What Does God Expect from Us?

Devotional—What Does God Expect from Us? From The Struggle of Sanctification by Sonya Johnson

The Law of God is the Divine Standard of Righteousness

Worldwide there are approximately 10,000 plus religions and thousands of churches. Hundreds of ads and apps urge us to use their translation of the Bible. Pastors have waged war against one another by degrading other churches and preaching their interpretation of the Scriptures as confusion, anxiety, worry, and depression continue to escalate among today’s believers.

Unfortunately with so many different ideologies causing conflict, many people including Christians have decided that truth is whatever they reason it to be.

What does God expect from us?

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’ “–John 14:6

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” –Matthew 5:17-18

Jesus clarified that He came to fulfill God’s Law. Yet, today’s Christian believers have accepted the deception that God’s Law was changed, especially the Creation’s seventh-day Sabbath. It is not the law of God that has changed, we have changed and attempted to mold God’s Law to fit into our heart’s desires.

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up His spirit. Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, and the graves were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. Matthew 27:50-53

When Jesus died, the veil ripped from top to bottom indicating that the imperfect sacrificial law–the ceremonial law was abolished. The sacrificing of animals was no longer necessary because God’s only begotten Son, Jesus, the precious Lamb of God fulfilled His commitment to God that He would die to redeem humanity’s sins.

From God’s loving heart, He gave Jesus for the Redemption of our sins. And for this great sacrifice what does God expect from us? With a loving heart for His Son, Jesus puts God first through faith and obedience.

“He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39

Consider this fact: Jesus, who commands the armies of angels, created the world, and humanity had to learn obedience. Jesus obeyed human parents, the Roman laws, and the Mosaic law. But first and foremost, His love and loyalty were to God, His Father. Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane proved that His obedience was steadfast even if His death was necessary to remain obedient to God.

“I will send you the Helper from the Father. The Helper is the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father. When he comes, he will tell about me.” (John 15:26)

There are two reasons for our confusion, we do not pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit who gives us discernment of the Bible, wisdom, and guides us every day to stay on the Path of Righteousness.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Secondly, we must abide in Christ by praying and meditating on His goodness every day. Jesus is our Heavenly Intercessor. Our prayers are taken to Him by the Holy Spirit. What a great mystery.

What does God expect from us? To pray continually. To study the Scriptures. To love His Son, Jesus and to have a close relationship with Him. To love and help others. To witness the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a world overcome by the plague of sin.

What does God expect from us? For us to put Him first! For our desire to be for Him. For us to surrender our stubborn will and accept and submit to His plans for our lives. For us to receive the reward of eternal life, we must be all in–wholeheartedly committing ourselves to follow Jesus by surrendering our hearts and desires to Him.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1-2)

Because we are under grace does not give us the right to do as we please. Worship is having a dedicated mindset to seek God and to abide in Christ. Unceasing prayer and diligent study of the Scriptures along with faith and obedience are the human efforts required to serve God. Worship on this earth prepares us for worship in heaven.

Why would you want to die for your sins when Jesus has already died for your sins?

With a made-up mind and humility, we Surrender daily to the will of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With Perseverance, we endure the trials and sorrows necessary to change our character into the Character of Christ.

Pick up the Shield of Faith! Always, Put God first! Let your first prayer in the morning be one of love and surrender. “For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry” (Hebrews 10:37). Amen.

Bible Study: Matthew 5

Prayer: God, we pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Many are confused or overwhelmed by the noise of countless opinions. Lord, we ask You to speak truth to us, and we surrender and commit to serving You for the rest of our lives. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

The devotional is also available as a podcast on Spotify.