Embracing Obedience: Mastering Our Appetites for God
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the profound theme of obedience and the importance of controlling our appetites. We began by lifting our voices in praise, acknowledging the goodness and blessings that God continually bestows upon us. The essence of our journey with God is not just about receiving blessings but also about aligning our lives with His will and commands. From the very beginning, as seen in Genesis, God created us with appetites, but He also gave us the responsibility to control them. This control is not just about physical desires but extends to every aspect of our lives, including our thoughts, actions, and spiritual pursuits.
We explored the story of the Israelites in the wilderness, where God provided manna as a test of obedience. This narrative illustrates the importance of trusting God's provision and timing, rather than succumbing to our immediate desires. The lesson here is clear: obedience to God's word is paramount, and it often requires us to say no to our natural inclinations.
Furthermore, we delved into the dangers of unchecked appetites, which can lead us away from God's path. Whether it's the desire for power, control, or material possessions, these can become stumbling blocks if not kept in check. The story of Pharaoh serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the refusal to acknowledge God's authority.
In our personal lives, we are called to lift up holy hands, free from wrath and doubt, and to live in a way that reflects God's righteousness. This involves making conscious decisions to reject the temptations of the world and to embrace a life of holiness and integrity. The key to overcoming these challenges lies in our ability to say no to our flesh and yes to God's will.
As we move forward, let us commit to a life of obedience, understanding that it is better than sacrifice. By aligning our desires with God's commands, we open ourselves to His blessings and the fulfillment of His promises. Let us be a people who are known for our unwavering commitment to God's word and our ability to control our appetites in pursuit of His righteousness.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Obedience: Obedience to God's word is a fundamental aspect of our faith. It requires us to trust in His provision and timing, even when it challenges our natural desires. By saying no to our immediate cravings, we align ourselves with God's greater plan for our lives. [01:10:51]
2. Controlling Our Appetites: Our appetites, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, can lead us astray if not controlled. God calls us to exercise self-discipline and to prioritize His will over our own desires. This discipline is a testament to our faith and commitment to His commands. [01:16:10]
3. The Consequences of Disobedience: The story of Pharaoh and the Israelites serves as a warning of the dangers of disobedience. Refusing to acknowledge God's authority can lead to devastating consequences, both personally and collectively. We must strive to be obedient in all aspects of our lives. [01:38:25]
4. Living with Integrity: As believers, we are called to lift up holy hands, free from wrath and doubt. This means living a life of integrity, where our actions reflect God's righteousness. By rejecting the temptations of the world, we demonstrate our commitment to His ways. [01:30:14]
5. The Blessing of Saying No: Saying no to our flesh and yes to God opens the door to His blessings. It is through this act of obedience that we find true fulfillment and purpose. By prioritizing God's will, we position ourselves to receive His promises and to live a life of abundance. [01:55:08]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:03:40] - Praise and Worship
[01:06:17] - The Power of Obedience
[01:08:48] - God's Creation and Our Appetites
[01:10:51] - Controlling Our Desires
[01:13:09] - The Truth About Lies
[01:16:10] - The Test of Manna
[01:18:50] - Lessons from the Convenience Store
[01:20:48] - Saying No to Temptation
[01:21:14] - Obedience and Appetite
[01:30:14] - Living with Integrity
[01:36:51] - The Danger of Anger
[01:38:25] - Consequences of Disobedience
[01:48:16] - Daily Obedience
[01:55:08] - The Blessing of Saying No
[02:02:46] - The Glory of the Church
[02:06:54] - A Call to Obedience
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 2:16-17 - "And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, 'Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.'"
2. Exodus 5:2 - "And Pharaoh said, 'Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, nor will I let Israel go.'"
3. 1 Timothy 2:8 - "I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting."
Observation Questions:
1. What command did God give Adam regarding the trees in the Garden of Eden, and what was the consequence of disobedience? [01:10:51]
2. How did Pharaoh respond to God's command through Moses, and what were the consequences of his disobedience? [01:40:16]
3. According to the sermon, what does it mean to lift up "holy hands" as mentioned in 1 Timothy 2:8? [01:30:14]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis illustrate the importance of controlling our appetites and desires? [01:10:51]
2. In what ways does Pharaoh's refusal to obey God serve as a warning about the dangers of disobedience? [01:40:16]
3. What does it mean to live with integrity and lift up holy hands without wrath and doubting, as discussed in the sermon? [01:30:14]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to control an appetite or desire. How did it affect your relationship with God, and what steps can you take to align your desires with His will? [01:10:51]
2. Pharaoh's story shows the consequences of disobedience. Are there areas in your life where you are resisting God's authority? How can you begin to submit to His will? [01:40:16]
3. The sermon emphasized living with integrity. What practical steps can you take this week to ensure your actions reflect God's righteousness? [01:30:14]
4. Consider the concept of lifting up holy hands. How can you cultivate a life free from wrath and doubt in your daily interactions? [01:30:14]
5. The sermon mentioned the blessing of saying no to our flesh. Identify a specific temptation you face regularly. What strategies can you implement to say no and prioritize God's will? [01:55:08]
6. How can you encourage others in your community to live a life of obedience and integrity? What role can you play in supporting them? [01:48:16]
7. Reflect on the idea that obedience is better than sacrifice. How can you prioritize obedience in your spiritual journey, even when it requires personal sacrifice? [01:49:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Timing Over Our Desires
In our journey of faith, obedience to God's word is essential. It requires us to trust in His provision and timing, even when it challenges our natural desires. The story of the Israelites in the wilderness, where God provided manna, serves as a powerful illustration of this principle. God used manna as a test of obedience, teaching the Israelites to rely on His timing rather than their immediate cravings. This narrative reminds us that aligning ourselves with God's greater plan often means saying no to our immediate desires. By doing so, we open ourselves to the blessings and fulfillment that come from living in accordance with His will. [01:10:51]
Exodus 16:4-5 (ESV): "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.'"
Reflection: What immediate desires are you struggling to let go of in order to trust in God's timing? How can you practice patience and reliance on His provision today?
Day 2: Exercising Self-Discipline in All Aspects of Life
Our appetites, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, can lead us astray if not controlled. God calls us to exercise self-discipline and to prioritize His will over our own desires. This discipline is a testament to our faith and commitment to His commands. By controlling our appetites, we demonstrate our trust in God's plan and our willingness to align our lives with His purposes. This involves making conscious decisions to reject the temptations of the world and to embrace a life of holiness and integrity. [01:16:10]
1 Corinthians 9:25-27 (ESV): "Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to exercise more self-discipline? How can you begin to prioritize God's will over your own desires today?
Day 3: Recognizing the Dangers of Disobedience
The story of Pharaoh and the Israelites serves as a warning of the dangers of disobedience. Refusing to acknowledge God's authority can lead to devastating consequences, both personally and collectively. Pharaoh's hardened heart and refusal to obey God's commands resulted in severe plagues and suffering for the Egyptian people. This narrative reminds us of the importance of being obedient in all aspects of our lives, recognizing that disobedience can lead us away from God's path and hinder our relationship with Him. [01:38:25]
1 Samuel 15:22-23 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.'"
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are resisting God's authority? What steps can you take to align yourself more closely with His commands?
Day 4: Living a Life of Integrity and Righteousness
As believers, we are called to lift up holy hands, free from wrath and doubt. This means living a life of integrity, where our actions reflect God's righteousness. By rejecting the temptations of the world, we demonstrate our commitment to His ways. Living with integrity involves making conscious choices that honor God and reflect His character. It requires us to be intentional in our thoughts, words, and actions, ensuring that they align with His standards of holiness and righteousness. [01:30:14]
Titus 2:7-8 (ESV): "Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate integrity in your daily interactions and decisions? What specific actions can you take to reflect God's righteousness in your life today?
Day 5: Embracing the Blessing of Saying No
Saying no to our flesh and yes to God opens the door to His blessings. It is through this act of obedience that we find true fulfillment and purpose. By prioritizing God's will, we position ourselves to receive His promises and to live a life of abundance. This involves making intentional choices to reject the temptations of the world and to embrace a life of holiness and integrity. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's purposes and experience the joy and peace that come from living in accordance with His will. [01:55:08]
James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Reflection: What temptations are you currently facing that require you to say no? How can you rely on God's strength to overcome these challenges and embrace His blessings?
Quotes
"Would that all men everywhere would lift up holy hands without wrath or doubting. All men everywhere lift up holy hands. You know what holy hands are? Hands that are not defiled with the world." [01:30:14] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Every no to your flesh is another yes to the will of God. Every no to sin is a yes to righteousness. Every no to your flesh is a yes to the spirit." [01:55:08]
"Can you tell yourself no? That's it. Young ladies, I'm just going to say it. The world needs to hear it. You only get to be a virgin once. You only get to give yourself to your husband once as a virgin." [02:00:25] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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