The Word and Obedience

Obedience Honors the Lord

1. Obedience is different than good works.

   a. Good works are done before others as a witness to them.

   b. Obedience is what you do when you are alone seen only by God.

   c. This is more than your outward actions, it is your character.

2. Obedience is not just joining the church, the choir, or helping.

3. It is more than witnessing or giving money in the offering.

4. None of these things should be done to earn God’s blessing (1 Samuel 15:22).

5. We should serve God from a strong hunger or desire to do His will (Psalm 119:155).

6. Knowing God and keeping His commandments are tied together (1 John 2:4).

7. Who we say we are and what we do are tied together (Luke 6:46).

Obedience Is No Option

1. We are not to come to church, receive the word and do nothing.

2. The blessing comes from being obedient to the promises of God

   a. Matthew 7:24-27

   b. James 1:22

3. There is divine discipline for not being obedient to what we know (Luke 12:47, 48).

4. Perhaps the missing part of your spiritual growth is obedience (2 Timothy 3:7).

5. God’s pattern for spiritual growth from the word:

   a. Study of the word.

   1. Personal study

   2. Church service

   3. Recordings, books, radio

   b. Meditate on the word.

   1. The word possessing your thoughts brings revelation.

   2. This is the light of the Holy Spirit which turns the written word into revelation, understanding, something personal.

   c. Be obedient to the word of God.

   1. Joshua 1:7-8

   2. Psalm 1:1-3

6. Obedience is part of our love for God.

   a. Deuteronomy 6:5

   b. 1 John 5:3

7. Grace is a part of our service for the Lord.

   a. God has provided everything we need to accomplish His will - Hebrews 8:10

   b. God wants “unique people, zealous of good works” - Titus 2:14

   c. The gospel is to be preached “made known unto all men for the obedience of faith” - Romans 16:26).

Results of Obedience

1. Godliness is profitable in all areas of life - 1 Timothy 4:8.

2. By obedience we purify our souls - 1 Peter 1:21.

3. We can hear the voice of God - 1 John 3:22.

4. We receive revelation of the person of Jesus Christ - John 14:21.

5. We find paths of pleasantness and peace - Proverbs 3:17.

6. There is great reward - Psalm 19:11.