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heb13-13 · 07-20-2009, 03:07 PM

(07-20-2009 02:01 PM)sheep wrecked Wrote: I was brought up a very legalistic religious denomination which threatened me, within an inch of my life, that God was out to get me for my "disobedience" [pure legalism]. What I did not understand until much, much later in life is that a relationship with God is based on trust, love, and humility - not what we do or don't do to "impress" Him [more legalism]

It is not that a true believer is "disobedient" which actually means rebelliousness. That kind of person does not have a deep relationship with Christ. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God, but "disobedience" is willful sin. Those that truly serve God and love Him with all their hearts have no desire to willfully disobey God

This text comes to mind:

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Heb 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

In other words, God looks at the intent and motive of the heart. We are the righteousness of God in Christ. He does not see His kids as disobedient rebellious children who are yearning to do wrong in spite of themselves. He sees the heart and love that one has for Him and the desire to serve Him as He wills. This is not legalism or a failure to obey. It is God's grace extended to us as sinners in continual need of our Savior and God

We all sin daily, but perfection like God is not sinlessness, but maturity in belief and faith, and trusting in the faithfulness and forgiveness of God for all our sins.

Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect [G5046], even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

G5046
τέλειος
teleios
Thayer Definition:
1) brought to its end, finished
2) wanting nothing necessary to completeness
3) perfect
4) that which is perfect
4a) consummate human integrity and virtue
4b) of men
4b1) full grown, adult, of full age, mature

Hi Sheep,

Disobedient and rebellious may have been incorrect choices for words. Sometimes we want to do it ourselves, which would be lack of yielding or submission. It's all part of maturing and growing up in Christ.

LAW - Me doing something for God.
GRACE - God doing something for Me. Big difference!!

Romans Chapter 7 - 45 occurrences of I, ME, MY
Romans Chapter 8 - 19 occurrences of Spirit

I think as we grow in faith and our trust relationship with God, we become more yielded and submitted to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Very good post. Constant clarification is good.

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Rom 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?