Honoring the Sacrifice of Jesus by Walking in Truth and Obedience By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.”
— Hebrews 10:26
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Introduction
Salvation is not a casual gift, nor is it a light matter that can be received and treated with indifference. It is the most costly gift ever given, purchased not with silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. To have one’s eyes opened to the necessity of forgiveness, repentance, and redemption is not a human achievement; it is the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit. When a sinner recognizes their need for salvation and responds to the call of Christ, heaven rejoices, and a life is transferred from darkness into light.
Yet Scripture and experience testify to a painful reality: not all who receive mercy remain grateful for it. Some taste the goodness of God and then deliberately return to bondage, choosing darkness rather than light. This lesson addresses that sobering truth. It confronts the danger of despising grace, dishonoring the sacrifice of Jesus, and attempting to live a double life of profession without obedience. God speaks plainly in this message, calling His people to seriousness, reverence, gratitude, and steadfast obedience.
This teaching is not meant to condemn the repentant or crush the weak, but to awaken consciences, expose hypocrisy, and call believers back to a life that truly honors Christ. Salvation is not merely a confession of the lips; it is a transformation of the heart that bears fruit in righteous living. To respect the sacrifice of Jesus is to live in obedience to Him.
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The Sacred Weight of Salvation
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”
— Ephesians 2:8
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Salvation is a divine gift, yet it carries sacred responsibility. Grace does not excuse sin; it delivers from it. When God opens a person’s eyes to see their need for forgiveness through Jesus, that revelation demands a response of reverence and obedience. To receive mercy and then deliberately return to sin is to treat lightly the blood of Christ.
God makes it clear that such behavior reveals a heart that prefers darkness over light. These are not individuals who stumble and repent, but those who willfully choose sin after knowing the truth. Scripture compares them to dogs returning to their vomit, not as an insult, but as a vivid illustration of spiritual regression. Their return to bondage demonstrates ingratitude, instability, and contempt for redemption.
Salvation was never intended to be a temporary escape from guilt followed by a return to sinful living. It is a permanent transfer from slavery to freedom. Those who truly understand what they have been saved from rejoice in their liberty and do not long to return to chains.
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Freedom from Sin and the Beauty of Following Jesus
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”
— John 8:36
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God does not call His people to destruction; He calls them to eternal life. Redemption through Jesus is an invitation into freedom, joy, and restored relationship with God. When believers keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, they lose their appetite for the sins that once enslaved them. Sin loses its attraction when Christ becomes the focus.
Jesus is not only Savior; He is the perfect example of obedience. He walked in complete submission to the Father, never seeking His own way, never compromising truth, and never yielding to the flesh. He conquered the world, the flesh, and the devil, remaining spotless and undefiled. To claim love for Jesus while refusing to follow His example is self-deception.
Those who truly love God desire to be like His Son. They cooperate with the commands of the Holy Spirit, understanding that obedience is not restriction but protection. God’s way is always the way of life, goodness, and peace for those who honor Christ.
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The Deception of Hypocrisy and Double Living
“These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.”
— Matthew 15:8
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One of the gravest dangers in the Christian life is hypocrisy. There are many who claim to love Jesus, yet their lives reveal a devotion to self rather than to God. Motivated by self-love, they return to sin while maintaining a religious appearance. They attempt to serve two masters, indulging in secret sins while pretending faithfulness.
God is not deceived by appearances. Nothing is hidden from Him. Those who think they “get by” with hidden sin misunderstand the holiness and omniscience of God. He is not mocked. A divided life does not fool God; it only deceives the one living it.
Jesus confronted hypocrisy with uncompromising truth. He opposed religious leaders who taught the law but refused to obey it. Their outward piety masked inward corruption. Because Jesus exposed their sin, they hated Him. Their love for darkness made repentance offensive to them.
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Jesus and His Confrontation with False Religion
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.”
— Matthew 23:25
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The religious leaders of Jesus’ time were more concerned with position, recognition, and personal benefit than with obedience to God. Their hearts were filled with pride and resistance to truth. Jesus called them vipers and children of the devil, not out of cruelty, but because their influence was destructive.
They plotted against Jesus, seeking His death, because His holiness exposed their wickedness. They loved their sin more than truth and preferred darkness to light. Their story stands as a warning to all generations: religion without obedience is empty, dangerous, and condemned by God.
God does not accept those who proclaim love for Him while living in rebellion. Such individuals misrepresent His kingdom and bring disgrace to His name. Their actions speak louder than their words.
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Separation from Workers of Iniquity
“Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:33
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God warns His people not to have fellowship with persistent workers of iniquity. Such associations bring contamination, not edification. Those who continually argue against truth, reject repentance, and live in deception are spiritually dangerous.
Walking closely with unrepentant hypocrites dulls spiritual sensitivity and weakens commitment to holiness. God calls His people to be faithful and true, honoring the sacrifice of Jesus by their manner of life. Obedience is the evidence of genuine faith.
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Walking in Truth and the Ministry of the Holy Spirit
“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.”
— John 16:13
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Truth exposes sin, lies, and hypocrisy. The Holy Spirit was given to guide believers into truth, not to excuse disobedience. When believers walk in the Spirit, darkness is revealed, and repentance becomes possible.
Those who live in obedience are not trapped in self-deception. They welcome correction, love truth, and desire holiness. Respect for the sacrifice of Jesus is demonstrated not by words alone, but by a life submitted to God.
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Summary
This lesson calls believers to take salvation seriously, to honor the sacrifice of Jesus through obedience, and to reject hypocrisy. God exposes the danger of returning to sin after receiving grace and warns against self-deception and double living. True love for Christ is proven by obedience, reverence, and a commitment to walk in truth.
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Conclusion
The sacrifice of Jesus demands a response worthy of its cost. Salvation is not a license to sin, but a call to holiness. God desires a people who are grateful, faithful, and obedient. Those who walk in truth will experience freedom, peace, and eternal life, while those who despise grace place themselves in great danger.
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Call to Action
Examine your life honestly before God. Turn away from hypocrisy, hidden sin, and self-deception. Renew your commitment to honor Jesus by walking in obedience and truth. Choose light over darkness and faithfulness over compromise.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Be encouraged, beloved of God. Grace is powerful, and repentance restores. If you walk humbly with God, He will strengthen you, cleanse you, and keep you. The One who saved you is faithful to sustain you as you honor Him with your life.
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Salvation Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I come before You acknowledging my need for Your mercy. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died for my sins, and that He rose again for my salvation. I repent of my sins and turn away from darkness and hypocrisy. Cleanse my heart, renew my mind, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I choose to honor the sacrifice of Jesus by living in obedience and truth. From this day forward, I belong to You. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
