What does "I have not disregarded His statutes" teach about obedience? Grounding the Phrase in Scripture “For all His ordinances are before me; I have not disregarded His statutes.” (Psalm 18:22) What “I Have Not Disregarded His Statutes” Reveals about Obedience - Constant awareness: David keeps God’s ordinances “before” him, showing obedience begins with conscious remembrance. - Active respect: “Not disregarded” means he refuses to set God’s commands aside, treating them as weighty and binding. - Whole-life alignment: The statement covers every sphere of life; obedience is not selective but comprehensive. - Personal accountability: David speaks in the first person—obedience is an individual responsibility, not merely a communal expectation. How Obedience Manifests Practically - Daily choices measured against Scripture (Psalm 119:11, 16). - Quick repentance when a command is violated (Psalm 32:5). - Consistent pursuit of righteousness even under pressure (Psalm 18:20-21). - Reliance on God’s strength to follow through (Psalm 18:32-34). Motivations That Fuel Such Obedience - Gratitude for deliverance: Psalm 18 is David’s song after rescue; obedience flows from thankfulness. - Desire for fellowship: Walking in God’s statutes keeps the relationship unhindered (Psalm 24:3-4). - Vision of reward: “The LORD has repaid me according to my righteousness” (Psalm 18:24). - Fear of the Lord: Reverence compels careful adherence (Proverbs 1:7). New Testament Echoes - “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) - “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) - “We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commandments.” (1 John 2:3) Personal Takeaways - Keep Scripture continually before you—read, memorize, meditate. - Treat every command as authoritative, not optional. - Evaluate decisions by asking, “Does this disregard any statute?” - Depend on the Spirit for power to obey (Galatians 5:16). - Let gratitude for salvation fuel steadfast, joyful obedience. |
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