Why is teaching obedience to Jesus' commands crucial for disciple-making? The Foundation of the Great Commission • “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20) • Jesus links disciple-making with teaching obedience. Evangelism, baptism, and instruction form an inseparable chain. • The authority behind this command rests on v. 18: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” Because Jesus rules, His words require obedience, not mere admiration. Obedience: The Mark of True Discipleship • John 14:15 — “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Love for Christ shows itself in obedience, so teaching obedience guards against a Christianity of sentiment without substance. • 1 John 2:3-4 — “By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments. Whoever says, ‘I know Him,’ but does not keep His commandments is a liar…” • Luke 6:46 — “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I say?” A disciple who disobeys contradicts the very confession that Jesus is Lord. Teaching Obedience Reflects Jesus’ Own Method • Mark 3:14 — Jesus “appointed twelve—whom He named apostles—to be with Him and to send them out.” The Twelve learned by hearing and doing under Christ’s daily direction. • Matthew 7:24 — Wise builders hear Jesus’ words “and act on them.” Classroom knowledge alone was never His goal; life transformation was. • Acts 1:1 implies Jesus both “began to do and to teach,” indicating that doing and teaching move together in kingdom ministry. Obedience Ensures Continuity and Multiplication • 2 Timothy 2:2 — “What you have heard from me… entrust to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others also.” Teaching obedience creates a relay race of faithfulness across generations. • Acts 2:42 — Early believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.” Their steadfast obedience produced a community that drew others to Christ (Acts 2:47). Obedience Demonstrates Love and Lordship • John 15:10-11 — Keeping Christ’s commandments lets us “remain in His love” and experience full joy. Discipleship without obedience forfeits intimacy and joy. • Philippians 2:9-11 — Because Jesus obeyed unto death, God exalted Him; calling Him “Lord” while ignoring His commands dishonors His sacrificial obedience. Obedience Guards Against False Conversion • James 1:22 — “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Teaching obedience protects people from self-deception and hollow professions of faith. • Titus 1:16 — “They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him.” Disciple-making that omits obedience risks populating churches with unregenerate members. Practical Takeaways for Today • Integrate Jesus’ commands into every stage of discipleship—conversion, baptism, mentorship, and leadership training. • Model obedience visibly; disciples learn best from lived example. • Celebrate obedience as evidence of grace, not as legalistic duty. • Use Scripture memory, accountability partnerships, and service opportunities to move learners from hearing to doing. • Measure ministry success not merely by attendance or decisions but by observable growth in obedient living. Teaching obedience isn’t an optional add-on to disciple-making; it is the heartbeat that keeps the body of Christ alive, healthy, and multiplying. |
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