Embracing Obedience: The Path to Abundant Life
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. It's a joy to be with you today. I want to share my journey as a pastor and the importance of obedience in our walk with Jesus. Obedience is central to discipleship, as seen in the Great Commission in Matthew 28, where Jesus commands us to teach others to obey His teachings. This summer, I've been reflecting on what it means to be a pastor and how to serve the congregation effectively. One key insight is that just as we exegete Scripture, we must also understand and meet the needs of our congregation.
Today, we delve into Psalm 112, a wisdom psalm that highlights the blessings of fearing the Lord and delighting in His commands. The psalm begins with the exhortation to fear the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. This fear of the Lord shapes our worldview and leads to a life of wisdom and obedience. The psalmist describes the blessings that come from fearing the Lord, such as mighty and blessed children, wealth and riches, and enduring righteousness.
The psalm also emphasizes the importance of delighting in God's commands. This delight is not burdensome but leads to flourishing. Just as following instructions when assembling furniture leads to a successful outcome, following God's instructions leads to a life of blessing and fulfillment. The psalmist compares the value of God's commands to great riches, highlighting the joy and satisfaction that come from living according to God's Word.
Furthermore, the psalm outlines the characteristics of the righteous, such as generosity, compassion, and justice. These qualities lead to a life of stability and security, free from fear of bad news. The righteous are remembered forever, and their legacy is one of blessing and honor. In contrast, the wicked face frustration and ultimate destruction.
In conclusion, Psalm 112 teaches us that a life of obedience, fear of the Lord, and delight in His commands leads to abundant life and eternal blessings. As we move forward, let us commit to living according to God's instructions, trusting in His provision, and experiencing the fullness of life He offers.
### Key Takeaways
1. Obedience as the Foundation of Discipleship: Obedience is central to following Jesus. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 emphasizes teaching others to obey Jesus' commands. This obedience is akin to an apprenticeship, where we learn and grow in our faith by following Jesus' example. Obedience leads to a deeper understanding and relationship with God. [29:53]
2. The Fear of the Lord as the Beginning of Wisdom: Psalm 112 and other scriptures highlight that the fear of the Lord is the starting point of wisdom. This fear shapes our worldview and leads to a life of wisdom and understanding. When we abandon the fear of the Lord, we lose our sense of direction and purpose, leading to confusion and chaos. [35:43]
3. Delighting in God's Commands: The psalmist in Psalm 112 finds great delight in God's commands, comparing them to great riches. This delight is not burdensome but leads to flourishing. Just as following instructions when assembling furniture leads to a successful outcome, following God's instructions leads to a life of blessing and fulfillment. [38:42]
4. Generosity and Justice as Marks of the Righteous: The righteous are characterized by their generosity and justice. Psalm 112 highlights that those who are generous and lend freely, and who conduct their affairs with justice, will be blessed. This generosity is a reflection of God's kingdom values and leads to storing up treasures in heaven. [51:10]
5. Security and Stability in Trusting the Lord: The righteous, who fear the Lord and delight in His commands, experience security and stability. They are not shaken by bad news and have steadfast hearts, trusting in the Lord. This trust leads to a life free from fear and anxiety, anchored in the assurance of God's provision and protection. [53:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[29:53] - The Importance of Obedience
[31:31] - Introduction to Psalm 112
[34:20] - Reading Psalm 112
[35:43] - The Fear of the Lord and Wisdom
[37:10] - The Loss of Common Sense
[38:42] - Delighting in God's Commands
[40:17] - The Value of God's Law
[42:02] - Following Instructions
[45:10] - The Results of Obedience
[46:35] - Principles of Wisdom Literature
[48:07] - Legacy and Blessing
[49:43] - Light in Darkness
[51:10] - Generosity and Justice
[53:54] - Security in Trusting the Lord
[57:09] - The Consequences of Disobedience
[58:48] - Invitation to Deeper Obedience
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 112: "Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands. Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever. Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor. The wicked will see and be vexed, they will gnash their teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing."
2. Matthew 28:19-20: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
3. Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the blessings mentioned in Psalm 112 for those who fear the Lord and delight in His commands? ([34:20])
2. According to Matthew 28:19-20, what are the two main tasks given in the Great Commission? ([29:53])
3. How does Proverbs 9:10 describe the relationship between the fear of the Lord and wisdom? ([35:43])
4. What characteristics of the righteous are highlighted in Psalm 112? ([34:20])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the fear of the Lord shape a person's worldview and lead to wisdom, as discussed in the sermon? ([35:43])
2. In what ways does delighting in God's commands lead to flourishing, according to the sermon and Psalm 112? ([38:42])
3. How does the concept of generosity and justice in Psalm 112 reflect the values of God's kingdom? ([51:10])
4. What does it mean to have security and stability in trusting the Lord, as described in Psalm 112 and the sermon? ([53:54])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced the blessings of obedience to God's commands. How did it impact your life? ([29:53])
2. How can you cultivate a deeper fear of the Lord in your daily life to gain wisdom and understanding? ([35:43])
3. What practical steps can you take to delight more in God's commands, especially when they feel burdensome or complex? ([38:42])
4. In what ways can you demonstrate generosity and justice in your community this week? ([51:10])
5. How do you handle bad news or challenging situations? What can you do to develop a steadfast heart that trusts in the Lord? ([53:54])
6. Identify one area of your life where you need to trust God's instructions more fully. What changes can you make to align with His guidance? ([45:10])
7. Think of someone in your life who exemplifies the security and stability that comes from trusting the Lord. What can you learn from their example? ([53:54])
Devotional
### 5-Day Devotional
Day 1: Obedience as the Path to Deeper Relationship with God
Description:
Obedience is not merely about following rules; it is about cultivating a deeper relationship with Jesus. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 emphasizes the importance of teaching others to obey Jesus' commands, likening it to an apprenticeship. In this apprenticeship, we learn and grow in our faith by following Jesus' example. Obedience leads to a deeper understanding and relationship with God, as it aligns our hearts and actions with His will. This alignment brings us closer to Him and allows us to experience His presence more fully. [29:53]
Bible Passage:
"Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him." — John 14:21 (ESV)
Reflection:
Think of one area in your life where you struggle with obedience to God's commands. What steps can you take today to align your actions with His will and deepen your relationship with Him?
Day 2: The Fear of the Lord as the Foundation of Wisdom
Description:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, as highlighted in Psalm 112 and other scriptures. This fear is not about being afraid but about having a profound respect and reverence for God. It shapes our worldview and leads to a life of wisdom and understanding. When we abandon the fear of the Lord, we lose our sense of direction and purpose, leading to confusion and chaos. Embracing the fear of the Lord helps us navigate life with clarity and purpose, grounded in the wisdom that comes from God. [35:43]
Bible Passage:
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." — Proverbs 1:7 (ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on your current worldview. How does the fear of the Lord influence your decisions and actions? What changes can you make to ensure that your life is guided by this foundational wisdom?
Day 3: Delighting in God's Commands for a Flourishing Life
Description:
Psalm 112 emphasizes the importance of delighting in God's commands, comparing them to great riches. This delight is not burdensome but leads to flourishing. Just as following instructions when assembling furniture leads to a successful outcome, following God's instructions leads to a life of blessing and fulfillment. The psalmist highlights the joy and satisfaction that come from living according to God's Word, showing that His commands are designed for our good and flourishing. [38:42]
Bible Passage:
"Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments!" — Psalm 112:1 (ESV)
Reflection:
Consider one of God's commands that you find challenging. How can you shift your perspective to see it as a source of joy and fulfillment rather than a burden? What practical steps can you take to delight in this command today?
Day 4: Generosity and Justice as Reflections of God's Kingdom
Description:
The righteous are characterized by their generosity and justice, as highlighted in Psalm 112. Those who are generous and lend freely, and who conduct their affairs with justice, will be blessed. This generosity is a reflection of God's kingdom values and leads to storing up treasures in heaven. By embodying these qualities, we not only bless others but also align ourselves with God's heart and purposes, experiencing the joy and fulfillment that come from living out His kingdom values. [51:10]
Bible Passage:
"He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor." — Psalm 112:9 (ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a specific way you can practice generosity and justice in your community this week. How can you reflect God's kingdom values in your actions and interactions with others?
Day 5: Security and Stability in Trusting the Lord
Description:
The righteous, who fear the Lord and delight in His commands, experience security and stability. They are not shaken by bad news and have steadfast hearts, trusting in the Lord. This trust leads to a life free from fear and anxiety, anchored in the assurance of God's provision and protection. By placing our trust in the Lord, we can navigate life's uncertainties with confidence and peace, knowing that He is in control and will provide for our needs. [53:54]
Bible Passage:
"He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries." — Psalm 112:7-8 (ESV)
Reflection:
Identify a current situation in your life that causes you anxiety or fear. How can you actively place your trust in the Lord and experience His peace and stability? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of His provision and protection?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When you've done enough life and gone enough places in it, and you find that God's instructions for your life is the one true book of instructions that leads to your life's flourishing, you got no problem delighting in the Lord and His Word. That's the difference here. God's instructions for your life is to benefit you. They are the best for you, and they lead to flourishing." [43:22] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Going about life without God's instructions as your instructions leads to destruction, but going about life with his instructions as your instructions leads to heavenly production." [52:13] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The truth of this psalm is saying that the righteous will encounter seasons of darkness but that the light dawns for those who follow the law that are gracious and compassionate and righteous. God will lead you through the dark seasons that when it seems like something is encroaching your vision like a dense fog or a snowstorm when you're driving that I don't know where to go that the principle of psalm 112 is that the light dawns." [49:43] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "There is another, I don't want to use the word level, but there is a deeper level, a deeper reality where the things you've struggled with, maybe even for decades, don't have to be your struggle till death. Where what you wrestle with today through obedience to Jesus, you can be set free from." [58:48] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. All who follow his precepts have a good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. That's the final verse of psalm 111. It's a lead-in to this wisdom psalm." [35:43] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Teaching obedience is the central how-to or follow-up to what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. And that's not a surprise in the idea of discipleship being very akin to apprenticeship. And indeed, if you are an apprentice plumber with a plumber, the idea isn't that you would do nothing and learn no plumbing while you're an apprentice of the plumber. You actually become a plumber. And so it too when we sign up for apprenticeship to Jesus so too do we become witnesses to the greatness of Jesus." [29:53] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The elephant in the room for me in certainly seasons of my life is God's rules feel tiresome, they feel burdensome, they're certainly hard at the very least, and sometimes they're complex sometimes. They certainly influence every area of your life, so there's no safe place from God's law. So how do we cultivate the light in his law? What does this mean for you and I today?" [42:02] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The righteous will encounter seasons of darkness but that the light dawns for those who follow the law that are gracious and compassionate and righteous. God will lead you through the dark seasons that when it seems like something is encroaching your vision like a dense fog or a snowstorm when you're driving that I don't know where to go that the principle of psalm 112 is that the light dawns." [49:43] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We must fear and delight in God's ways if we want to see a way through this. We want to enter that abundant life. That is our calling, and indeed the invitation to you today that that life is available to you and to I. We see several characteristics, the fear of God, the delight of God's commandments, that we are upright and generous, that there's no fear, that we'd have a steadfast heart, that we're trusting in the Lord, you know, secure hearts. All that language is packed into Psalm 112, and this describes the principles of the blessed and the righteous one." [57:09] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Grace is not opposed to effort. It's opposed to merit. You and I do have to partner with the Lord in seeing the abundance of God. And so we put our faith and our trust in the one who has the heaven to earth reality come in our lives." [58:48] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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