Comments

i can how this changes thinking, after all we are used to asking what does it mean, but to ask ourselves can we obey is a whole new meaning for each individual to answer.i believe that if we can obey we are further on the right path to heaven.

Posted By: alfrado | May 6, 2009 1:17 PM

That's a good challenge - not much sense in trying to dive into deeper truths of God's Word if we're not obeying the simple commands we already know. But obviously, if we don't know what it means (correct interpretation) - it is impossible to obey God's will. With pervasive postmodern influence in Christianity today, its always a good idea to stress knowing the truth of God's Word.

Posted By: Keith | May 6, 2009 2:53 PM

I always say I'd rather have a leader obeying one verse than knowing 100 and not appkying any.

Posted By: Michael Sove | May 6, 2009 4:11 PM

And this I know from Him, Things we don't even understand, we still believe through faith, because faith comes through hearing and hearing by the Word Of God.

Posted By: Ann | May 6, 2009 4:24 PM

Colossians 1:9-10

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.

Posted By: Shelly | May 6, 2009 4:46 PM

Some pretty straight forward words from God through Paul.

Filled with knowledge.
All spiritual wisdom.
All spiritual understanding.
Growing in knowledge of God.

Paul constantly prayed these blessings from God on the Colossian believers. The outcome of godly knowledge, wisdom, and understanding is a worthy life bearing fruit in every good work.

Obedience is essential. Knowledge of truth (what does it mean) must come first.

Posted By: Keith | May 6, 2009 5:34 PM

In my teaching, I have tried to apply 3 questions: 1)What Does it say? 2) What does it mean? and 3)How does it apply to me and how do I respond?
What it means IS important. How can I apply it if I don't know what it means,i.e. "Love God with all your heart, soul and mind and your neighbor as yourself." HOW?

Posted By: David Grant | May 6, 2009 7:14 PM

Hey, this is a great conversation! Thank you for leaving comments everyone. And you are definitely making some valid points. Obedience isn't really possible without first understanding what is being said in the text.

This was a revolutionary quote for me because I'm an information guy. I love to learn. I love the Discovery Channel and theology and doctrine and theory. I know it sounds weird, but I'm starting to understand that I've operated in the past as if understanding what the Bible says will somehow transform me--almost without any participation on my part. Like osmosis.

Isaiah talks about how God's Word will not return void, and I've always felt like the more I learned, the more I would apply automatically.

And I don't think it's just me who feels that way, or at least behaves that way. Look at all the study Bibles and commentaries out there, not to mention all the people who listen to sermons every week, plus join a small group, yet don't experience transformation.

Peterson's emphasis on obedience was also huge for me because I think it communicates a proper respect for the authority of God's Word. I think a lot of times we view the Bible as good advice. We might follow it, we might not.

But in reality, God's Words are commands for those who read and want to follow Him.

I'm kind of babbling (it's late at night), but am I making sense?

Posted By: Sam O'Neal | May 6, 2009 9:00 PM

This is a good discussion and some good points have been made. I think it's important to note that the quote from Eugene Peterson doesn't say that knowing is unimportant. Of course it is important as many have pointed out we need to understand the meaning to apply it properly. The point Mr Peterson is making is that it can't stop there, at understanding with our minds only. We must take it further and obey because when we do, the Word then becomes part of our lives. It becomes'real' it you will, something we live and breathe and not merely know about.This then leads (I think) to even greater understanding and deeper relationship with God than merely knowing can ever give.
This is my take on the idea the quote is expressing. I hope I made sense!

Posted By: Sandy Bartel | May 6, 2009 10:06 PM

Interesting commments everyone. I agree, before we obey we must first understand. There are three steps;
Knowledge- Faith - Action. We all know the scriptures:
'Faith follows the things heard. 'How will they hear without someone to preach?' 'Faith without works is dead.' etc. etc. The point Eugene Peterson is asking, is not 'CAN' I obey?' but 'WHAT' can I obey? 'The most important question in any text (....) is 'WHAT can I obey'In other words WHAT in this text moves me to action?

Christine

Posted By: Christine | May 7, 2009 3:09 AM

Hmm ...
All this is good.
It reminds of two imperatives I learned long ago in regards to Christian Education.
1. There are three questions to ask of every text: a)What does it say? b) What does it mean? c) What does it mean to me?
2. There is a "ladder" to spiritual maturity: Know-Understand-Believe-Practice-Teach. One can most easily reach a particular rung by first "stepping on" the ones before it.
Finally, re: "... further on the right path to heaven". I don't know that the "goal" of knowledge is to get us to heaven. I believe the apostle Paul said, "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." Learning and obeying what scripture says does not get us to heaven -- God's love for us in Christ does.
Thanks for reading ...

Posted By: Greg | May 8, 2009 12:32 PM

I think it's a beautiful thing to see the body of Christ spurring each other on to good works (obedience). I read that in Hebrews 10:24,25 last night...and one thing that I think is important for us all to remember is that it say to spur each other to "love and good works." I don't believe that anything is more critical than for us to do a "love" check...a sort of self-reflection to see where our motivation is coming from. Once we get involved in community with other believers it becomes so very tempting to image manage..even using "obedience" to give the illusion of a walk with Jesus. I have been an expert on that subject in the past, unfortunately. I challenge you all to do some self-reflection with me, and even ask Jesus to look in and assess our hearts...not for judgement's sake, but a simple relationship check so that we can truly love Jesus the way that He deserves. How great is our God!

Posted By: jodi | May 18, 2009 7:57 AM