11 Motives for Obeying God as a Christian (Grudem)
This week I brushed up on the topic of sanctification. Theologian Wayne Grudem defines sanctification as “the progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and like Christ in our actual lives” [‘Systematic Theology’ p 746].
What I found really helpful was Grudem’s list of 11 motives Scripture gives us for obedience to God in the Christian life:
11 MOTIVES FOR OBEDIENCE TO GOD IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
1. Love for God (John 15:15)
2. Need to keep a clear conscience before God (Rom 13:5; 1 Tim 1:5)
3. The desire to be a “vessel for noble use” and have increased effectiveness in the work of the kingdom (2 Tim 2:20-21)
4. The desire to see unbelievers comes to Christ through observing our lives (1 Peter 3:1-2, 15-16)
5. The desire to receive present blessings from God on our lives and ministries (1 Peter 3:9-12)
6. The desire to avoid God’s displeasure and discipline on our lives (Acts 5:11; 9:31)
7. The desire to seek greater heavenly reward (Matt 6:19-21)
8. The desire for a deeper walk with God (Matt 5:8)
9. The desire that angels would glorify God for our obedience (1 Tim 5:21)
10. The desire for peace (Phil 4:9) and joy (Heb 12:1-2) in our lives
11. The desire to do what God commands, simply because his commands are right, and we delight in doing what is right (Phil 4:8; cf Ps 40:8)
[Grudem, ‘Systematic Theology‘ p 757-8]
