PODCAST
Obeying Without Hesitation
October 26th, 2012
Matthew 21:23-32
I have been guilty of thinking that my righteousness derived from my beliefs and that it was evidenced by my form of worship. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21).
Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness (Gal. 3:6). Abraham didn’t always do the right thing. Yet when God spoke Abraham responded obediently. Obedience to God is the key to righteousness.
I will confess that I have not always wanted to do things God’s way. Now, however, I have lived long enough to have done both. I have done things my way and God’s way. I have found that doing things God’s way always turns out better. Sometimes I have dragged my feet, delaying obedience to God. I am learning that the sooner I do things God’s way the more quickly I begin to reap the benefits and blessings. What matters, then, is obedience.
October 26th, 2012 at 8:27 am
“Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21).
In the next verses (Matthew 7:22-23), many thought they were doing the will of the Father by prophesying, driving out demons, and performing miracles; but God called them “evildoers.” Therefore, their attitude in doing His Will had to be wrong.
In the context of Matthew 7, we are cautioned about first and foremost judging; to ask; seek; knock; the wide and narrow gates; the true prophets and false prophets; the true and false disciples; and the foolish and wise builders.
He ends with Matthew 7:24 whereas we are to “put into practice His Word”.
The thirsty, the hungry, the poor people, the sick, or the imprisoned are typically the unlovable to the world because they are the ones that can’t help us in return. To the world, they are not worthy of our love – – just as “we” are not worthy of God’s love! Therefore, we are to teach The Word as we are physically taking care of these — just as God provides for us as we are seeking “His Kingdom and righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).