Am I being obedient enough to Christ?

[Neostarwcc]

I'm afraid that I'm currently not being obedient enough to Christ. I don't obey everything that Jesus commanded in the gospels. I think that when I do my Good works that I do them for God and not to be seen by other men and that I "Let my light shine" like Christ says in Matthew 5:16. I believe that I am following Jesus and the things that he's been telling me to do. I try not to lust after women other than my wife. It's a hard commandment to keep because there are so many different ways one could be lusting. I've been loyal to my wife and have not divorced her or even thought of divorcing her. I love her so much. I generally, don't make oaths unless I'm going to keep them. I generally, love and pray for the people who come into my life. I generally, treat people the way that I would want to be treated in Kindness and in love. I believe I am entering heaven through the narrow gate as I interpret that verse to mean "Accept Christ and come to the Lord for salvation". I mean, I could list all of the ones that I obey and that I don't but it would be a really long post and you generally get the idea.

I mean, Jesus says in Matthew 22:36-40 that all of the law and the prophets hang on the two greatest commandments. And I think that I've kept those. I am generally a kind and loving person and I do love God. When Jesus said all of the law did he mean his commandments too?

I mean, I know that salvation is not dependent on our obedience and I see the fruit of the spirit in my life. Since coming to Christ I have learned to love and forgive others, I have Joy in my life as I rejoice in being saved, I have good works in my life, and I am generally kind to others. I know I have the Holy Spirit living inside of me for more reasons than one. I know I am saved. When I was washed and renewed by the Holy Spirit I was sealed and Jesus said that he will lose none of those that come to him for salvation and do the will of the Father which, is to accept Christ and believe in him. I guess what I'm trying to ask is, is what I've been doing obedient enough to Christ? And is being a Christian and obeying the commandments of Christ a lifelong process?

Am I doing God's will instead of Satan's will? Am I on the right path? I know that we don't need perfect obedience to be saved because, without the regenerated bodies that God has promised us, we aren't perfect. Not yet. But, obedience is one of the fruits of the Spirit. And, I'm afraid that I currently am not obeying God enough and that I am listening to the devil sometimes instead of God. After all Jesus says in Luke 6:46 "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" and James says in James 1:22 "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says..."

After all, I (Like all Christians) want to be told "Well done good and faithful servant" instead of having Christ chastising me. Or being disappointed in me because I didn't obey all that the Holy Spirit told me to do. I guess I'm afraid of being Judged by Christ least in the kingdom of heaven. I want to be great in the kingdom of heaven. I want every single reward and praise that God wants to give me. I want to learn to accept the rewards that I end up getting. I honestly don't know what this fear is.

 

[Doug Melven]

Jesus come unto me all that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Labor to enter His rest. Hebrews 4:10

All of your labors, no matter how many can never be enough. You are accepted in the Beloved, not because of any works you have done, but because you trusted Christ.
Take a good look at Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 2:1-10 and you will see that God has a specific set of works that He wants to do through you.

 

[~Anastasia~]

God be with you.

I'm not able to judge your actions. But what I hear in your words is this ...

You strive to keep Christ's commandments. That's good. We should all.

You wish to be pleasing to God. That's also good. So should we all.

You don't see yourself as "doing enough" ... which is kind of interesting. That's actually good too. Having done all that we can in loving God, loving others, trying to be like Christ, living the Gospel ... in the end we ought to regard ourselves as "unprofitable servants". Not because that's how God will regard us (hopefully not!) but because it's very important to strive for humility as well. Pride is a horrible spiritual disease that can infect and sicken our soul if we indulge it. Rather we should count any good we might do as flowing only from the grace of God, give HIM the glory, and never trust or elevate our flesh.

In the end we trust Him to judge us, and He has said also that the merciful will find mercy. If we are like Christ (as Christians are supposed to be, by definition) then we are merciful. And we trust in Christ. That's all we need to worry about in the end.

But all that striving is good. Cooperating with the grace of God serves to purify us and make us progressively more like Christ. That's what our lives are supposed to be occupied with.

For what these thoughts are worth.

God be with you!

 

[LovebirdsFlying]

Nobody is ever obedient enough to Christ. If we were capable of that, we wouldn't need Him in the first place. I'm so glad He forgives me when I mess up.

 

[Halbhh]

Good answers above. I was thinking to quote "Come to me" also, and there it is in post #2. Here's all of that passage--
Matthew 11:25 Context: At that time, Jesus answered, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to infants.

 

[Kenny'sID]

I mean, Jesus says in Matthew 22:36-40 that all of the law and the prophets hang on the two greatest commandments. And I think that I've kept those. I am generally a kind and loving person and I do love God. When Jesus said all of the law did he mean his commandments too?

The fact he said all of the law hangs on those 2, to me, means if we truly love our neighbor, and God above all, that we will be obeying all those other laws. Doesn't say a thing about them being abolished as some choose to believe, but even indicates we are to obey them. IOW, if all the others hang on those 2 and we are to keep those two, then it might as well flat out say they are one in the same. The law just lists them individually, if it did not, I can assure you, people would find a way to make certain sin ok in their minds. No confusion with a written law.

What does he mean by "Laws" I would say the commandments since he immediately follows that mentioning the "greatest commandment" meaning the commandments must have been the subject prior to that when he said law.

As to your sin, as long as we ask forgiveness and repent, no matter how many times we have to do so, we are good to go. It's when we choose to live in sin, perpetual sin, and tell ourselves God doesn't mind. When we no longer repent, care if we sin or not, or tell ourselves we are "saved by grace alone hence nothing can keep us out of heaven". those are where the problems arise. I heard it once said as, when we are always up for sin, IOW, we are always ready for a drunken party if it should come op, do a little coke, whatever.

Also the "bad" sins are listed, and there is a reason God chose to list them, as they are very serious, but I get the idea you don't have a real problem here, however, only you know that.

FWIW, here is the scripture that besides the commandments, mentions the sins that will keep us out of heaven if we don't repent and stop/make serious effort not to do them. God knows when we stop caring or have chosen to read the bible to mean we can sin all we want, and we're saved as a few do. They do so because they want to sin, hence they actually trick themselves into believing sin is fine, or at the very least it won't keep us out of heave, fine.

Here are those verses:

1 Cor 6:9-10 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor homosexual offenders, nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were.

Gal 5:19-21 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Eph 5:3-6 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No sexually immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

Rev. 22:12-16 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

Matt 25:41-46 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

 

[Kaon]

Obedience is a part of the WORKS of faith, but it doesn' justify salvation.

Unfortunately, sanctification isn't a big deal anymore - to willingly submit to refinement of the spirit while in this carnal body. It is important because it teaches you a plethora of fruits of the spirit when you are confronted with it.

What is going on right now is one of the steps of sanctification, specifically trying to do something for God, but realizing your shortcoming.

This does not mean cease from obedience to God's Law.

God has given us GRACE so that we have the opportunity it to mess up and grow toward sanctification. Don' get tired of being obedient to Him and All of His Law, and don't get tired of talking to Him. Sanctification is usually life-long process, and it can be rough because God wants you to lack nothing.

Remember, there is only one Word of God, and it is LIVING: Christ. This Christ and the Father are one, so that oneness is not a contradiction. In other words, God of the OT is the Same One as the Christ. Not one iota of His Law has been void, but His grace is more than enough for us to have the courage to continue to be upright.

 

[Neostarwcc]

Nobody is ever obedient enough to Christ. If we were capable of that, we wouldn't need Him in the first place. I'm so glad He forgives me when I mess up.

Amen. But what makes a good and faithful servant?

 

[Neostarwcc]

Obedience is a part of the WORKS of faith, but it doesn' justify salvation.

Unfortunately, sanctification isn't a big deal anymore - to willingly submit to refinement of the spirit while in this carnal body. It is important because it teaches you a plethora of fruits of the spirit when you are confronted with it.

What is going on right now is one of the steps of sanctification, specifically trying to do something for God, but realizing your shortcoming.

This does not mean cease from obedience to God's Law.

God has given us GRACE so that we have the opportunity it to mess up and grow toward sanctification. Don' get tired of being obedient to Him and All of His Law, and don't get tired of talking to Him. Sanctification is usually life-long process, and it can be rough because God wants you to lack nothing.

Remember, there is only one Word of God, and it is LIVING: Christ. This Christ and the Father are one, so that oneness is not a contradiction. In other words, God of the OT is the Same One as the Christ. Not one iota of His Law has been void, but His grace is more than enough for us to have the courage to continue to be upright.

I think I see what your saying. Like I said perfect obedience obviously isn't a requirement because while we are in the flesh we are not perfect. But the fact that there is obedience in my life is not only proof that I have the Holy Spirit (because if I didn't have the Holy Spirit I wouldn't have the desire to obey the word) but that I am saved and sealed.

I think I understand that none of us are good enough for Christ and that we've obtained Gods grace. But what I don't understand is just how much obedience is required for Jesus to say "well done".

 

[~Anastasia~]

But what I don't understand is just how much obedience is required for Jesus to say "well done".

Be careful with the question behind that question.

(I'm not implying any case for you personally btw)

But if we are asking "what's the bare minimum I can do" or "how much sin can I get away with" - such questions betray a wrong focus. Self is at the center, and not pleasing God. Such a soul needs work.

If we are really asking "am I doing enough - what if God rejects me in the end?" then we need to consider whether we are really trusting God. This isn't such a bad position as the other meaning - learning to know God more deeply will inspire more trust and love, and that is a natural process of growing in faith. Some teaching out there can derail the process though.

Or maybe neither of these? In which case, I'm not sure, as that's all I was able to imagine.

 

[Neostarwcc]

Be careful with the question behind that question.

(I'm not implying any case for you personally btw)

But if we are asking "what's the bare minimum I can do" or "how much sin can I get away with" - such questions betray a wrong focus. Self is at the center, and not pleasing God. Such a soul needs work.

If we are really asking "am I doing enough - what if God rejects me in the end?" then we need to consider whether we are really trusting God. This isn't such a bad position as the other meaning - learning to know God more deeply will inspire more trust and love, and that is a natural process of growing in faith. Some teaching out there can derail the process though.

Or maybe neither of these? In which case, I'm not sure, as that's all I was able to imagine.

I mean I trust that God will save me 100%. I try to trust that he will lead me into every good work and thing he wants me to do. What I don't trust is if God is proud of me or ashamed. I don't trust in myself that God is proud of me. These are problems.

 

[Doug Melven]

What I don't trust is if God is proud of me or ashamed. I don't trust in myself that God is proud of me. These are problems.

You are in Christ. As Jesus is (that is right now) so are we in this world. 1 John 4:17
You are God's beloved son, in whom He is well pleased.

 

[ToBeLoved]

I'm afraid that I'm currently not being obedient enough to Christ. I don't obey everything that Jesus commanded in the gospels. I think that when I do my Good works that I do them for God and not to be seen by other men and that I "Let my light shine" like Christ says in Matthew 5:16. I believe that I am following Jesus and the things that he's been telling me to do. I try not to lust after women other than my wife. It's a hard commandment to keep because there are so many different ways one could be lusting. I've been loyal to my wife and have not divorced her or even thought of divorcing her. I love her so much. I generally, don't make oaths unless I'm going to keep them. I generally, love and pray for the people who come into my life. I generally, treat people the way that I would want to be treated in Kindness and in love. I believe I am entering heaven through the narrow gate as I interpret that verse to mean "Accept Christ and come to the Lord for salvation". I mean, I could list all of the ones that I obey and that I don't but it would be a really long post and you generally get the idea.

I mean, Jesus says in Matthew 22:36-40 that all of the law and the prophets hang on the two greatest commandments. And I think that I've kept those. I am generally a kind and loving person and I do love God. When Jesus said all of the law did he mean his commandments too?

I mean, I know that salvation is not dependent on our obedience and I see the fruit of the spirit in my life. Since coming to Christ I have learned to love and forgive others, I have Joy in my life as I rejoice in being saved, I have good works in my life, and I am generally kind to others. I know I have the Holy Spirit living inside of me for more reasons than one. I know I am saved. When I was washed and renewed by the Holy Spirit I was sealed and Jesus said that he will lose none of those that come to him for salvation and do the will of the Father which, is to accept Christ and believe in him. I guess what I'm trying to ask is, is what I've been doing obedient enough to Christ? And is being a Christian and obeying the commandments of Christ a lifelong process?

Am I doing God's will instead of Satan's will? Am I on the right path? I know that we don't need perfect obedience to be saved because, without the regenerated bodies that God has promised us, we aren't perfect. Not yet. But, obedience is one of the fruits of the Spirit. And, I'm afraid that I currently am not obeying God enough and that I am listening to the devil sometimes instead of God. After all Jesus says in Luke 6:46 "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" and James says in James 1:22 "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says..."

After all, I (Like all Christians) want to be told "Well done good and faithful servant" instead of having Christ chastising me. Or being disappointed in me because I didn't obey all that the Holy Spirit told me to do. I guess I'm afraid of being Judged by Christ least in the kingdom of heaven. I want to be great in the kingdom of heaven. I want every single reward and praise that God wants to give me. I want to learn to accept the rewards that I end up getting. I honestly don't know what this fear is.

Sanctification or becoming more like Christ is a life long process. Part of what god does in our lives is change our hearts, which then should change our minds and from that should flow a change in our actions and life.

All of Christ’s children are justified in Him. That is declared righteous by His blood.

Two different things, justification and sanctification

 

[Soyeong]

I'm afraid that I'm currently not being obedient enough to Christ. I don't obey everything that Jesus commanded in the gospels. I think that when I do my Good works that I do them for God and not to be seen by other men and that I "Let my light shine" like Christ says in Matthew 5:16. I believe that I am following Jesus and the things that he's been telling me to do. I try not to lust after women other than my wife. It's a hard commandment to keep because there are so many different ways one could be lusting. I've been loyal to my wife and have not divorced her or even thought of divorcing her. I love her so much. I generally, don't make oaths unless I'm going to keep them. I generally, love and pray for the people who come into my life. I generally, treat people the way that I would want to be treated in Kindness and in love. I believe I am entering heaven through the narrow gate as I interpret that verse to mean "Accept Christ and come to the Lord for salvation". I mean, I could list all of the ones that I obey and that I don't but it would be a really long post and you generally get the idea.

I mean, Jesus says in Matthew 22:36-40 that all of the law and the prophets hang on the two greatest commandments. And I think that I've kept those. I am generally a kind and loving person and I do love God. When Jesus said all of the law did he mean his commandments too?

I mean, I know that salvation is not dependent on our obedience and I see the fruit of the spirit in my life. Since coming to Christ I have learned to love and forgive others, I have Joy in my life as I rejoice in being saved, I have good works in my life, and I am generally kind to others. I know I have the Holy Spirit living inside of me for more reasons than one. I know I am saved. When I was washed and renewed by the Holy Spirit I was sealed and Jesus said that he will lose none of those that come to him for salvation and do the will of the Father which, is to accept Christ and believe in him. I guess what I'm trying to ask is, is what I've been doing obedient enough to Christ? And is being a Christian and obeying the commandments of Christ a lifelong process?

Am I doing God's will instead of Satan's will? Am I on the right path? I know that we don't need perfect obedience to be saved because, without the regenerated bodies that God has promised us, we aren't perfect. Not yet. But, obedience is one of the fruits of the Spirit. And, I'm afraid that I currently am not obeying God enough and that I am listening to the devil sometimes instead of God. After all Jesus says in Luke 6:46 "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" and James says in James 1:22 "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says..."

After all, I (Like all Christians) want to be told "Well done good and faithful servant" instead of having Christ chastising me. Or being disappointed in me because I didn't obey all that the Holy Spirit told me to do. I guess I'm afraid of being Judged by Christ least in the kingdom of heaven. I want to be great in the kingdom of heaven. I want every single reward and praise that God wants to give me. I want to learn to accept the rewards that I end up getting. I honestly don't know what this fear is.

In Matthew 23:23, Jesus said that faith is one of the weightier matters of the Law and in 1 John 5:3, to love God is to obey His commands, so obedience to God is not about trying to be good enough, but about expressing our faith and our love for God. In Jeremiah 6:16-19, the Law is described as the good way where we will find rest for our souls, but if we make our obedience about trying to be good enough rather than about trusting God to guide us, then we will rob our souls of the rest that it was intended to give. In Titus 2:11-14, our salvation is described as being trained by grace to obey God's commands, so we do not become experts on the day that we accept Christ, but rather it is the start of a lifelong process of being trained by grace to obey His commands.

 

[Kenny'sID]

Amen. But what makes a good and faithful servant?

Someone who serves faithfully.

Or someone who is obedient in taking care of Gods business, or what God wants us to take care of.

That could include witnessing/teaching, being mindful of sin, and taking care of those in some type of need... among other things.

Or in short, being good/obedient. Something I have been taught all my life, but just got confused somehow here towards the nearing end, and it makes perfect sense it would.

John 5:28-29 “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned. By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.

Same ol' down home basics grama' used to teach.

 

[Neostarwcc]

In Matthew 23:23, Jesus said that faith is one of the weightier matters of the Law and in 1 John 5:3, to love God is to obey His commands, so obedience to God is not about trying to be good enough, but about expressing our faith and our love for God. In Jeremiah 6:16-19, the Law is described as the good way where we will find rest for our souls, but if we make our obedience about trying to be good enough rather than about trusting God to guide us, then we will rob our souls of the rest that it was intended to give. In Titus 2:11-14, our salvation is described as being trained by grace to obey God's commands, so we do not become experts on the day that we accept Christ, but rather it is the start of a lifelong process of being trained by grace to obey His commands.

You're right I will stop trying to be good enough and instead place more trust in God to change me. I can't expect God to change me overnight. It's a lifelong process.

 

[Neostarwcc]

Sanctification or becoming more like Christ is a life long process. Part of what god does in our lives is change our hearts, which then should change our minds and from that should flow a change in our actions and life.

All of Christ’s children are justified in Him. That is declared righteous by His blood.

Two different things, justification and sanctification

That is true. So because I've accepted Christ I have been declared righteous and therefore I am so to say "good enough?"

 

[Halbhh]

I mean I trust that God will save me 100%. I try to trust that he will lead me into every good work and thing he wants me to do. What I don't trust is if God is proud of me or ashamed. I don't trust in myself that God is proud of me. These are problems.

It's that we rely on Christ, His words in our minds, look to Him, dwell with Him, and thereby we can do His command (with this aid) (like fruit growing)--
Bible Gateway passage: John 15:1-17 - New International Version

When we stumble though, we confess and are restored. 1 John: 8-9

 

[dreadnought]

I'm afraid that I'm currently not being obedient enough to Christ. I don't obey everything that Jesus commanded in the gospels. I think that when I do my Good works that I do them for God and not to be seen by other men and that I "Let my light shine" like Christ says in Matthew 5:16. I believe that I am following Jesus and the things that he's been telling me to do. I try not to lust after women other than my wife. It's a hard commandment to keep because there are so many different ways one could be lusting. I've been loyal to my wife and have not divorced her or even thought of divorcing her. I love her so much. I generally, don't make oaths unless I'm going to keep them. I generally, love and pray for the people who come into my life. I generally, treat people the way that I would want to be treated in Kindness and in love. I believe I am entering heaven through the narrow gate as I interpret that verse to mean "Accept Christ and come to the Lord for salvation". I mean, I could list all of the ones that I obey and that I don't but it would be a really long post and you generally get the idea.

I mean, Jesus says in Matthew 22:36-40 that all of the law and the prophets hang on the two greatest commandments. And I think that I've kept those. I am generally a kind and loving person and I do love God. When Jesus said all of the law did he mean his commandments too?

I mean, I know that salvation is not dependent on our obedience and I see the fruit of the spirit in my life. Since coming to Christ I have learned to love and forgive others, I have Joy in my life as I rejoice in being saved, I have good works in my life, and I am generally kind to others. I know I have the Holy Spirit living inside of me for more reasons than one. I know I am saved. When I was washed and renewed by the Holy Spirit I was sealed and Jesus said that he will lose none of those that come to him for salvation and do the will of the Father which, is to accept Christ and believe in him. I guess what I'm trying to ask is, is what I've been doing obedient enough to Christ? And is being a Christian and obeying the commandments of Christ a lifelong process?

Am I doing God's will instead of Satan's will? Am I on the right path? I know that we don't need perfect obedience to be saved because, without the regenerated bodies that God has promised us, we aren't perfect. Not yet. But, obedience is one of the fruits of the Spirit. And, I'm afraid that I currently am not obeying God enough and that I am listening to the devil sometimes instead of God. After all Jesus says in Luke 6:46 "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" and James says in James 1:22 "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says..."

After all, I (Like all Christians) want to be told "Well done good and faithful servant" instead of having Christ chastising me. Or being disappointed in me because I didn't obey all that the Holy Spirit told me to do. I guess I'm afraid of being Judged by Christ least in the kingdom of heaven. I want to be great in the kingdom of heaven. I want every single reward and praise that God wants to give me. I want to learn to accept the rewards that I end up getting. I honestly don't know what this fear is.

The Lord gave us some commandments to follow. If we are following them, we are okay. The Lord wanted us to enjoy life.

 

[Neostarwcc]

The Lord gave us some commandments to follow. If we are following them, we are okay. The Lord wanted us to enjoy life.

But what if were not following them all? What if we find all of the commandments of Christ to be overwhelming? I mean Jesus said the two greatest commandments hang all of the law and the prophets but he doesn't mention whether or not his commandments are covered by the two greatest or not.