Obedience

The new covenant concept of "obedience" is not a law-based obedience that focuses on keeping rules and regulations, as the old covenant concept did. In the new covenant dynamic of the living Lord Jesus, the Greek word for "obedience" is hupakouo, which is to be translated "to listen under." Christians are responsible to "listen under" the Lord to allow Him to reveal what He wants to do next in their life. As Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice" (John 10:1-16). When we perceive His direction by personal revelation, we can then respond in the "obedience of faith" (cf. Rom. 1:5; 16:26) that says, "Yes, Lord," and continues to be receptive to His activity, allowing Him to manifest His character in our behavior.
Only the Lord has the right to reveal sin and direct our Christian lives. Beware of any individual or religious group that attempts to usurp the Lord's prerogative to expose your selfishness or sin. If someone comes to you, saying, "The Lord has told me that you have this or that problem," disregard their intrusive input, explain that you have a personal relationship with the Lord that does not require intermediaries, and continue to listen to what Christ is revealing to you. If a religious group seeks to engage in the collective catharsis of identifying sin in one another's lives, excuse yourself from participation in such. There are too many religious folk who seek to engage in the self-appointed position of attempting to "play Holy Spirit" in another's life.
On the other hand, be advised that when God does direct you to address an area of self-orientation or sinfulness in your life, it is only for you! Do not set out to apply what God has revealed to you to others. It is "personal revelation," not general revelation. Selfishly we are tempted to seek to involve as many people as possible in the crime. If we have been caught in the trespass of God's character, we think others should be exposed also, and sometimes set out on a crusade to "lay a guilt trip" on others for their similar attitudes or behavior. Do not try to conduct God's business! Quietly let the Lord deal with whatever issues He brings to your attention, and allow Him to do the same in others. Remember,
"love covers a multitude of sins" (I Peter 4:8).

A.B.Simpson..
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