CHOOSING A LIFE OF OBEDIENCE

CHOOSING A LIFE OF OBEDIENCE                                                                                                                                                                                            TEXT: Hebrews 5:8

This is the third in a series on being intentional, we’ve talked about how God wants us to be people who live by decision not by default, and last week we talked about how to be intentional about making Christ the center of our lives - today we’re focusing on why you and I should live a life that’s characterized by obedience, and I pray that God will let you be energized to live a life that pleases Him –

JESUS LEARNED OBEDIENCE

• John 5:30                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Jesus came to: People who needed a friend                                                                                                                                                                                     • Jesus came to: People who needed a change                                                                                                                                                                                   • Jesus came to: People who needed a Savior                                                                                                                                                                                    • He came into your world to be:                                                                                                                                                                                                       • An INTENTIONAL Savior                                                                                                                                                                                                            • An AVAILABLE Savior                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • A PERSONAL Savior

OBEDIENCE HAS ITS REWARDS

• A deeper relationship with God                                                                                                                                                                                                         • John 14:21-23                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Want to know God and experience Him on a deeper level? Obey His Word!                                                                                                                                   • Success in other endeavors                                                                                                                                                                                                             • Joshua 1:8 - Joshua was ready to take on a huge assignment: take the land of Canaan for Israel                                                                                                        • God told him that his success was dependent on his obedience - it’s no different for us - we can’t expect God to bless our business, our labors, our relationships, or anything if we are not willing to be obedient to Him - but when we are obedient, we can expect success                                                                                              • Rest for your soul                                                                                                                                                                                                                             • Matthew 11:28-30

DISOBEDIENCE HAS CONSEQUENCES

• Hebrews 12:5-7                                                                                                                                                                                                                             • Some examples of discipline include –                                                                                                                                                                                             • Strained relationship with God                                                                                                                                                                                                         • Guilt                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               • Shame                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • The point is that a life of disobedience is not a Christian life

CHOOSE INTENTIONAL OBEDIENCE

• Understand that God makes obedience possible                                                                                                                                                                               • Philippians 2:13                                                                                                                                                                                                                               • Important - obedience is not an action, or even a bunch of actions                                                                                                                                                    • Obedience is a lifestyle                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Apply the Bible                                                                                                                                                                                                                               • James 1:22-25                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • When God shows you something in His Word that He wants you to make real in your life, think of ways to put that verse into practice, and then DO IT!!!                • Be accountable                                                                                                                                                                                                                               • Proverbs 27:17

CONCLUSION

“God doesn’t owe you an explanation or reason for everything He asks you to do. Understanding can wait, but obedience can’t. Instant obedience will teach you more about God than a lifetime of Bible discussions. In fact, you will never understand some of His commands until you obey them first. Obedience unlocks understanding.” (The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren, p. 72)

Be intentional about choosing a life of obedience!