Obedience in Disciple-Making
By Sharon Quek
At our church camp in June this year, we learnt so much about the importance of ONE-to-ONE discipleship as we each encourage each other along the journey to being a mature follower of Christ.
But how does one get there. To be a mature follower of Christ? We need to know God’s word, and to follow Him not just in our own words, but also in our deeds. Obedience to our Lord, which is being willing to obey all that Jesus commanded, is essential to following Christ fully and being mature in Him.
When Jesus was here on earth, He demonstrated much of what He wanted to communicate about the Kingdom of God or about Himself boldly, often encountering opposition and resistance from people who were not yet ready to listen and obey. Yet, He continued to do so boldly because He knew it would save us.
It was truly a matter of life and death to Jesus if one chose to follow Him or not.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ESV
In His own life, Jesus also demonstrated that He came to do the will of His Father and not His own will.
“For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” John 6:38 ESV
Jesus was obedient to His heavenly Father. How much more would we need to be obedient to our heavenly Father.
Thankfully, God is gracious, ever persevering in love despite our stubbornness and rebellion. In fact, all of us who have come to Christ have come to Him because God is drawing US to Himself. Further down from the above passage, we learn this:
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me…” John 6:44-45 ESV
SO, no one can come to Jesus without God the Father drawing them to Jesus.
God is showing Himself and calling people to Himself. As we are TAUGHT by God through His Word and His Spirit, our hearts and minds are transformed.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2-4 ESV
Brothers and sisters, the key to being mature in Christ is the way of obedience to Him. May you take heart that God Himself is drawing you to Himself, so come trust and obey Him.
