READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary | The Truth of God does not transform us – it is truth applied that does. This is scriptural obedience!
WHY is scriptural obedience essential for discipleship?
- It places God at the centre of our lives, and His promises, presence and power are activated when we put faith into action. When we hear the Word and obey it, we are building our house upon the rock. (Matt 7:24) For exam-ple, it means nothing to know all the science behind nutrition or exercise if we never actu-ally put it into practice. In the same way, knowing God’s will but not doing it will not help us mature.
- Obedience transforms us into the likeness of Christ who obeyed, being obedient even to death on the cross. Let us take up our cross and follow Him daily.
WHAT is scriptural obedience?
- It is an embrace of our identity and must flow from a realisation of who we are! We are beloved children of our Father God and servants of a mighty King.
- It is an expression of our devotion. Scripture (John 14:15, Psalm 40:8, 1 John 2:5) reminds us that those who love Him will keep His commands.
- It is an execution of our will when we make a choice to obey not because we feel like it but because of who God is.
- It is an example of surrender. Matt 6:33 reminds us how we are to obey through seeking God first as King and surrendering our anxieties, fears and concerns, to Him.
HOW to obey?
- Stay connected to the source and abide in Him daily, for without His grace we will not succeed. (Jn 15:5) John Wesley encouraged early Methodists to practise disciplines like Bible study, prayer and fellowship, as means of grace to stay connected to God and allow heart transformation to take place. The Spirit comes to us to enable us to walk in obedience when our hearts are tender to the Lord (Ezekiel 36:36-37).
- Avoid the slippery slope or we will end up in a place of no return. Flee from temptation; stay accountable. John Wesley placed his followers into bands, where they asked tough questions and were accountable to each other in their weekly meetings.
- Deal with the stubborn areas of our lives that we do not want to change, e.g. deal with an-ger, forgive, or give up a sinful passion. Pray for strength to persevere day by day and don’t give up. Expose the darkness and find friends to be honest with. If you are willing to expose these areas, God can take over.
- Be faithful with small things, like showing kindness to tissue sellers, forgiving bad drivers, being faithful with the little tasks for the day. Today, let us take the next step in this very important faith environment of Scriptural Obedience.
(Sermon Notes by Frances Lim)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. How does obedience to God’s Word put God at the centre of our lives?
2. How will scriptural obedience help us grow in the likeness of Christ? Reflect on Philippians 2:8. What was the greatest obedience that Jesus gave?
3. Scriptural obedience begins with the embrace of our spiritual identity. Why is that so important?
4. Why is obedience so important to our devotion to God? Reflect on John 14:15 and 1 John 2:3-5.
5. You may wish to draw a circle. At the centre, write “Jesus, my King”. At the circumference, write down the areas of anxiety, fear and need in your life. Reflect on Matthew 5:33. In prayer, surrender these areas to God as you desire to obey His call to seek first His kingdom as you trust in Jesus your King to provide for you.
6. How can you avoid the slippery and deal with the stubborn areas of disobedience? What is God calling you to do about these areas of your life through the sermon?
7. What is your next step in intentional discipleship through your obedience to God’s Word? Share one area of your life where you would like to grow in scriptural obedience.
