Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence…
Summary: Paul’s commendation of the Philippians’ obedience points us to a vital truth: that true obedience is only possible when we rely on God to guide us.
Paul’s words about obedience in this passage are like a key that opens many doors. One door leads to doing God’s will. The others, however many there are, lead into darkness.
Discerning the right door without God’s help is beyond human understanding.
When Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree, they — and we — were forever changed. The serpent had promised “… that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5). What the serpent failed to mention was that we humans are not strong enough or wise enough to resist evil, and so we become entrapped.
The door of obedience that leads to life is described by Jesus when he sums up the Old Testament. He says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-40).
Obedience to God’s will submits first to God. Every door that honors God’s will leads in this direction.
The challenge for each of us is discerning what godly obedience looks like. To help us, God has given us his Word and his Holy Spirit.
People in Paul’s day were just the same as us: they could choose whom they would serve.
For example, people could choose to obey the circumcision group (Titus 1:10). Paul points out that they taught things they “ought not to teach” (Titus 1:11). People who followed their teachings were handicapped by believing works could save them.
In today’s world, we are often handicapped by the same confusion.
Jesus, when he prayed with his disciples before being arrested, prayed for us, too. He prayed for unity among all who would believe in him (John 17:20-23). Unity was to be the hallmark of his church.*
Sadly, today we are besieged by choices. There are so many doors to choose from! Do we obey the teachings of the church on the corner, or do we listen to the words of the one down the street? And what about those who abuse their authority? The ones who pursue “dishonest gain” (Titus 1:11)?
The Philippians are commended by Paul for obeying his Gospel. We, too, should be guided by their faithfulness.
Application: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. — Proverbs 3:5-6
Food for Thought: How is godly obedience different from blind obedience?
*Jesus says, “Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17:23)
Blind obedience does not require understanding or wisdom, and often comes from fear of consequences. Godly obedience comes from understanding and wisdom, which comes from the Lord.
Proverbs 2:6
For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
Thank you Chris!
Great response!