Embracing Holiness: The Joy of Obedience
Summary
Today, I explored the profound theme of holiness, emphasizing the necessity of obedience in our spiritual journey. We began by understanding the dual nature of holiness—God's inherent holiness and the holiness attributed to us through justification. This foundational understanding set the stage for a deeper exploration of sanctification, the process by which we actively pursue holiness through our behaviors and choices.
I highlighted the critical role of obedience in this pursuit. Obedience isn't merely about avoiding sin; it's about actively aligning our will with God's will, as revealed through His Word. This alignment requires a deep, personal knowledge of God, which comes from spending time in His presence and in His Word. It's in these moments of intimacy that we truly begin to understand God's character and His desires for us.
The discussion then shifted to the practical outworking of obedience in our lives. I stressed that obedience is not just a private matter but has a communal aspect. Our obedience is a testimony to others, reflecting the transformative power of God's presence in our lives. This led to an exploration of the fruits of the Spirit, which are outward signs of inward grace and obedience.
As we moved towards the conclusion, I addressed the challenges of obedience. It's easy to obey when circumstances are favorable, but true obedience is tested and proven in adversity. I shared biblical examples and contemporary testimonies to illustrate that obedience often requires us to trust God's plan, even when it doesn't make sense from our limited perspective.
Finally, I closed with a call to action, urging everyone to embrace obedience not as a burden but as a joyful affirmation of our love for God. This act of surrender opens the door to a deeper relationship with Him, marked by trust and a profound sense of peace and purpose.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding Holiness and Justification: Holiness is not just an attribute of God but a state He grants us through justification. When we accept Christ, we are set apart as holy. This positional holiness is the starting point for our journey of sanctification, where we actively pursue a life that reflects God's holiness through obedience. [01:03:46]
2. The Role of Obedience in Sanctification: Obedience is the mechanism through which we actualize our sanctification. It involves more than just avoiding sin; it's about positive action—doing what God commands in His Word. This active obedience is crucial as it demonstrates our commitment to God's holiness in our daily lives. [01:05:36]
3. The Impact of Obedience on Community: Our obedience to God is not only about personal growth but also serves as a witness to others. The fruits of the Spirit, which develop through obedience, are designed not for self-consumption but for the benefit of those around us, showcasing the transformative power of living under God's authority. [01:35:09]
4. Obedience in Adversity: True obedience is tested during difficult times. It requires unwavering faith and trust in God's sovereignty, even when His plans seem unclear or our circumstances are painful. This level of obedience cultivates a deeper trust in God and a stronger character in us. [01:46:01]
5. Joy and Blessing in Obedience: Embracing obedience brings joy and blessings, not as a burden but as a natural outflow of our love for God. As we align our will with His, we experience His favor and presence in a more tangible way, leading to a fulfilled and purposeful life. [01:44:10]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
01:03:46 - Understanding Holiness and Justification
01:05:36 - The Role of Obedience in Sanctification
01:35:09 - The Impact of Obedience on Community
01:46:01 - Obedience in Adversity
01:44:10 - Joy and Blessing in Obedience
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 John 2:3-5 (NIV)
> "We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, 'I know him,' but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him."
2. Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV)
> "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
3. John 14:15 (NIV)
> "If you love me, keep my commands."
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 John 2:3-5, what is the evidence that someone truly knows God?
2. In Matthew 7:24-27, what distinguishes the wise man from the foolish man?
3. What does Jesus say is the proof of our love for Him in John 14:15?
4. How did the sermon describe the relationship between obedience and knowing God's will? [01:10:36]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does 1 John 2:3-5 emphasize obedience as a sign of knowing God? How does this align with the sermon’s message about intimacy with God? [01:11:40]
2. What does building a house on the rock versus sand symbolize in Matthew 7:24-27? How does this relate to the concept of obedience in the sermon? [01:18:21]
3. How does the sermon explain the communal impact of our obedience? Why is this significant for our spiritual journey? [01:35:09]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that obedience can be challenging, especially during adversity? How does this deepen our trust in God? [01:46:01]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt close to God. How did that intimacy influence your obedience to His commands? [01:11:40]
2. Think about a recent decision you made. Did you align it with God's will as revealed in His Word? How can you improve in seeking His guidance for future decisions? [01:10:36]
3. How can you actively demonstrate obedience in your community or church? What are some practical steps you can take to be a witness to others? [01:35:09]
4. Recall a difficult situation where you struggled to obey God. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it help you trust God more in future challenges? [01:46:01]
5. Identify one area in your life where you find it hard to obey God. What specific actions can you take this week to surrender that area to Him? [01:06:38]
6. How can you cultivate a habit of spending time in God's presence daily? What changes do you need to make in your routine to prioritize this intimacy? [01:11:40]
7. Reflect on the concept that obedience is God's love language. How can this understanding transform the way you approach God's commands in your daily life? [01:37:55]
Devotional
Day 1: Holiness Begins with Justification
Holiness is not merely an inherent attribute of God but also a gift bestowed upon us through justification. When we accept Christ, we are declared holy, set apart for God's purposes. This initial state of holiness is crucial as it marks the beginning of our sanctification journey—a lifelong process where we strive to align our lives with God's holy nature. Justification is the divine act that positions us in right standing before God, enabling us to pursue a life that reflects His purity and righteousness. This understanding of holiness is foundational to our spiritual growth and daily walk with God. [01:03:46]
1 Peter 1:15-16, "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"
Reflection: How does understanding your holiness through justification change the way you view your daily struggles and victories?
Day 2: Obedience as the Pathway to Sanctification
Obedience is the active mechanism through which sanctification occurs in our lives. It goes beyond merely avoiding sin; it involves embracing and executing God's commands as revealed in Scripture. This active pursuit is not about legalistic adherence but a heartfelt response to God's love, aiming to align our will with His. As we delve deeper into God's Word and spend time in His presence, our understanding and capacity to obey deepen, reflecting a genuine transformation that affects every aspect of our lives. [01:05:36]
James 1:22-25, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can better align your actions with God’s commands this week?
Day 3: Obedience Strengthens Community
Our obedience to God not only fosters personal growth but also impacts those around us. It serves as a powerful testimony of God's transformative power at work within us. The fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are not merely for our own benefit but are meant to be shared with others, enhancing our communal life and witness. This outward expression of inward grace showcases the beauty and attractiveness of living under God's authority. [01:35:09]
Galatians 6:2, "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: How can your obedience to God be a source of encouragement to someone in your community this week?
Day 4: The True Test of Obedience in Adversity
Obedience is easy when life is smooth, but its true test comes during times of adversity. In such moments, obedience requires an unwavering trust in God's sovereignty, even when His plans are not clear or our circumstances are challenging. This level of trust and submission develops a deeper character and faith within us, proving our obedience genuine. It's in these trials that our spiritual maturity is both tested and strengthened. [01:46:01]
Hebrews 12:11, "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
Reflection: Recall a recent adversity. How did it challenge or strengthen your obedience to God?
Day 5: Joy and Blessing in Obedience
Embracing obedience should not be seen as a burdensome duty but as a joyful affirmation of our love for God. This joyful obedience opens the door to a deeper relationship with Him, marked by trust and a profound sense of peace and purpose. As we align our will with God's, we experience His favor and presence more tangibly, leading to a fulfilled and purposeful life. This is the true blessing of obedience, where our deepest joy meets our highest calling. [01:44:10]
Psalm 119:35, "Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you can start to obey joyfully, seeing it not as a duty but as a privilege?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "It's evidence that you are getting to know God. It's understanding that obedience truly is God's love language. So we need to be first pursuing the presence of God in our life. Really establishing that. It's so important, you guys, that daily you are establishing that." [01:15:19]
2. "Your word will never let me down. So I am going to obey you. To the end. That's what I'm going to stand on in my life. So obedience is not just refraining from sin. It's not just saying, okay, I'm confined here. I can't do this. I can't do that." [01:10:36]
3. "Obedience really is holy living. When obedience is your nature, that's when you have holy living begin to happen in your life. So what is obedience? Simply it's this. It's hearing the word of God and acting on it." [01:05:36]
4. "The fruit of the Spirit, the love, the joy, the patience, the faithfulness, the things that are flowing forth from your life is the evidence of what really is happening on the inside of your life. It's what's happening on the inside." [01:35:40]
5. "Obedience is a blessing. It's not a burden. It's not a burden at all. We think that this means I have to be confined. This means I have to do the do's and don'ts. No, no, no, no. Like we say so many times, that's just religion." [01:44:10]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Even when it's just not convenient and it hurts, Lord, to walk this out. And normally when you would have turned around and ran in the other direction, God is saying, no. You stick this out." [01:49:44]
2. "Obedience in your life to God is not a burden. It's a blessing. To know the will of God, to know the Word of God, and to be able to obey it, to have that light that lights your path, to have that lamp for your feet, to have the key to life." [01:41:44]
3. "Obedience is when we base our decisions and our actions on God's word. On his word. Here's a common problem nowadays, especially in the church. The problem that I've seen is a lot of people want to interpret the word of God based off of their experiences." [01:06:38]
4. "But those who obey God's word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. I love how Erica was all up in the message today when she was talking about how obedience is God's love language." [01:14:33]
5. "Listen, obedience is better than sacrifice. And submission is better than the offering the fat of rams. There is nothing that you could ever sacrifice to God that is greater than your obedience to him, than your submission to his authority in your life completely." [01:27:39]
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