The Blessings of Obedience

And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him” (Acts 5:27-32).

The apostles were brought before the Jewish leaders again to answer for their disobedience. They had been strictly charged not to teach in the name of Jesus Christ. They answered even more clearly than before… “We must obey God rather than men”. Disciples like you and me are consistently faced with the same choice, to obey God or men because we live in a fallen and unbelieving world. Jesus said obedience is evidence of true love… “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). He went on to say that there are wonderful blessings for obedience, the best of which is growing intimacy and fellowship with the Father and His Son… “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:23). Today we see that the apostles experienced three wonderful blessings as the result of their choice to obey God rather than men, and we are encouraged to follow their example so that we might also enjoy the blessings of obedience.

Obedient disciples receive the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to more than 500 followers just before His ascension… “Behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). Those who obeyed His command received the fulfillment of the promise on the day of Pentecost… “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-4). As Christ’s disciples, we have this same promise… “Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself’” (Acts 2:38-39). As we increasingly obey the Lord we can expect His Holy Spirit to fill and lead us more and more.

Obedient disciples receive boldness to witness. Despite being commanded not to teach in the name of Jesus Christ, the apostles were fully engaged in healing, delivering, and sharing the gospel in His name. There was no fear in their hearts because their obedience reflected the love for Christ that filled their hearts and Christ’s love drives away fear… “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” (1 John 4:18). Their obedience led to boldness because they were so filled with the Holy Spirit’s power there was no room for any fear in their hearts… “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). Our increasing obedience leads to increasing boldness and confidence in serving Christ.

Obedient disciples experience success. The Jewish elders confirmed the Lord’s anointing and blessing on the ministry of the apostles with the words… “you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching”. Obedience places us in position to receive God’s blessing as we serve Him… “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28). Our increasing obedience yields God’s increasing blessing on our efforts to serve Him and to share His glorious gospel.

As we grow up into Christ, listening to and obeying His precious word, we increasingly enjoy…

The Blessings of Obedience.