No. 277 - Learning Obedience Through Suffering

The Obedience of God’s Will

Learning Obedience Through Suffering 

Hebrews 5:8-9

"Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him." 

Starting Prayer

Dear Lord, grant me insight into the humility and obedience of Your Son as I reflect on today's theme. Help me to understand the lessons of obedience through suffering. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Background

Hebrews 5 discusses the priesthood of Jesus Christ, highlighting His empathy with human weaknesses. The selected verses emphasize how Jesus, despite being the Son of God, learned obedience through His sufferings, becoming the source of eternal salvation for those who obey Him. This passage underscores the profound humility of Christ, who willingly endured suffering to fulfill God's plan for redemption. 

Be Encouraged

Jesus' obedience, even unto death, exemplifies the humility required of all believers. His willingness to suffer for the sake of obedience teaches us that obedience to God often involves enduring hardships and trials. Just as Jesus learned obedience through suffering, we too can grow in obedience and faithfulness as we navigate the challenges of life. 

Consider the example of Job in the Old Testament. Despite facing immense suffering and loss, Job remained faithful to God, ultimately experiencing restoration and blessing. Similarly, when we face trials, let us remember Jesus' example and persevere in obedience, trusting that God will ultimately bring about His purposes and reward our faithfulness. 

Application

Reflect on these verses: Philippians 2:8, "And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross," and James 1:2-4, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." 

Invitation

For those who have not yet committed their lives to Christ, I invite you to visit any nearby Church of Christ to be assisted in obeying the gospel of Christ: through faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance from sin (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), and baptism for the forgiveness of all past sins to be saved (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). The Lord will add you to His church, where you can continue to learn and grow in your relationship with Him (Matthew 28:18-20). 

For those already in Christ, let us put today's message into practice by following Christ's example of obedience, even in the midst of suffering. May we encourage one another to persevere in faithfulness, sharing this message with our loved ones. 

Concluding Prayer

Lord, thank You for the example of Jesus' humility and obedience. Help me to learn from His example and grow in obedience through the challenges I face. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. 

I encourage you to share your thoughts on today's meditation with me so I know how you have received the message. 

May the Lord bless your day. 

Theodore J. Quist 

Evangelist 

Church of Christ 

Abokobi - Accra 

Ghana


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