AFTER THE SERMON-The Blessing of Obedience
We trust today’s message encouraged and guided you in your journey of following Jesus. These notes are meant to help you remember and reflect on the message, help you go deeper into study on the subject, or to be used for a sermon group discussion. CLICK HERE to find a discussion group. Enjoy!
Sermon Title: The Blessing of Obedience
Main Scripture: Luke 5:1-7; James 1:19-27
Other scripture mentioned: John 14:15; 23; John 15:10; James 2:21-24
(If you’re going through this discussion with a community group this week consider taking the time to read or paraphrase through some of the provided scripture to catch everyone up!)
Summary:
Pastor Ryan showed us in scripture the importance of being more than listeners and hearers of Jesus but also doers, as we follow Him. Peter didn’t feel like going out fishing, again…in fact, they had just cleaned their equipment. Peter grew and experienced a blessing he desperately needed because he obeyed one simple command from Jesus. Pastor Ryan dug deeper by unpacking the famous words in the book of James, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” We learned today that genuine faith and genuine love is shown by our obedience. When we are good hearers and trust or accept the Word of God we have one more, very important choice left, do what it says or ignore it? Of course, we learned that we are blessed by God if we obey what we hear. Those blessings will have a ripple effect for generations and we are experiencing the fruit and blessings of obedience, today!
Takeaways:
“But if you say so.” -The Apostle Peter
The Word of God has the power to shape our minds and our lives.
If we want to fully experience what God’s Word can do in and through us we must be willing to do what it says.
What we do and neglect to do are both important to God
Obedience is proof of our genuine faith in God
Somewhere between listening and doing is believing. Could it be that we don’t believe what we are hearing, therefore, we don’t obey it?
Obedience is proof of our genuine love for God.
The Blessings of Obedience
We see and experience God, firsthand.
The truth and power of God's Word are experienced in the hearing and the doing. We stop at the hearing but the power of God's Word isn't fully experienced until we live it.
Experience God’s love, joy, and peace (John 15:9-12)
Peace and joy in our hearts. Clear conscience. The reason there is so much conflict in us is that we are in conflict with God. But if we do what God says we will experience peace and joy in our hearts.
Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”
Obedience cements our faith in His Word.
We grow spiritually strong and mature.
Spiritual growth is accomplished by what we apply not by what we know. We grow and mature when we do what the Bible says.
It becomes easier to obey. (When God says to build an ark or give up something)
We bless others.
We bear the fruit, the presence, the love, the kindness, the strength of God, and others will enjoy it.
What a blessing it is for our kids to experience God through our obedience as parents. They may not recognize it now but one day they will.
We are benefiting from years of obedience to God. Volunteers, Pastors, members of this church have said “Yes” to the mission here in Delaware. They have served, they gave tithes and offerings, they have used their gifts, and have told their friends and neighbors about Jesus. Today, we are able to hear this message and choose to obey God’s Word because of obedience.
THE CHALLENGE: When we are good hearers and put our faith in the Word of God we still have one very important choice left, do what it says or disobey? What we choose determines what we experience here on earth and in eternal life.
Discussion:
What was one big takeaway for you from this message?
What scripture verse stuck out to you and why?
What did you sense the Holy Spirit was saying to you during this message?
Why do we struggle to obey?
How can a lack of faith and trust in God’s Word keep us from obeying?
What’s one blessing you have experienced from obeying God’s Word?
Are you listening to God’s Word? What has God been asking you to do?
Pray:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Word. We are lost without you and your guidance. You have the words of life that are a blessing for us now and for eternity. We recommit ourselves, today, to do trust your Word and do what it says. We courageously choose to obey you instead of others or even our own desires. Thank you for being gracious even when we’ve been disobedient, but because of your grace, we choose to obey and follow your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
We hoped you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!