— “The problem isn’t ignorance of Scripture,but the heart’s unwillingness to obey.”
📖 Summary
People fail to live by Scripture not because they lack knowledge,
but because their hearts are enslaved by sin and self.
Only the Holy Spirit’s transforming grace enables true obedience.
Christian life is not behavior modification — it’s heart regeneration.
1️⃣ Introduction | “Why can’t I live out what I already know?”
The Bible exposes the real issue:
We don’t fail for lack of information but for lack of transformation.
“I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” (Rom. 7:18)
2️⃣ Biblical Foundation | Obedience Is Impossible Without Grace
📘 Romans 7:18–19 (ESV) — “For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.”
📘 Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV) — “The heart is deceitful above all things.”
📘 Ezekiel 36:26–27 (ESV) — “I will give you a new heart and put my Spirit within you.”
📘 John 15:5 (ESV) — “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.”
→ Obedience is not learned — it’s empowered by the Spirit.
3️⃣ Theological Insight | Obedience as a Work of Grace
📜 John MacArthur — The Gospel According to Jesus
“True obedience is the fruit of regeneration.”
📜 R.C. Sproul — Essential Truths of the Christian Faith
“Law commands obedience; the Gospel enables it.”
📜 John Piper — Desiring God
“When we delight in God, obedience becomes joy.”
📜 Jonathan Edwards — Religious Affections
“Love for God transforms duty into delight.”
📜 Heidelberg Catechism Q86
“Christ redeemed us so that we might live in thankful obedience.”
4️⃣ Misconceptions vs Biblical Truth
| Misconception | Root | Biblical Correction |
|---|---|---|
| “More knowledge brings obedience.” | Intellectualism | Only Spirit changes heart. (Ezek 36:26) |
| “Willpower is enough.” | Humanism | We can do nothing apart from Christ. (John 15:5) |
| “Obedience is a burden.” | Legalism | It’s gratitude in action. (Heidelberg 86) |
| “I can’t change.” | Fatalism | Grace transforms nature. (2 Cor 5:17) |
5️⃣ Application | How to Live by God’s Word
1️⃣ Confess your inability honestly.
2️⃣ Renew your mind daily in Scripture and prayer.
3️⃣ Depend on the Spirit, not willpower.
4️⃣ Walk in accountable community.
5️⃣ Practice small, daily obedience.
6️⃣ Conclusion | Living Biblically Is Not Self-Discipline,
But Spirit-Driven Dependence.
Obedience is not moral effort but the evidence of new birth.
When the heart is transformed, God’s commands are no longer heavy — they’re joyful.
“To live by Scripture is not to try harder,
but to rest deeper in the Gospel.” — Revito
Faith. Truth. Renewal. — Revito
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#BiblicalObedience #HolySpirit #Romans7 #Ezekiel36 #John15 #JohnMacArthur #RCSproul #JohnPiper #JonathanEdwards #HeidelbergCatechism #ReformedTheology #FaithTruthRenewal #Revito
