What does "obedience is complete" mean in the context of spiritual growth? Living Inside the Verse “...and we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, as soon as your obedience is complete.” (2 Corinthians 10:6) What “Obedience Is Complete” Communicates - Fully matured submission to Christ—nothing held back, no pockets of resistance (Philippians 3:15-16). - A settled lifestyle, not an isolated act; an ongoing pattern of hearing and doing (James 1:22-25). - The point at which Christ’s commands govern thoughts as well as actions (2 Corinthians 10:5). Why Paul Connects Discipline to Completed Obedience - The church could not confront outward rebellion while harboring inward compromise (Matthew 7:5). - Authority in spiritual warfare flows from personal alignment with the Lord (Acts 19:13-16 shows the danger of attempting it without obedience). - Corporate purity protects the gospel’s witness (1 Peter 2:12). Signs You Are Moving Toward Complete Obedience • Quick, willing response to Scripture (John 14:15). • Conscience cleansed and sensitive (Hebrews 10:22). • Consistent repentance when sin is exposed (1 John 1:9). • Increasing harmony between thoughts, words, and deeds (Psalm 19:14). Practical Pathways for Growth 1. Daily surrender—begin every day agreeing with Romans 12:1. 2. Word saturation—let Colossians 3:16 dwell richly, shaping reactions before they form. 3. Accountable relationships—iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17). 4. Spirit-led promptings—obey immediately; delayed obedience erodes completeness (Galatians 5:25). The Fruit of Completed Obedience - Deeper intimacy: “Whoever keeps My word, My Father will love him, and We will come to him” (John 14:23). - Clearer discernment: “Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses” (Hebrews 5:14). - Reliable authority: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee” (James 4:7). - Unified fellowship: shared obedience knits believers together (Ephesians 4:16). Guarding Against Two Extremes • Legalism—trusting rule-keeping instead of Christ’s finished work (Galatians 3:3). • License—claiming grace while ignoring the call to holiness (Romans 6:1-2). Balanced obedience is grace-rooted, love-motivated, Spirit-empowered (Titus 2:11-12). Encouragement to Press On “Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) |
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