God's Reasonable Expectation: Obedience in the Life of the Christian

Introduction:

As Christians, our faith is founded on the belief that God has a reasonable expectation of obedience from His followers. This belief is rooted in the Bible, which reveals God's character, His sovereignty, and His desire for a personal relationship with His children. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures provide a compelling biblical argument for the reasonable expectation of obedience in the life of the Christian. Let us delve into this argument and explore the foundational principles that support it.

1. God's Sovereign Authority:

The Bible consistently emphasizes God's sovereign authority over all creation. He is the Creator of the universe, and as such, He has the right to establish guidelines and expectations for His people. In Isaiah 45:9, the Lord declares, "Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker, those who are nothing but potsherds among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making?’" This passage reminds us that God, as our Maker, has the authority to set expectations for our lives, including obedience to His commands.

2. God's Perfect Holiness:

The Bible repeatedly affirms God's perfect holiness. In Leviticus 11:44, God commands His people, "Be holy because I am holy." God's holiness sets Him apart from sin and imperfection. As His children, we are called to reflect His holiness through obedience to His commands. Jesus Himself emphasizes this in Matthew 5:48 when He says, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Obedience becomes an expression of our desire to imitate and honor the holiness of our loving God.

3. God's Loving Guidance:

Throughout the Bible, we see God's unwavering love and desire for a flourishing relationship with His people. In John 14:15, Jesus states, "If you love me, keep my commands." Our obedience to God's commands stems from our love for Him and our recognition of His wisdom and guidance. As our Heavenly Father, God's commands are not intended to restrict us but to lead us into a life of blessing, fulfillment, and protection. Obedience is an expression of our trust in His loving guidance.

4. God's Transforming Power:

The Bible teaches us that through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, God empowers us to live a life of obedience. In Philippians 2:13, the apostle Paul writes, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." Our obedience is not merely a result of our own efforts but a response to God's transformative work within us. Through the Holy Spirit, God enables us to live in alignment with His will and empowers us to overcome the temptations of sin.

Conclusion:

God's reasonable expectation of obedience in the life of the Christian is firmly grounded in His sovereign authority, perfect holiness, loving guidance, and transforming power. As we delve into the depths of Scripture, we discover that obedience is not a burden but a privilege, an expression of our love and reverence for our Heavenly Father. Let us embrace this expectation with humility and gratitude, continually seeking His guidance and relying on His strength, knowing that true obedience leads to a life of joy, purpose, and abundant blessings in His presence.