It is not enough to hear God’s voice, but we must obey. Obedience is a part of the honor we owe to God. . . . Obedience carries in it the lifeblood of religion. . . . Obedience without knowledge is blind, and knowledge without obedience is lame. . . . Saul thought it was enough for him to offer sacrifices, though he disobeyed God’s command; but “to obey is better than sacrifice.” God disclaims sacrifice, if obedience be wanting.
– Thomas Watson
1620 – 1686
Christ Alone Wyoming 
Critical! Absolutely critical truth! Obedience is the very heart of relationship with God. The very essence of sin is lack of obedience. Repentance requires obedience to God’s word.
“…knowledge without obedience is lame”. More than lame, it can be deadly. The demons have immense knowledge of God. They were all in heaven with God. Scripture even says they not only believe in God, but tremble! Yet, why are they fallen? Lack of obedience. “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin”. (James 4:17)
The Lordship of Christ necessitates obedience to Him and His word (“Why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46)
Obedience requires contending for the faith once delivered unto the saints. Obedience requires exposing false teachers. Obedience requires separating from false churches. Obedience requires not being unequally yoked with unbelievers. Obedience requires preaching the word in season and out of season. Obedience requires reproving, rebuking, exhorting, with patience and instruction. Obedience requires loving one another. Obedience requires praying for our enemies. Obedience requires denying self, taking up our cross, and following Jesus.
Obedience is what separates the sheep from the goats.
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Interesting post here. A book I suggest is Francis Chan’s Forgotten God. It is about reversing our tragic neglect of the Holy Spirit. I highly suggest it. I am blogging all about it. See for yourself at http://whatsnextgod.com
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So very true – those times when I have been disobedient have been some of the worst times.
That ol’ saying rings true; obedience brings blessing.
Great quote and well said DavidW!
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