Obedience (Ekklesia Part 5)
Created to Represent and Rule
In the beginning, God created humanity with two powerful purposes in mind: to represent His glory and to rule over His creation. Genesis 1:26-28 (ESV) says:
"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.'"
From the very start, God created people to reflect His image and steward His creation. This dominion wasn't about domination but stewardship—being over creation but under God. Psalm 8 echoes this design:
"You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet" (Psalm 8:6, ESV).
The Fall: When We Stepped Out From Under
But something broke. In Genesis 3, humanity chose to come out from under God’s authority. The serpent deceived, and Adam and Eve disobeyed. The result? Shame, fear, brokenness, and the relinquishing of the dominion God had entrusted to them.
Obedience keeps us under the covering of God’s protection. Disobedience exposes us to chaos. Just like a child ignoring a parent’s warning before darting into a street, disobedience pulls us out from God’s safety. And with that one act, humanity handed authority over to the enemy.
Romans 6:16 (ESV) clarifies:
"Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?"
We are not as free as we think. We are always living under some authority—either the authority of God or of sin. And who we obey is who we empower.
The Obedience of Faith
True faith and obedience are inseparable. Romans 6:17-18 (ESV) reveals the miracle of salvation:
"But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness."
This is the good news: Jesus died not just to forgive us, but to change us. He gives us a new heart that desires to obey. This isn’t about religious rule-keeping; it’s about being transformed from the inside out.
Jesus said it plainly in John 14:15 (ESV):
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments."
Love for God leads to obedience to God. The Bible has no category for a faith that does not result in obedience. As James 2:18 (ESV) says:
"I will show you my faith by my works."
Even demons believe in God’s existence. What sets followers of Jesus apart is obedience that flows from a heart transformed by love.
Reclaiming What Was Lost
Every act of disobedience in our lives concedes territory to the enemy. But when we obey God, we reclaim that territory. Through our lives, we begin to take back what was lost in the garden. This is why obedience matters.
When we submit our lives to God's lordship, we align ourselves with His purposes. Our obedience doesn't just change us; it changes the world around us. Obedience becomes our partnership with God in His redemptive work on the earth.
"Jesus said, 'If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.'" (John 14:23, ESV)
We become homes for God. We become instruments in His hands. No longer playing the broken song of rebellion, we echo the melody of His kingdom.
Living the Blueprint
As a church, we believe that one of our foundational pillars is obedience:
"Jesus said, 'If anyone loves me, he will keep my word.' Obedience that flows from love honors God and advances His kingdom. When we submit to His lordship, we take back ground that disobedience relinquished to the enemy."
This is not a call to perfection but a call to pursue. To hear His voice and not harden our hearts. To respond with trust, love, and joyful obedience. Because every step of obedience advances God’s kingdom on earth.
Reflection Questions
Are there areas in your life where you've separated faith from obedience?
What "territory" in your life might God be asking you to reclaim through obedience?
How can you practice hearing and responding to God's voice more consistently this week?