OBEDIENCE vs SACRIFICE - Matthew 9:13

Matthew 9:13 “Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

 

            Many who think they are righteous simply because they BELIEVE in Jesus and God are fooling themselves. While the Bible DOES say you just need to call on the name of the Lord to be saved is that all there is to it? NO. The scriptures call you a NEW CREATURE in Christ. Old things have passed away, behold all things have become new. It’s like having your house renovated. God infuses you with His Holy Spirit and you are now the opposite to what you were. Do you cultivate the changes or do you allow them to dry up and die on the vine. Those who KNOW they are missing something in their life, know they need some sort of injection from the Lord to make the changes necessary to live for God. That injection is God’s Word.

Living in obedience to God starts with a decision to put Him first and to give Him authority over our lives. It needs to be HIS will rather than OUR will. Then we need to be sure we are truly aligned with His Will. And 1 Samuel offers some cautions as we strive to be true followers.

 

1. We need to ask for God’s leading. Example from scripture: King Saul carried out the Lord’s mission, but with his own agenda. 

 

2. We need to listen carefully to God’s instructions. Example from scripture: Saul responded to the Lord quickly but didn’t heed all the specifics of the plan.

 

3. We need to respect God’s desires. Example from scripture: Saul sought the Lord, but he made assumptions about what he heard. 

 

People can place more importance on outer appearance than inner character. But God has always searches deeper within and makes it clear that our gifts and offerings must be motivated by a heart that is fully committed to Him. Then what we give Him will truly be worship thru obedience. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries