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Applying Biblical Principles to Areas of Obedience Struggle

Biblical principles offer guidance for believers navigating areas of obedience that present challenges, emphasizing reliance on God, self-denial, and submission to divine will. Obedience to God is explicitly commanded in scripture, as seen in Deuteronomy 13:4, and is understood to be impossible without faith (Hebrews 11:6) [2]. This obedience encompasses heeding God's voice (Exodus 19:5), observing His law (Deuteronomy 11:27), and keeping His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13) [2]. It also extends to obeying Christ (Exodus 23:21; 2 Corinthians 10:5) and the gospel itself (Romans 1:5; 6:17) [2].

One significant principle for addressing struggles in obedience is self-denial. Christ Himself serves as the ultimate example, demonstrating self-denial in various instances, such as resisting temptation (Matthew 4:8-10) and prioritizing the Father's will over His own (John 6:38; Philippians 2:6-8) [3]. Self-denial is presented as a crucial test of devotion to Christ (Matthew 10:37-38; Luke 9:23-24) and is necessary for following Him (Luke 14:27-33) [3]. For believers, this principle involves denying ungodliness and worldly lusts (Romans 6:12; Titus 2:12), controlling appetites (Proverbs 23:2), abstaining from fleshly desires (1 Peter 2:11), and mortifying sinful lusts (Mark 9:43-47) [3]. Ministers, in particular, are called to exercise self-denial (2 Corinthians 6:4-5) [3].

Another core principle is resignation, or submission to God's will. Christ's prayer in Gethsemane, "not my will, but yours be done" (Matthew 26:39-44), exemplifies this principle [1]. Believers are commanded to be resigned (Psalm 37:7; 46:10), particularly in submitting to God's will (2 Samuel 15:26; Psalm 42:5, 11; Matthew 6:10) and His sovereign purposes (Romans 9:20-21) [1]. This submission extends to difficult circumstances, such as the prospect of death (Acts 21:13; 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1), the loss of possessions (Job 1:15-16, 21), the loss of children (Job 1:18-19, 21), and enduring chastisements (Hebrews 12:9) or bodily suffering (Job 2:8-10) [1]. The Torrey's Topical Textbook notes that the wicked are devoid of this resignation (Proverbs 19:3) [1]. Motives for resignation include God's greatness (Psalm 46:10) and His love (Hebrews 12:5-11) [1].

The Christian life, characterized by obedience, also involves specific conduct. This includes believing God (Mark 11:22), fearing God (Ecclesiastes 12:13), loving God (Deuteronomy 6:5), and following God (Ephesians 5:1) [4]. It also entails believing in Christ (John 6:29), loving Christ (John 21:15), following His example (John 13:15), and obeying Him (John 14:21) [4]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary on Job 17:9 suggests that religious principle is strengthened by misfortune, and the pious can draw courage from the example of suffering, like Job, to persevere [9].

Submission to governing authorities is another aspect of Christian obedience. Romans 13:1-7 instructs believers to submit to those in authority, recognizing that God has established them [11]. While this usually means obedience, ultimate submission is always to God (Acts 4:19-20) [11]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary on Jeremiah 29:7 advises patience under foreign rule, even to the point of praying for rulers, emphasizing that true religion teaches submission rather than sedition [8]. Similarly, the introduction to Titus 3 in Jamieson, Fausset & Brown reminds believers of the importance of submission to governing powers, a principle that might have been challenging for some early Christians given the political climate [10].

When facing injustice, Christians are called to a response rooted in self-sacrifice. The Tyndale House commentary on 1 Corinthians 6:7 suggests that engaging in lawsuits with fellow believers indicates self-interest rather than concern for others' welfare or God's glory. It asks why one would not simply accept injustice, pointing to Christ's example of self-sacrifice (Matthew 5:38-42) [12]. This aligns with the broader call to live righteously (Micah 6:8; Romans 6:18) and soberly (Titus 2:12) [4].

Prayer, particularly intercessory prayer, is a vital tool in the Christian's struggle for obedience. Christ's own example of intercession (Luke 22:32; 23:34; John 17:9-24) serves as a model [5]. Believers are commanded to pray for various groups, including kings and those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2), ministers (2 Corinthians 1:11), the Church (Psalm 122:6), all saints (Ephesians 6:18), and even persecutors (Matthew 5:44) and enemies (Jeremiah 29:7) [5]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary on 1 Peter 5:9 notes that faith strengthens prayer, which is a primary instrument against spiritual adversaries [7].

The concept of justice is also integral to biblical obedience. God commands justice (Deuteronomy 16:20; Isaiah 56:1) and Christ is an example of it (Psalm 98:9; Isaiah 11:4) [6]. Justice is required in executing judgment (Deuteronomy 16:18), in commerce (Leviticus 19:36), and particularly towards the poor (Proverbs 29:14), the fatherless and widows (Isaiah 1:17), and servants (Colossians 4:1) [6]. God requires justice (Micah 6:8), delights in it (Proverbs 11:1), and is displeased by its absence (Ecclesiastes 5:8) [6]. The introduction to Micah 2 in Jamieson, Fausset & Brown highlights how the prophet denounces those who "devise... work... practise" evil, indicating that deliberate sin against the second table of the law is a serious offense [13].

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Resignation — Christ set and example of -- Mt 26:39-44; Joh 12:27; 18:11. Commanded -- Ps 37:7; 46:10. Should be exhibited in Submission to the will of God. -- 2Sa 15:26; Ps 42:5,11; Mt 6:10. Submission to the sovereignty of God in his purposes. -- Ro 9:20,21. The prospect of death. -- Ac 21:13; 2Co 4:16-5:1. Loss of goods. -- Job 1:15,16,21. Loss of children. -- Job 1:18,19,21. Chastisements. -- Heb 12:9. Bodily suffering. -- Job 2:8-10. The wicked are devoid of -- Pr 19:3. Exhortation to -- Ps 37:1-11. Motives to God's greatness. -- Ps 46:10. God's love. -- Heb 12:”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Obedience to God — Commanded -- De 13:4. Without faith, is impossible -- Heb 11:6. Includes Obeying his voice. -- Ex 19:5; Jer 7:23. Obeying his law. -- De 11:27; Isa 42:24. Obeying Christ. -- Ex 23:21; 2Co 10:5. Obeying the gospel. -- Ro 1:5; 6:17; 10:16,17. Keeping his commandments. -- Ec 12:13. Submission to higher powers. -- Ro 13:1. Better than sacrifice -- 1Sa 15:22. Justification obtained by that of Christ -- Ro 5:19. Christ, an example of -- Mt 3:15; Joh 15:20; Php 2:5-8; Heb 5:8. Angles engaged in -- Ps 103:20. A characteristic of saints -- 1Pe 1:14. Saints ”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Conduct, Christian — Believing God -- Mr 11:22; Joh 14:11,12. Fearing God -- Ec 12:13; 1Pe 2:17. Loving God -- De 6:5; Mt 22:37. Following God -- Eph 5:1; 1Pe 1:15,16. Obeying God -- Lu 1:6; 1Jo 5:3. Rejoicing in God -- Ps 33:1; Hab 3:18. Believing in Christ -- Joh 6:29; 1Jo 3:23. Loving Christ -- Joh 21:15; 1Pe 1:7,8. Following the example of Christ -- Joh 13:15; 1Pe 2:21-24. Obeying Christ -- Joh 14:21; 15:14. Living To Christ. -- Ro 14:8; 2Co 5:15. To righteousness. -- Mic 6:8; Ro 6:18; 1Pe 2:24. Soberly, righteously, and godly. -- Tit 2:12. Walking Honestly. -- 1”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prayer, Intercessory — Christ set an example of -- Lu 22:32; 23:34; Joh 17:9-24. Commanded -- 1Ti 2:1; Jas 5:14,16. Should be offered up for Kings. -- 1Ti 2:2. All in authority. -- 1Ti 2:2. Ministers. -- 2Co 1:11; Php 1:19. The Church. -- Ps 122:6; Isa 62:6,7. All saints. -- Eph 6:18. All men. -- 1Ti 2:1. Masters. -- Ge 24:12-14. Servants. -- Lu 7:2,3. Children. -- Ge 17:18; Mt 15:22. Friends. -- Job 42:8. Fellow-countrymen. -- Ro 10:1. The sick. -- Jas 5:14. Persecutors. -- Mt 5:44. Enemies among whom we dwell. -- Jer 29:7. Those who envy us. -- Nu 12:13. Those who ”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Justice — Commanded -- De 16:20; Isa 56:1. Christ, an example of -- Ps 98:9; Isa 11:4; Jer 23:5. Specially required in rulers -- 2Sa 23:3; Eze 45:9. To be done In executing judgment. -- De 16:18; Jer 21:12. In buying and selling. -- Le 19:36; De 25:15. To the poor. -- Pr 29:14; 31:9. To the fatherless and widows. -- Isa 1:17. To servants. -- Col 4:1. Gifts impede -- Ex 23:8. God Requires. -- Mic 6:8. Sets the highest value on. -- Pr 2:13. Delights in. -- Pr 11:1. Gives wisdom to execute. -- 1Ki 3:11,12; Pr 2:6,9. Displeased with the want of. -- Ec 5:8. Brings its own”
  7. 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 5:9: (Luk 4:13; Eph 6:11-17; Jam 4:7.) steadfast--Compare established in the truth," Pe2 1:12. Satan's power exists only in respect to the unbelieving; the faithful he cannot hurt (Jo1 5:18). Faith gives strength to prayer, the great instrument against the foe (Jam 1:6, &c.). knowing, &c.--"encouragement not to faint in afflictions": your brethren suffer the same; nothing beyond the common lot of Christians befalls you (Co1 10:13). It is a sign of God's favor rather than displeasure, that Satan is allowed to harass you, as he did Job. Your fellow Christ”
  8. Jeremiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Jeremiah 29:7: (Ezr 6:10; Rom 13:1; Ti1 2:2). Not only bear the Babylonian yoke patiently, but pray for your masters, that is, while the captivity lasts. God's good time was to come when they were to pray for Babylon's downfall (Jer 51:35; Psa 137:8). They were not to forestall that time. True religion teaches patient submission, not sedition, even though the prince be an unbeliever. In all states of life let us not throw away the comfort we may have, because we have not all we would have. There is here a foretaste of gospel love towards enemies (Mat 5:44).”
  9. Job (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Job 17:9: The strength of religious principle is heightened by misfortune. The pious shall take fresh courage to persevere from the example of suffering Job. The image is from a warrior acquiring new courage in action (Isa 40:30-31; Phi 1:14).”
  10. Titus (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Titus 3 (introduction): WHAT TITUS IS TO TEACH CONCERNING CHRISTIANS' BEHAVIOR TOWARDS THE WORLD: HOW HE IS TO TREAT HERETICS: WHEN AND WHERE HE IS TO MEET PAUL. SALUTATION. CONCLUSION. (Tit 3:1-15) Put them in mind--as they are in danger of forgetting their duty, though knowing it. The opposition of Christianity to heathenism, and the natural disposition to rebellion of the Jews under the Roman empire (of whom many lived in Crete), might lead many to forget practically what was a recognized Christian principle in theory, submission to the powers that be. DIODORUS”
  11. Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 13:1: 13:1-2 The basic command of 13:1-7 is to submit to governing authorities. In God’s ordering of the world, we answer to those in positions of authority. Our submission to them will usually take the form of obedience. However, because God stands over all governments, our submission to governing authorities must always be in terms of our ultimate submission to God (see Acts 4:19-20). The Roman Christians might have been resisting government (see study note on Rom 13:6) based on a false understanding of the Good News, as if no longer copying “the behavior and customs ”
  12. 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 6:7: 6:7 Even to have such lawsuits with one another is a defeat for you: To sue a fellow believer reflects self-interest rather than concern for the welfare of others or the glory of God. • Why not just accept the injustice? Christians are called to follow the example of Christ’s self-sacrifice (see Matt 5:38-42).”
  13. Micah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Micah 2 (introduction): DENUNCIATION OF THE EVILS PREVALENT: THE PEOPLE'S UNWILLINGNESS TO HEAR THE TRUTH: THEIR EXPULSION FROM THE LAND THE FITTING FRUIT OF THEIR SIN: YET JUDAH AND ISRAEL ARE HEREAFTER TO BE RESTORED. (Mic 2:1-13) devise . . . work . . . practise--They do evil not merely on a sudden impulse, but with deliberate design. As in the former chapter sins against the first table are reproved, so in this chapter sins against the second table. A gradation: "devise" is the conception of the evil purpose; "work" (Psa 58:2), or "fabricate," the maturing of ”
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