17: Obedience Better Than Knowledge

Key Passage

He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

Luke 11:28

This reply from Jesus to the crowds shows us the importance Jesus put on spiritual obedience in the life of a disciple.

From the 20 Practices of Disciplemakers:

Knowledge of the scriptures is a poor test of spiritual maturity. I have heard people sprout scriptures for every scenario but sadly watched their lifestyles not match up to living the life that Jesus called us to live.

Most of us have grown up in a Western (or Greek) church model that values knowledge over obedience. We are encouraged to come back every week to hear more teaching, but I've never listened to a pastor devote a Sunday message to whether a simple truth is being lived out in people's lives. We assume if we teach it well, they will do it well. There is often a gap between hearing the Scriptures and applying them to our lives.

Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey my commands". Wow! We demonstrate our love for Jesus by doing what He asked us to do. Placing an emphasis on obedience in those you are discipling will change everything. It will make you slow down and teach fewer truths and wait patiently to see how these truths are applied.

When you disciple someone, practice this simple tool. It has profound implications: at the end of any Bible reading, ask a question and give time to hear God: 'What one thing do you think God is asking you to do from this?' We then expect to see the change in the person's lifestyle as they obey the leading of the Holy Spirit.