Obedience is central for the disciple of Christ. That is a way of life that
is obedient to the will of God that is clearly set out in the letters and
writings of the New Testament. The role of the pastor and elders is to teach
this known will of God so it becomes a reality in the disciples life. Their
task is to work together with God in making obedient disciples. The role of
sermons and teaching is not just an intellectual understanding of Bible
doctrines or theology. Sermons too often deal with theory not practice. For
example sermons on Ephesians chapters 1 to 3 rather than chapters 4 to 6. Or
Sermons on Romans chapters 1-8 rather than chapters 12-16. The privilege of
preaching to the disciples weekly is wasted if it does not get down to the
nitty gritty of obeying what the will of God is as given in the New
Testament. And sermons need to be followed through until the disciples put
it into practice. The greatest obstacle to preaching that helps make
obedient disciples is that pastors and elders themselves are not obedient to
the revealed will of God and cannot speak from experience. The Spirit cannot
use their theorizing to build obedient disciples.
A child of God will obey (Ro
8:14) his perfect law (Mt
5:48). Not freed from sin?
Jn 8:34
You're not the real deal (1
Jn 3:9). 
