How can we "teach them to obey" in our daily interactions with others? The Foundation: Christ’s Command to Teach Obedience • Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.” • Christ’s words are clear and binding; we take them at face value. Discipleship is incomplete until the learner actually obeys Jesus’ commands. Internalizing the Word First • Deuteronomy 6:6-7: “These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children…” • Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you…” • Before we can teach others, Scripture must saturate our own minds and shape our desires. • Daily habits: reading, memorizing, meditating on passages, singing psalms and hymns. Modeling Obedience in Everyday Life • 1 Corinthians 11:1: “Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.” • People learn far more from what we consistently do than from what we occasionally say. • Show integrity at work, kindness in traffic, patience with children, gratitude at meals. • When we fail, confess quickly and visibly, demonstrating repentance as part of obedience. Speaking Truth with Grace • Ephesians 4:15: “Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ…” • Tone matters. Correction offered with humility and warmth opens hearts instead of closing ears. • Use “we” language—“Here’s how we can honor the Lord”—rather than “you should.” • Keep Scripture central; let God’s Word carry the authority. Seizing Ordinary Moments as Teaching Opportunities • Deuteronomy 6:7 continues: “…when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” • Mealtimes: discuss how a passage applies to the day’s events. • Commutes: listen to audio Scripture or share testimonies of God’s faithfulness. • Text messages: send a verse and a brief application thought. • Social media: post real-life obedience stories that spotlight Christ, not self. Encouraging Accountability and Community • Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds…” • Small groups or prayer partners help keep obedience practical and measurable. • Celebrate victories; gently address blind spots. • Titus 2:7: “In everything, show yourself to be an example of good works.” Multiplying Faithful Teachers • 2 Timothy 2:2: “And the things you have heard me say… entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” • Invest intentionally in a few who can, in turn, disciple others. • Provide clear, reproducible tools: verse lists, reading plans, simple methods for studying Scripture. Relying on the Spirit • John 16:13: “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” • Obedience is ultimately Spirit-empowered. Seek His guidance, boldness, and conviction. • Pray for open hearts before conversations; thank Him afterward for any fruit He produces. Living as Light • Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” • Visible obedience attracts questions (1 Peter 3:15), giving natural openings to explain Christ’s commands. Summary: A Lifestyle of Disciple-Making Teaching others to obey is not an occasional program but a continuous pattern: internalize Scripture, model it, speak it with grace, seize everyday moments, walk in community, multiply faithful teachers, and depend on the Spirit. By living this way, we fulfill our Lord’s plain directive and display the beauty of obedience to a watching world. |
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