Three Reasons Christians Obey God

Intimacy With JesusPart 7

Self Becoming Dead to Self

Abiding Abiding

Fear Experiencing Christ Freedom

Copyright, Michael F. Sabo

Rejected

Punished

Condemned

Copyright, Michael F. Sabo

FEAR

And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment,

but we can face him with confidence because we are like

Christ here in this world.

1 John 4:17-18

18Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we

are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that his love has not been perfected in us.

NLT

1 John 4:17-18

Do any of these three fearsreflect why you obey God?

Fear of being RejectedFear of being Punished

Fear of being Condemned

Does Rejection, Punishment or Condemnation attract you to God?

Rejected

Punished

Condemned

My Job

Copyright, Michael F. Sabo

FEAR DUTY

As he was starting out on a trip, a man came running up to Jesus, knelt down, and asked, “Good

Teacher, what should I do to get eternal life?”

Mark 10:17-21 The Rich Young Ruler

18“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly

good. 19But as for your question, you know the commandments: ‘Do

not murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal.

Mark 10:17-21 The Rich Young Ruler

Do not testify falsely. Do not cheat. Honor your father and mother.’ ”

20“Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments

since I was a child.”

Mark 10:17-21 The Rich Young Ruler

21Jesus felt genuine love for this man as he looked at him. “You

lack only one thing,” he told him. “Go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you

will have treasure in heaven.

Mark 10:17-21 The Rich Young Ruler

Then come, follow me.” 22At this, the man’s face fell, and he went

sadly away because he had many possessions. NLT

Mark 10:17-21 The Rich Young Ruler

Rejected

Punished

Condemned

My Job

My Commitment

I Owe Him

Copyright, Michael F. Sabo

FEAR DUTY

Do any of these three duties reflect why you obey God?

Obedience is MY JOBI made a COMMITTMENT to Him

I OWE Him

Does obeying God out of DUTY draw you closer to Him?

Rejected

Punished

Condemned

My Job

My Commitment

I Owe Him

Gratitude

Copyright, Michael F. Sabo

FEAR DUTY LOVE

John 10:10 - ...I came that they might have life, and have it

abundantly. ESV

Gratitude

John 8:31-32 – “...If you abide in My word, you are truly my

disciples, 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you

free.” ESV

Gratitude

2 Corinthians 3:17 – Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit

of the Lord is, there is freedom. ESV

Gratitude

Rejected

Punished

Condemned

My Job

My Commitment

I Owe Him

Gratitude

Worship

Awe

Copyright, Michael F. Sabo

FEAR DUTY LOVE

Do any of these three motives reflect why you obey God?

GRATITUDE WORSHIP

AWE

Meditate & Apply

Which dog’s behavior more accurately represents

how You relate to God?

Meditate & Apply

Ask the LORD to do whatever is needed so that you would

naturally obey Him out of Love.

Meditate & Apply