He never said “I want to be as righteous or have the glory of God.” When satan sinned, he rebelled against God’s authority by disobeying God’s rule and command.
Adam and Eve was deceived in the same way. (Adam or Eve did not have the gift of discerning of spirits) The enemy needed them to disobey God’s command and eat from the Tree that was not good for them. When they disobeyed God’s command they rebelled against God’s authority and in doing so, they stepped into the same rebellion as the enemy.
God commanded Adam and Eve to rule and reign, subdue and fill the earth. They had delegated authority from God to rule the earth. When they disobeyed God they lost the ability to rule by God’s authority. Disobedience will disqualify you to be in a place of authority. Why is this so important?
Before you think obedience is not important, Jesus not only walked in complete agreement with God and His Word, he walked in obedience as well. If disobedience disqualifies you to be in authority, obedience will qualify you to increase in authority. That is why it is vital that we both agree with God’s word and obey it.
Jesus and his obedience to God.
Heb 5:8 Though he was the son, yet he learned obedience by the things which he suffered.
When I look at the life of Jesus I see two things.
First I see that he lived in complete agreement with God. He says in his own words hat he only did what he saw the father do and he only said what he heard the Father say – John 5:19. Nothing in Jesus’ life was out of agreement with the Father. When they questioned him about his mission and his assignment, he was a straight shooter. I am going to Jerusalem to die. No “If’s” or “Butts.” One time when Peter tried to oppose his mission he called Peter out and rebuked him for it. Nothing could distract him from being in agreement with God. So the obvious question is then “Why did he have to learn obedience?”
Because both agreement and obedience will lead us to God’s perfect will.
Secondly I see that Jesus lived in obedience to the Father.
Jesus was submitted to the temptation of disobeying God, to deal with the rebellion in the flesh.
When two people agree there is no room for disagreement or rebellion. When Adam sinned and disobeyed God it was looked on as rebellion. Only when you are required to obey do you have an opportunity to rebel or to disobey. People are shocked to know that Jesus could have failed as a man. Remember he laid down all his divinity. He was tempted in every way just like you and me – Heb 4:15.
Paul states in the book of Romans that the flesh is enmity against God. If Jesus never faced rebellion or the opportunity to disobey God, he could not and would not have been tempted in every way as we are as men.
So Jesus was given the opportunity to learn obedience to God. This is a great revelation for us. If Jesus disobeyed and rebelled against God, we would forever have been under the yoke of rebellion against God. This obedience that he learned was obedience unto death. Philippians 2:8 says that he emptied himself and became obedient unto death. In the Garden of Gethsemane we see him praying that if it was possible for God to let this cup pass from him. The key is what he says as the second part of this prayer: “Not my will be done but yore will be done.” In essence he is saying that his flesh wants out, but he is willing to obey even if it kills him.
The two things together qualified Jesus to have a Name above all names. He now has all authority in Heaven and in earth. This kind of authority comes when we live in agreement as well as in obedience to God.
How do come to live in the same authority that Jesus had. “I give you authority over all the power of the enemy” – Luke 10:19. Learn to walk in agreement and obedience to His word. Jesus said that if we love Him, we will obey his words.
