"So even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered."

"And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal’s death on a cross."

"'If you love me, obey my commandments.' 'Those who obey my commandments are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them, and I will love them. And I will reveal myself to each one of them.' 'All those who love me will do what I say.'"

"And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him."
   — New Living Translation

What do you think?

1. What is "obedience?" Does obedience come natural to us?
2. Does obedience come in degrees? Can a person be "more or less obedient"? If your teacher says to finish all your homework by tomorrow, and you finish 40%, whereas another person finishes 30%, were you more obedient?
3. Do you think of discipline as an opportunity to learn obedience?
4. Does obedience cost anything? Explain.
5. Do unpleasant consequences only come as a result of disobedience?
6. Can you think of someone (other than God) who does not have to be obedient?
7. What does love have to do with obedience?

What does God think?

How did Jesus learn obedience from suffering (Heb. 5:8)?

Is there any crisis you could experience that Jesus would not understand (Philip. 2:8; Hint: Heb. 4:15)?

Jesus says that we prove our love for him by what (Jn. 14:15, 21)?

According to Jn. 14:21, Jesus promises three things will occur. What are they?

What is the condition for this promise being fulfilled (Jn. 14:15, 21, 23)?

Disobedience is a sign that your __ __ __ __ for Jesus has failed.

What does it mean to accept "Christ Jesus as your Lord" (Col. 2:6).

When becoming Christian, you accepted Jesus as what (Col. 2:6)?

Does this mean Jesus is more than just a free ticket to heaven? Explain.

God says the natural result of accepting Jesus as Lord is what (Col. 2:6)?

Is obedient living an ongoing process for every believer (Col. 2:6)?

Now that you know these things . . .

• Can you say that your life is a model of loving obedience to Jesus?
• Can others say that your life is a model of loving obedience to Jesus?
• List specific steps you will take to imitate Jesus’ obedient life in your family, friendships, and school.
• List some implications of the Almighty God taking up residence in your heart as a result of your loving obedience.
• Identify a time in your Christian life when you turned from disobedience. What were some positive results you experienced?
• Think of one area in your life that you’re not yielding over to the Lordship of Christ, commit this to prayer, develop a strategy for change, and be prepared to share your progress with others (Note: You do not have to reveal specifics with anyone but God).