Obedience
E. Bersier, D. D. 1 Peter 1:13-16 Why gird up the loins of your mind, be sober… creature can escape. Man created to obey does not avoid this duty by separating himself from God; he only changes masters. What constitutes his greatness is that he freely responds to the design of his Creator. 2. Because as Christians we are the redeemed of Jesus Christ, and consequently the property of God. Everything in the gospel teaches obedience. II. HOW MUST WE OBEY? God will not be served by mercenaries nor by slaves. Who then will serve Him? The apostle answers, children. III. WHAT INFLUENCE DOES THIS OBEDIENCE EXERT OVER OUR LIFE? Action is but a part of obedience; to suffer is another. For many it is the larger part; for all it is the most difficult. Walking, speaking, working are to us means of obedience. 1. Some complain at being obliged to obey, and rebel. Direct them to Nazareth, to Gethsemane, to Calvary. 2. Some apparently accept the yoke of the Lord, but reserve to themselves the right of obeying in their way. Under the cover of Divine will they accomplish their own designs. 3. Some wait till an inward impulse moves them to obedience. If it does not act they do not obey at all. In obeying at first passively and without joy, their obedience would soon, under Divine blessing, be transformed into a joyous doing of His will. One word to such as do not yet possess the truth. If they ask me what is the best way of obtaining faith, I will not hesitate to answer, "Obey!" (E. Bersier, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; WEB: Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be sober and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ—