Obedience

The Sons of Disobedience

Tom Ratkovich, , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

“For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.” Ephesians 5:5-7 (NKJV)

In his epistles, the Apostle Paul thrice uses the figurative phrase “sons of disobedience.” He does so not to define people of biological descent, but to characterize those in rebellion against God – lives marked by defiance, unbelief and resistance to God’s will.

The sons of disobedience persist in sin without repentance. In the verses above, Paul is specific that such sin includes sexual immorality, covetousness and idolatry; that is, a life conforming to worldly desires. He further asserts that such a life is influenced by spiritual forces opposed to God in which one walks “according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience…” (Ephesians 2:2)

Notably, the apostle declares that we were once all among the sons of disobedience, having been born into a fallen state as the descendants of Adam. Ephesians 2:3 continues:

“…among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.”

The good news, however, comes in verses 4-5:

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)…”

By God’s loving grace, through faith which manifests in repentance and obedience, we are no longer sons of disobedience but become the adopted sons of the everlasting God.

In Romans 8:13-14, Paul contrasts the sons of disobedience with the sons of God:

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”

That is, those who yield to the Holy Spirit rather than be led by the worldly desires of the flesh are the sons of God.

Such a distinction is particularly relevant in today’s volatile and divisive political climate. Many are quick to characterize those who do not share their world views as ill-informed or, worse, evil.

For example, does Donald Trump fit the biblical description of the sons of disobedience? How about those who empower, endorse and encourage him?

Such questions are actually relevant because of those seven words comprising Ephesians 5:7:

“Therefore do not be partakers with them.”

Whether or not Trump fits the description of a son of disobedience as described by Paul requires nothing more than objective observation. He is an adulterer. He covets power, money and exaltation – and he lies, sues and slanders in pursuit of them. He genuinely hates those who stand in opposition to him. Most grievously, he is unrepentant in all of it. These are indisputable, observable behaviors.

But because “sons of disobedience” describes a spiritual condition known only to God, I am incapable of making such a judgment. Christians are called to evaluate actions and fruit – not to declare knowledge of one’s spiritual identity.

Instead, I will simply defer to Paul’s warning not to be partners in their sin. I appeal to those who endorse behavior that is in direct conflict with God’s commands for repentance, forgiveness and love to consider whose sons they want to be. For they, too, will stand in judgment before the bema seat of the Lord.

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.” Isaiah 5:20

Related: Do Not Tolerate the Unrepentant

The Obedience of Faith

Tom Ratkovich, , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

“1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ” Romans 1:1-6 (ESV)

In his transcendent letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul bookends the epistle in 1:5 and 16:26 with a short phrase, but one that carries profound implications for the faithful in Christ. In both his greeting and his doxology, Paul underscores “the obedience of faith” – the context of which is similar in both instances.

“25Now to Him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith — 27to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.” Romans 16:25-27

As he teaches throughout his letters, Paul does not mean that salvation is earned by obeying rules. Rather, he describes obedience that flows from a genuine faith in the Lord.

Faith comes first. Paul is unambiguous that believers find grace by trusting God – not by works of the law.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Authentic faith manifests in obedience to God’s word. The gift of such faith begets a changed life – one in which we respond to the Lord with trust, hope and submission – aligning that life with God’s will.

Paul is making the point that faith is not simply an intellectual acknowledgement of the gospel. True faith leads to a transformed life.

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2

I confess to having been “conformed to this world.” I confess to a “faith” that, prior to becoming a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), was not authentic but corrupt. I confess to professing my Christianity verbally, failing to acknowledge that such profession came from my mouth, not my heart. I confess that I was a “Christian” when it was convenient to be one, but would rationalize my disobedience when it was not.

It is only by the grace of God that I am saved. I do not deserve such grace; none of us do. But God sent His only begotten Son to us so that His grace, His mercy, His love – is available to all who believe.

I believe. I now seek to do the will of God – that which “is good and acceptable and perfect.” This is the manifestation of authentic faith. Of course, I fail…repeatedly. But rather than rationalize my sin, I confess it and repent of it. The Lord knows that I – like both of you reading this post – am flawed. But the obedience of faith does not imply that we will be perfect. However, obedience does include repentance:

“Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent.” Acts 17:30

In summary, “the obedience of faith” means a trusting response to the gospel that results in a life of obedience – obedience not to earn salvation, but obedience that naturally flows from genuine faith. Paul’s instruction calls for a faith-response that changes how we live in Christ.

The Manifestation of Faith

Tom Ratkovich, , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

I started this post with the intent of addressing the what, why and how of eternal life with the Lord. But as I began to put context to this idea, I quickly realized that I was adding unneeded complexity to a simple truth. The what and why are obvious…and the how is actually quite uncomplicated.

There is but one how to eternity: faith in the Triune God.

“Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV)

In his epistle to the Romans, the Apostle Paul confirms this truth:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (8:1)

No condemnation. No death. Faith alone.

The concept of “faith” may be obscure to many. Even as defined by the writer of Hebrews in verse 11:1, the meaning can seem vague:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Faith is trust in God’s word. Faith is certainty of His existence and His promises – despite the fact that we cannot perceive them with our physical senses. It is spiritual certitude grounded not in tangible evidence, but in our trust of God’s character.

This certainty – this faith – triggers a transformation of our very being. What are the manifestations of that transformation in our time on this earth?

Love. Repentance. Mercy. Humility. Obedience.

Our faith is an open invitation to the Holy Spirit to enter our hearts and lead us in fulfilling the words of the prophet Micah:

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.” (6:8)

I pray that this faith is YOUR faith. If so, you are blessed. But the Lord’s blessings are waiting for those who have yet to find it. He has made Himself known through creation, through scripture, and through the person of Jesus Christ. I pray that you will seek Him.

“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah 29:13