A Study of the commands from our Lord, Jesus the Christ

Week 10, February 1st

The Benefits of Obedience.

Over the past few weeks, the tour stops included the commands: Love the LORD, Love your enemy, Repent, Believe, and others. This week and maybe the next couple of weeks, the tour looks at the command of Jesus to see if there is any benefit to the person given the command.

Easy? I thought so but...then

I was playing golf with a friend. As we were waiting on the tee box, John mentioned that he had been reading the weekly blog posts. When I mentioned this week's topic, the Benefits of Obedience. I explained that I was going to focus on what I thought was the greatest benefit of obeying Jesus: eternal life.

I was not ready for the brief exchange with my friend. As we went off on a tangent and discussed semantics, the idea, "words have meanings", popped into my head. I realized when you say or write something the words you use and the meaning you intended for them to have may be quite different to the person hearing or reading the words you used. Everyone reading this can tell a story of saying or writing something to someone and being completely misunderstood.

Read the passage Colossians 1:24-28 (NASB). In this passage, Paul is sharing a truth hidden to previous generations (verse 26). Paul has suffered numerous trials, yet he rejoices in his sufferings (verse 24) because He gets to preach the word of GOD (verse 25). And Paul preaches the word of GOD to build up the church.

One reason I write this blog each week is to explore the word of GOD and specifically the commands of Jesus. As I read each command, I depend on the promise of Jesus that the Father would send a comfortor that would guide me in all truth. (see John 14:26 (NASB) ).

I am also depending on you, the reader, to be a "Noble Bearean" (see Acts 17:10-11 (NASB) ); to read what I write and then search the scriptures.

I pray while studying the word of GOD you are encouraged, lifted up, and inspired. I pray you realize each and every word of scripture was given by the inspiration of GOD (see 2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB) ). The very thoughts of the living GOD at your fingertips; and then if a question arises, you have a Helper, the Holy Spirit, who will teach you all truth.

Ok then, I write, you search, and we both grow;

Let's explore the Benefits of Obedience, here is the format I will follow:
- List the command
- List the person or persons commanded
- List whether the command was obeyed
- List the benefit promised or realized

First stop on the tour, the command "Follow me" (see Matthew 4:18-20 (NASB)).

This command was given to Peter and Andrew (verse 18).
Their response: the brothers left their nets and obeyed (verse 20).
The benefit: to become "Fishers of Men" (verse 19).

Interesting command "Follow Me". The Greek word that Jesus used is "deute" Strong's Number G1205, which occurs 13 times in 12 verses in the Greek concordance of the NASB.

Strong defines deute as an imperative form of eîmi (to go); come hither!:—come, × follow.

"deute" is an imperative. Merriam-Webster's definition of imperative states: "not to be avoided or evaded"

The command involves action: going from one place to another. In the case of Peter and Andrew, they left their fishing business, their livelihood, to follow Jesus. The stated reward in the passage was to make them "Fishers of Men". We find out later another promised reward was to sit on a golden throne and judge the 12 tribes of Israel (see Matthew 19:28 (NASB)).

The take away from this discussion has be: following Jesus is not a one time act. To obey the command follow me requires a daily decision. (see Luke 9:23 (NASB)).

Now read the passage from John 14:21-23 (NASB)). Jesus is talking to his disciples in the upper room. Jesus promises the ultimate benefit of obedience: Being one with the Father (verse 23).

I challenge you to dwell on the passage from John until next week, when we look at another example of the benefits of obedience.

If you have any other questions for me please send me an email.

The tour continues next week with a look another example of the "Benefits of Obedience".

Return to: "and teaching them to obey"