A careful reading of Paul’s epistles show that he expected careful obedience to the instructions he gave by the Spirit’s inspiration. In other words, Paul was establishing a pattern for his readers to follow. Their standing with God was dependent upon their following that pattern. Notice the following scriptures which bear this out.
“For in it [the gospel] the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith’” (Romans 1:17).
“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Romans 16:17).
“If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are” (1 Corinthians 3:17).
“Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
“But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person” (1 Corinthians 5:11).
“Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband” (1 Corinthians 7:10).
“For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body” (1 Corinthians 11:29).
“Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says” (1 Corinthians 14:34).
“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also” (1 Corinthians 16:1).
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
“…and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Corinthians 10:3).
“As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:9).
“And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God” (Galatians 6:16).
“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children” (Ephesians 5:1).
“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 5:6).
“Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17).
“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27).
“Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind” (Philippians 3:16).
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17).
“For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 3:8).
“Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).
These few verses are representative, not exhaustive. Space precludes the inclusion of others. They serve to establish the truth that God’s word is intended to be a pattern for our obedience. To refuse to obey the pattern will bring God’s judgment. Heed Paul’s words!
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