The Deliberate Steps of Biblical Obedience

January 09, 2016

If there is one thing that is overwhelming clear in Psalm 119, it is that the Psalmist is determined not just to know what God is saying, but to obey it. The word ""keep"" is used repeatedly, indicating a deliberation in His obedience. We are to listen and learn so that we may obey.

But obedience is most often the roadblock to our growth. Tozer said that one of the curses of American Christianity is that we think because we know something we have it. The Bible was not given merely to change our thinking, but to alter our behavior. Biblical knowledge is never complete until we digest the truth through obedient experience. Only then does it become ours.

In verses 58-64 of Psalm 119 we have window into some of the ingredients of obedience that must be ours in daily, deliberate experience.

PROMISE

We must commit to obey

""I have promised to keep Your words."" vs. 57b

 

No RESERVATION

We must seek God’s enabling favor to obey with all our hearts.

""I sought your favor with all my heart"" vs. 58a

 

CONSIDERATION

We must look at the folly of our current behavior.

""I considered my ways"" vs. 59a

 

TURNING

We must repent with deliberate steps of repentance, not only turning from something but to something.

""And turned my feet to Your testimonies"" vs. 59b

 

IMMEDIACY

We must turn instantly, realizing delayed obedience is not obedience.

""I hastened and did not delay to keep Your commandments"" vs. 60

 

REMEMBERING

We must remember the value of God’s direction even when the world tries to convince us otherwise.

""The cords of the wicked have encircled me but I have not forgotten Your law."" vs. 51

 

THANKSGIVING

We must continually give thanks for God’s Word, which reinforces and strengthens our resolve.

""At midnight I shall rise to give thanks to You because of Your righteous ordinances."" vs. 62

 

RIGHT FRIENDS

We must surround ourselves with friends who fear and obey God who will help us to obedience.

""I am a companion of all those who fear You, of those who keep Your precepts."" vs. 63

 

TEACHABILITY AND HUNGER

We must remember that everything in God’s creation is shouting to us of God’s love and remember that what He is asking of us is motivated by pure love and kindness.

""The earth is full of Your lovingkindness, O Lord; teach me Your statutes."" vs. 64

 

If you want the fullness of Christ, you will meditate deeply on these verses and truths. And, you will think of the most recent instruction the Lord has shown you—the next step of obedience God is calling you to make—and begin there and begin now.

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