What final part will God play in perfecting our obedience?
(Phil. 2:12-16; Luke 4:4-12; Col. 3:16; Psa. 119:11, 105) Blog 21-27 Jun. 2020
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: The Bible tells the story of the mighty acts of God in dealing with humanity. Its prophecies tell how God will act in the future and how we should prepare and respond. For us the Bible is necessary, has absolute authority, is entirely sufficient, and is essentially clear, showing us how to live in this life and how to enter into the next. If we read the Bible in context, regarding its grammar, and comparing Scripture with Scripture, the Holy Spirit will teach us its meaning. The Bible is the oldest and most complete story of how this earth was formed, how a worldwide flood occurred, and how earth’s various nations came into existence. The Holy Spirit inspired holy men to portray God’s thoughts in human language. And while it may contain minor errors all its history, prophecies, and counsel are accurate portrayals of God’s message and are confirmed by internal consistency, by Jesus, and by the apostles. When we come across a difficult Bible passage we need to make sure that we have asked for the help of the Holy Spirit; have come in humility with faith; have considered the theme, context and grammar of the passage; have compared the passage with other portions of Scripture, and have been willing to wait for providential help, prophetic fulfillment, or more diligent study on our part.
Getting Started (Psa. 51:5; 58:3; Jer. 17:9; Luke 4:4; John 2:5; 8:32; Rom. 1:16; 2:13; 5:12; 8:7; 10:17; Eph. 2:1-3; Jam. 1:21-25)
1. When tempted in the wilderness what guideline for living did Jesus quote from Deuteronomy 6? That the way we should live is by following the Word of God.
2. How do James 1, Romans 2, and Jesus’ mother express the same thought as Jesus on how we should live? That we should be doers of the Word & not just hearers only –“Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.”.
3. What does the Bible say about how we come into this world? We enter this world morally corrupt (= having a sinful nature & deceitful heart with no free will nor desire to please God) & legally guilty (= condemned to eternal death not subject to the law of God).
4. How can a guilty, corrupt sinner receive freedom to choose righteousness and please God? By hearing the truth of the Gospel.
5. When a guilty, corrupt sinner hears the truth of the Gospel what must he do in order to receive its saving benefit and freedom from the legal condemnation of the Law? He must accept the good news, abandon trust in himself (repent), & place his trust (faith) in Jesus, his Substitute, who bore his sins & lived the life that he should have lived.
6. Being justified by faith in Jesus as his Lord and Saviour and free from the Law’s condemnation what will be the Christian’s desire? To please God in thought, word, & action.
7. What must the Christian know in order to please God in thought, word, & action? She must know what pleases God by having read his Word.
8. Once the Christian knows how God desires her to live what must she do? She must unquestionably accept & believe the Word that tells her what God desires.
9. What will always be the result of true faith in God? Good works (a life of obedience to God’s Word).
Practical pointers (Psa. 119:11, 105; Matt. 12:34; 15:18-19; 26:40-41; Luke 4:4-12; John 2:5; 16:12; Acts 17:11; Phil. 2:12-16; Col. 3:16; 1 John 2:27)
10. Where do good works begin? They begin in the mind by thinking good thoughts — so memorize, sing, teach others in person or by writing, & meditate on the Word.
11. What will be the result of thinking right thoughts? Speaking the right words.
12. What else besides thinking right thoughts, and speaking the right words does God desire of the Christian? That he does the right things.
13. What part does the Holy Spirit play in us doing the right things? The Holy Spirit inspires, guides, & empowers us to do the right things.
14. If God’s Holy Spirit inspires, guides, & empowers us to do the right things is there anything we must do in pleasing God? Yes, we must do the living – we must cooperate with (work together with) the Holy Spirit in working out in our lives what God works into our lives.
15. How does David describe the way that the Bible works to guide our steps? He says it is like a lamp that illumines our path through this dark world (Have you ever tried going anywhere in darkness without a light?).
16. When tempted to do wrong what example does Jesus give on how to do God’s will? To watch (study the Word & answer Satan with the Word) & pray.
17. How often does the Bible recommend that we study it? Daily for at least one hour a day & we are given Sabbath rest when we can spend even more time in the Word.
Results (1 Cor. 15:53-54; Eph. 2:3-7; 3:10; Phil. 3:14; Heb. 13:15-16)
18. What will be the results of actively putting forth human effort in order to please God? We will experience the joy, love, & peace, of God & will please him making him & all the holy angels rejoice (while Satan & his host will mourn) & we will be witnesses to others in this life & throughout eternity of the wonders of God’s salvation & of the joy of serving him.
19. What daily part will God play in perfecting our obedience? Jesus will daily cleanse our imperfect obedience with his blood & add to it the merits (incense) of his of his obedience so that it may be acceptable to God.
20. What final part will God play in perfecting our obedience? God will remove our sinful nature at glorification giving us the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (absolute perfection) followed by immortality at his appearing.