Embracing Obedience: The Dangers of Defiance
Summary
In my sermon, I emphasized the importance of obedience and submission to God's will, and the dangers of defiance. I drew parallels between the Israelites' defiance of Moses and the modern Christian's defiance of God's word. I explained that defiance is a seed that is not from God, and it can lead to spiritual downfall. I used the story of Satan's entry into the Garden of Eden through the serpent as an example of defiance, explaining that Satan could only enter because the serpent, in defiance of God, gave him consent. I also stressed that defiance can lead to spiritual death, and that it is crucial for Christians to live in Christ, not just exist.
In the second part of my sermon, I addressed the congregation directly, urging them to be more obedient and less defiant. I emphasized that everyone has a duty in the church, and that refusing to fulfill this duty is a form of defiance. I also warned against the dangers of creating one's own doctrine and ignoring the teachings of the church. I concluded by reminding the congregation that defiance is a seed that can spread and corrupt the entire church, just like a rotten apple can spoil a whole bushel.
Key Takeaways:
- Defiance is a seed that is not from God and can lead to spiritual downfall. It is crucial to obey God's word and submit to His will. ([09:51])
- Satan's entry into the Garden of Eden through the serpent is an example of defiance. Satan could only enter because the serpent, in defiance of God, gave him consent. ([10:43])
- Everyone has a duty in the church, and refusing to fulfill this duty is a form of defiance. ([14:08])
- Creating one's own doctrine and ignoring the teachings of the church is a dangerous form of defiance. ([16:25])
- Defiance is a seed that can spread and corrupt the entire church, just like a rotten apple can spoil a whole bushel. ([15:03])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 13:3 #!!15:03!!#
2. James 1:26 #!!08:31!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What does Hebrews 13:3 tell us about our responsibilities towards others?
2. How does James 1:26 relate to the concept of religious duties?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does defiance of God's word, as discussed in the sermon, relate to the message in Hebrews 13:3?
2. What does James 1:26 teach us about the importance of controlling our speech and how does this relate to the concept of religious duties?
Application Questions:
1. Can you identify a time when you were defiant of God's word? How did it affect your relationship with God and others?
2. How can you apply the teaching of Hebrews 13:3 in your daily interactions with others, especially those who are suffering or in need?
3. In what ways can you better control your speech as instructed in James 1:26? Can you think of a specific situation where this could be applied?
4. How can you better fulfill your religious duties as a member of your church community? Can you think of a specific role or responsibility you could take on?
5. How can you ensure that you are not in defiance of God's word in your actions and decisions?
Devotional
Day 1: The Seed of Defiance
Defiance is not a natural state but a seed planted within us, often by external influences. When we choose to defy God's word, we are accepting and nurturing this seed, allowing it to grow and influence our actions. This defiance is passed down from generation to generation, causing a ripple effect of disobedience. [12:52]
Genesis 3:1-5 - "Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, 'Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?' The woman said to the serpent, 'We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’' 'You will not certainly die,' the serpent said to the woman. 'For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a recent time when you chose to defy God's word. What seed was planted that led to this defiance?
Day 2: The Importance of Reverence
Reverence is not just about respect, but also about obedience. When we choose to do things our own way, we are showing a lack of reverence for God and His word. This defiance leads to spiritual death, as we are choosing our own path over God's. [16:25]
Proverbs 14:12 - "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you chose your own way over God's. How did this lack of reverence affect your relationship with God?
Day 3: The Duty of a Saint
As saints, we have both social and religious duties. These duties are not just about following rules, but about serving others and showing love. When we neglect these duties, we are not just failing ourselves, but also those around us. [07:05]
James 1:26 - "Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless."
Reflection: Reflect on your social and religious duties. Are there any that you have been neglecting? How can you better fulfill these duties?
Day 4: The Consequences of Defiance
Defiance has consequences, not just for us, but for those around us. When we choose to defy God's word, we are not just hurting ourselves, but also those who look up to us and follow our example. This defiance can lead to spiritual decay and a loss of God's blessings. [09:51]
Numbers 14:18 - "The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation."
Reflection: Reflect on the consequences of your defiance. How has it affected those around you?
Day 5: The Power of Obedience
Obedience is not just about following rules, but about aligning our will with God's. When we choose to obey God, we are choosing to live in His light and life. This obedience brings blessings and peace, as we are living in accordance with God's perfect plan. [12:15]
John 14:23 - "Jesus replied, 'Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you chose to obey God. How did this obedience affect your life and your relationship with God?
Quotes
1. "Every angel that gives you a visitation doesn't mean that he is of God but you know my brother and you know my sister. So the accolades that you give angels, you should give them. You will make them feel better about their relationship with you because they see that there is an interest in their welfare because you're giving them what's due to them." - 07:05
2. "When you are defiant of the word of God that means you're saying I'm gonna do it my way. If God tells you to love your enemy and you say I can't do that, you're in the spirit of defiance. And what we must acknowledge is that seed came from someone and it wasn't God." - 10:43
3. "There's a way that seemeth right to a man but the end thereof is death. In other words, you're negating what God told you to do and picking up what you want to do. Some people think well you're just too forward and you're just too strict, no I thought I was until God paid attention to me last night and I paid attention to him." - 17:06
4. "Why do you think you're in defiance of me when I tell you to do something? Because what I'm telling you I'm teaching it out of the word of God. This stuff just didn't fall out of the sky and fell on a page and said look this is what I want you to teach. The book was written before you were ever given." - 13:31
5. "All of us are obligated to work in the church. Every one of us. When you say I'm not going to do it, guess what, you're in defiance. Whose seed are you carrying? So when God told me to tell you to do something and you say I'm not going to do it, thank you." - 15:47
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