"I, the Lord,
have give you messages again and again, but you did not obey me.
I sent all my servants the prophet to you again and again, saying
"Each of you must stop doing evil.
You must change and be good.
Do not follow other gods to serve them.
If you obey me,
you will live in the land I have given to you and your ancestors."
Jeremiah 35: 14-15
d
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Obedient Faith Equals Salvation
READ Jeremiah 34:1-35:19
SITUATION Nebuchadnezzar attacked Jerusalem with a huge army, King Zedekiah of Judah fought for survival.
OBSERVATION In chapter 35 the author contrasted faithless Judah and the faithful Racabites. The obedience of the latter would be rewarded.
INSPIRATION Did you know it's not faith plus obedience that equals salvation, but obedient faith that equals salvation? True faith is verified in your obedience to God.
Because Jesus is Lord, He demands obedience. There is no faith without obedience. Paul said to the Roman Christians, "I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world" (Romans 1:8). And why was their faith spoken of throughout the world? Romans 16:19 explains, "Your obedience has become know to all." In the beginning, it is your faith that is spread abroad, but in the end it is your obedience.
Faith that excludes obedience won't save anyone. The delusion that it will causes many people to take the broad road that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:21-29). Build your life in obedience to Christ. Then you'll know that you belong to Him. (From Truth for Today by John MacArthur)
APPLICATION Have you ever promised to do something for the Lord if he would grant your request? Then you're making a demand on God; he doesn't work that way. He wants us to be loyal and obedient constantly. His answers to our prayers reflects his perfect will for us.
EXPLORATION Obedience -- Genesis 2:16-17; Exodus 8:25-29; Joshua 11:15; 1 Samuel 15;1-3, 9; Matthew 23:23-24; Romans 6:17.
The Devotional Bible - Experiencing the Heart of Jesus, Max Lucado General Editor, New Century Version, Thomas Nelson Publishers
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