Oswald Chambers on Obedience to Jesus' Teachings

The idea that obedience to God's commands is essential before speaking about our faith is a crucial concept in the Christian life, as emphasized by Oswald Chambers. This truth is rooted in the teachings of Jesus, who instructed His followers to put their faith into practice, as seen in Matthew 5:23-24, where Jesus says, "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." This passage highlights the importance of making things right with others before attempting to worship or speak about God.

This concept is also reflected in the Reformed tradition, which emphasizes the necessity of a righteous life as evidence of true faith. As the Westminster Confession of Faith states, "Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ and His righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification." However, this faith is not mere intellectual assent, but a living and active trust that produces obedience to God's commands. The teachings of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels, continually stress the importance of putting faith into practice, and the Reformed tradition has long emphasized the necessity of a righteous life as evidence of true faith.

The significance of this doctrine lies in its emphasis on the integrity of the Christian life, where actions and words align with the teachings of Christ. It matters because it addresses the heart behind the question, recognizing that true faith is not just about speaking the right words, but about living a life that honors God. This truth connects to the broader Reformed theology, which upholds the importance of sanctification and the pursuit of holiness in the Christian life, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:7, where Paul writes, "For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life." A common misconception is that faith is only about what we say, but this doctrine highlights the necessity of obedience and a righteous life as evidence of true faith, and it is here that the gospel connection is most clearly seen, for it is only through the power of the gospel that we are able to live a life that honors God.