The document summarizes three tests of obedience based on a passage from Philippians: 1) Are we willing to obey even when it is emotionally or physically painful? 2) Are we willing to obey in all things, as some in the Bible passed this test while others failed? 3) Is our obedience consistent even when surrounded by people who disobey, as it is easy to obey when among others who also obey? The conclusion exhorts that God demands complete obedience at all times but is also forgiving if we repent of sins.

1. Obedience That Passes The
Test
2 Cor. 2:1-9
Corinthians had repented of failure to correct a problem
over an immoral man. The Immoral man had repented
and needed forgiving. Paul had a two-fold purpose in
writing.
To correct the mess in the church, and to test the
church's willingness to obey in all things. One lesson of
text: God expects whole-hearted obedience in all things.
Love with all we have. (Mt. 22:37) Love demands
obedience. (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3) Another text
outlines 3 tests of our obedience (Phil. 2:12-16).

2. Are We Willing to Obey At All Times?
(v. 12).
• Not just when it is painless.
• When there is emotional pain.(2 Peter 2:7-8)
• Personal ties (Mt. 10:37) even over family
• Consequences of repentance.
• (Lk. 19:8; Ezra 10:1-3).
• Economic hardship. (Mt. 19:22).
• Physical pain. (Heb. 11:35).
• Not just when convenient. (Acts 24:25).

3. Are We Willing To Obey In All Things.
(v. 14)
• Some pass the test. (Gen. 22:12)
• Corinthians. (2 Cor. 2:7-9).
• Some fail the test.
• King Saul. (1 Sam. 15:10-24).
• Rich Young Ruler. (Mt. 19:16ff).
• Would we pass or fail?
• First principles - some or all?
• Worship - some or all?
• General conduct. (1 Thess 4:4)
• Scriptural religious service - questionable morals and
ethics

4. Are We Willing To Obey In All Places.
(v. 15)
• Easy to attend services when surrounded by attending
people.
• Easy to be modest surrounded by decent people.
• Easy to be pure (in word and deed) surrounded by pure
people.
• Easy to demand high standards for children surrounded
by parents that do so.
• Easy to control self (temper, tongue, passion) among non
provocative people.
• Easy to be faithful surrounded by faithful people.
• But, test comes when surrounded by crooked and
perverse people

5. Conclusion:
•Our God is a demanding God! - Expecting
complete willing obedience at all times.
•Our God is as forgiving as he is demanding.
(1 John 2:1; 2 Pet. 3:9).
•If the sinner will repent and be baptized.
(Acts 2:38).
•If the erring will repent, confess and pray.
•(1 John 1:9; Acts 8:22).