But Paul’s readers understand his example, for they know “the church” by its faith and obedience.26 Each member understands, for each came “into Christ”27 when he “became obedient from the heart” (Romans 6:17). Each began by confessing, “Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9).28 Yes, the church, by its very nature, is the family of obedient believers!
And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:49-50). M
Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth… since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God (1 Peter 1:22-23).
If the church begins with obedience, it continues in that same way.
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him… (Colossians 2:6). M
If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love… (John 15:10). M
Thus each faithful member learns the mind of Christ, and unites in that mind.29 They can all do so because Christ reveals His mind clearly through His apostles.30
So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching… (Acts 2:41-42).
So then you are… fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone… (Ephesians 2:19-20).
26. Research subject – Obedience: Luke 6:46; 11:28; Matthew 7:21-27; 28:20; John 8:31; 13:17; 14:15,21; 15:10-14; 1 Corinthians 7:19; 2 Corinthians 9:13; Romans 1:5; 15:18; 16:26; Hebrews 4:6-11; 5:9; James 1:21-27; 2:14-26; Revelation 12:17
29. Philippians 2:2-5; 1:27; 4:2
30. Research subject – All truth revealed through the apostles: John 14:25-26; 16:12-15; 1 Corinthians 3:1-16; 12:28; 14:37; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Ephesians 3:5; 4:11; 1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11; Titus 1:1-3; Matthew 28:16-20; Romans 16:25-26; Galatians 1:11-12; 2:8; 1 Thessalonians 4:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Peter 3:2; 1 John 4:6; Jude 1:17; Revelation 21:14
Picture: At the Jordan River, Jesus set the example of obedience to the Father by being immersed (Matthew 3:13-17).