Faithful Obedience: The Call to Follow God
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church. It's great to see you this morning. If you worshiped with us last week, you'll recall that we talked about the importance of remembering. And so we're just going to take a couple of minutes to remember where we've been the past couple of months in our sermon series. Since April, we have been studying the events surrounding Joshua and Caleb. They were two Old Testament leaders who understood what we so very much need to get: when God says go, we had better obey. They stood strong in the Lord and trusted His faithfulness. We need to follow their example because God is calling us to go too. We read our commission every single week. We can be of good courage when we're going because Jesus reminds us that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. He promises to be with us always, to the very end of the age, while we do what He's commanded us to do, which is to go and make disciples of all nations.
Let's remember together what's led up to what we just heard read to us. Through a chain of several significant events, God's chosen nation, Israel, is eventually enslaved in Egypt. Fulfilling a promise that God made about 500 years before, He sends a series of plagues and parts the Red Sea to deliver His people from bondage. He does all of this to lead them to Canaan, the promised land, a land flowing with milk and honey. However, Israel decided to send one spy from each of their 12 tribes to check out the promised land first. The spies go, check out the land, the people, and the cities. After 40 days, they return to report what they found. They were thrilled with how amazing the land was, but there were some crazy strong people in massively fortified cities. The facts about the report were correct, and all the spies agreed on those facts. But they diverged on what they should do. Ten of the spies managed to stir up the entire congregation into a frenzy. Fear spread like wildfire, and everybody started murmuring and complaining. They eventually became downright obstinate and decided they were not going to go. Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb pleaded with the people, urging them to believe God's promises, affirming that He was with them. But the people were unwilling to hear it. In fact, they wanted to stone them. That's when God's glory showed up, saved those four men, and made it clear that He was going to wipe everybody else out and start all over with those four. But then Moses prayed a beautiful and powerful prayer. He prayed in step with God's character and His word, and God responded with both mercy and justice.
God declared that none of the men who had seen His glory and signs in Egypt and the wilderness, yet put Him to the test ten times and not obeyed His voice, would see the land He swore to give to their fathers. God laid out the consequences of their unbelief and disobedience. Their dead bodies would fall in the wilderness, and their children would be shepherds in the wilderness for 40 years, suffering for their faithlessness. The ten spies who were not of good courage died that very day of a plague. Friends, we must know that God takes our disobedience very seriously. When He says go, we had better go. The consequences of not doing so are more than we can comprehend.
When Moses told these words to all the people of Israel, they mourned greatly. They were sorry for the consequences of their sin, but it seems they were more sorry for the consequences than for the sin itself. They mourned greatly when they learned about the devastating consequences of their disobedience. Mourning was appropriate, but it wasn't enough to change the reality of their situation. They needed to obey God. But instead, they rose early in the morning and went up to the heights of the hill country, saying they would go up to the place the Lord had promised, for they had sinned. Initially, we might think they were finally getting it, but they were not obeying God. God had already determined the consequences for their sin and given them new marching orders. They needed to repent and obey, but they went the other way. They still hadn't learned that we cannot please God apart from faith, right belief that walks itself out in obedience, right behavior. Moses warned them that God's presence wouldn't go with them, and they would be slaughtered. They went anyway, presuming to go up to the heights of the hill country, although neither the ark of the covenant of the Lord nor Moses departed out of the camp. They were once again out of step with God's will, flinging themselves headlong back into disobedience. Presumption is a far cry from faith. What God is after and what brings Him glory is faith-filled obedience rooted in His character.
We must mourn and hate our sin as much as God does. We must be broken in a way that leads to repentance, and that repentance must then lead to obedience every time. So I can think of no better way to respond to what we've heard today than to come to the table of our crucified Lord. The one who took the punishment for our sin, endured death, the ultimate consequence of what we deserve, so that we might find mercy, be forgiven, and have eternal life. Today, we're going to pray. I urge you to take a good long look at your heart. Do you genuinely hate your sin? Do you mourn it greatly? Are you broken over it? Does it break your heart that there are still areas of your life that you have not submitted to the lordship of Christ? Humble yourself before Him and repent. Receive the grace and forgiveness that is ours in Christ's shed blood. And then, go and obey Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Obedience to God's Command: When God commands us to go, we must obey without hesitation. Joshua and Caleb exemplified this by trusting in God's faithfulness and standing strong in the Lord. Their unwavering faith and obedience serve as a model for us to follow, reminding us that God's authority and presence are with us as we fulfill His commission to make disciples of all nations. [01:26]
2. Consequences of Disobedience: The story of the Israelites' disobedience and the resulting consequences underscores the seriousness with which God views our actions. Their refusal to trust and obey God led to devastating consequences, including wandering in the wilderness for 40 years and the death of an entire generation. This serves as a sobering reminder that our disobedience can have far-reaching and severe repercussions. [06:25]
3. True Repentance and Obedience: Mourning our sin is appropriate, but it must lead to genuine repentance and obedience. The Israelites mourned the consequences of their sin, but their actions showed a lack of true repentance as they continued to disobey God's new instructions. True repentance involves a heartfelt turning away from sin and a commitment to follow God's commands faithfully. [09:45]
4. Faith-Filled Obedience: Presumption is not the same as faith. The Israelites presumed they could enter the promised land on their own terms, disregarding God's clear instructions. Faith-filled obedience, rooted in trust in God's character and promises, is what brings Him glory. We must align our actions with God's will, trusting that His ways are higher and better than our own. [13:27]
5. The Importance of Humility and Repentance: When confronted with our sin, we must humble ourselves before God, genuinely mourn our disobedience, and seek His forgiveness. This humility and repentance should lead to a renewed commitment to obey God's commands. Through Christ's sacrifice, we receive grace and forgiveness, empowering us to live in obedience and bring glory to God. [22:33]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:26] - The Importance of Obedience
[06:25] - Consequences of Disobedience
[09:45] - True Repentance and Obedience
[13:27] - Faith-Filled Obedience
[22:33] - Humility and Repentance
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Numbers 14:20-23 (ESV)
> "Then the Lord said, 'I have pardoned, according to your word. But truly, as I live, and as all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord, none of the men who have seen my glory and my signs that I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and yet have put me to the test these ten times and have not obeyed my voice, shall see the land that I swore to give to their fathers. And none of those who despised me shall see it.'"
2. Numbers 14:39-45 (ESV)
> "When Moses told these words to all the people of Israel, the people mourned greatly. And they rose early in the morning and went up to the heights of the hill country, saying, 'Here we are. We will go up to the place that the Lord has promised, for we have sinned.' But Moses said, 'Why now are you transgressing the command of the Lord, when that will not succeed? Do not go up, for the Lord is not among you, lest you be struck down before your enemies.' For there the Amalekites and the Canaanites are facing you, and you shall fall by the sword. Because you have turned back from following the Lord, the Lord will not be with you.' But they presumed to go up to the heights of the hill country, although neither the ark of the covenant of the Lord nor Moses departed out of the camp. Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down and defeated them and pursued them, even to Hormah."
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the key events that led to the Israelites' disobedience and the resulting consequences? ([02:52])
2. How did Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb respond to the congregation's refusal to enter the promised land? ([04:24])
3. What was God's response to the Israelites' disobedience, and what were the consequences He declared? ([06:25])
4. How did the Israelites react after hearing the consequences of their disobedience, and what did they attempt to do? ([09:45])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did the Israelites' mourning not lead to true repentance and obedience? What does this reveal about their understanding of God's commands? ([09:45])
2. How does the story of the Israelites' disobedience and presumption illustrate the difference between faith-filled obedience and presumption? ([13:27])
3. What does Moses' warning to the Israelites about God's presence not being with them teach us about the importance of aligning our actions with God's will? ([13:27])
4. How does the sermon emphasize the seriousness of disobedience and the far-reaching consequences it can have? ([18:54])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt convicted about a sin but struggled to truly repent and obey God's commands. What steps can you take to ensure your repentance leads to genuine obedience? ([09:45])
2. In what areas of your life are you tempted to act presumptuously, assuming God's blessing without seeking His will? How can you cultivate faith-filled obedience instead? ([13:27])
3. How can you better align your actions with God's will, especially in situations where you are tempted to rely on your own strength and wisdom? ([15:13])
4. When confronted with the consequences of your disobedience, how do you typically respond? What can you learn from the Israelites' experience to improve your response? ([20:43])
5. Identify one specific area of your life where you need to humble yourself before God and seek His forgiveness. What practical steps can you take this week to submit that area to the lordship of Christ? ([22:33])
6. How can you encourage others in your small group to pursue faith-filled obedience and avoid the pitfalls of presumption and disobedience? ([13:27])
7. Reflect on the importance of making disciples as part of your obedience to God's command. What specific actions can you take to engage in disciple-making within your community? ([01:26])
Devotional
Day 1: Obedience to God's Command
When God commands us to go, we must obey without hesitation. Joshua and Caleb exemplified this by trusting in God's faithfulness and standing strong in the Lord. Their unwavering faith and obedience serve as a model for us to follow, reminding us that God's authority and presence are with us as we fulfill His commission to make disciples of all nations. Joshua and Caleb's story teaches us that when God gives a command, it is not just a suggestion but a directive that requires our immediate and complete obedience. Their courage and trust in God's promises enabled them to stand firm even when others were filled with fear and doubt. This kind of obedience is rooted in a deep understanding of God's character and His faithfulness to His word.
We are called to the same level of obedience today. Jesus has given us the Great Commission to go and make disciples of all nations, and He assures us that He is with us always. This promise should embolden us to step out in faith, knowing that we are not alone. Our obedience to God's command is a testament to our trust in Him and our commitment to His mission. Let us be like Joshua and Caleb, who did not waver in their faith but stood strong, trusting in God's promises and His presence with them. [01:26]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith and obedience? How can you take a concrete step towards that today?
Day 2: Consequences of Disobedience
The story of the Israelites' disobedience and the resulting consequences underscores the seriousness with which God views our actions. Their refusal to trust and obey God led to devastating consequences, including wandering in the wilderness for 40 years and the death of an entire generation. This serves as a sobering reminder that our disobedience can have far-reaching and severe repercussions. The Israelites' fear and lack of faith led them to reject God's command to enter the promised land, resulting in a prolonged period of suffering and loss.
God's response to their disobedience highlights His justice and the importance of taking His commands seriously. When we choose to disobey God, we not only miss out on His blessings but also face the consequences of our actions. It is crucial to remember that God's commands are given for our good and His glory. Disobedience not only affects us but can also impact those around us and future generations. Let us learn from the Israelites' example and strive to trust and obey God fully, knowing that His ways are always best. [06:25]
Numbers 14:34 (ESV): "According to the number of the days in which you spied out the land, forty days, a year for each day, you shall bear your iniquity forty years, and you shall know my displeasure."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you faced consequences due to disobedience. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it help you make better choices in the future?
Day 3: True Repentance and Obedience
Mourning our sin is appropriate, but it must lead to genuine repentance and obedience. The Israelites mourned the consequences of their sin, but their actions showed a lack of true repentance as they continued to disobey God's new instructions. True repentance involves a heartfelt turning away from sin and a commitment to follow God's commands faithfully. The Israelites' initial sorrow for their sin did not translate into true repentance, as they continued to act in disobedience by attempting to enter the promised land against God's new instructions.
True repentance is more than just feeling sorry for the consequences of our actions; it is a deep recognition of our sin and a sincere desire to change. It requires a commitment to align our lives with God's will and to walk in obedience to His commands. When we truly repent, we turn away from our sinful ways and seek to live in a manner that pleases God. Let us strive for true repentance that leads to lasting change and faithful obedience to God's word. [09:45]
Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.
Reflection: Is there a sin in your life that you have been mourning but not truly repenting of? What steps can you take today to turn away from that sin and walk in obedience to God?
Day 4: Faith-Filled Obedience
Presumption is not the same as faith. The Israelites presumed they could enter the promised land on their own terms, disregarding God's clear instructions. Faith-filled obedience, rooted in trust in God's character and promises, is what brings Him glory. We must align our actions with God's will, trusting that His ways are higher and better than our own. The Israelites' presumption led them to act in disobedience, thinking they could achieve God's promises through their own efforts rather than following His instructions.
Faith-filled obedience requires us to trust in God's timing and His methods, even when they do not align with our own plans or understanding. It means submitting to His authority and following His lead, confident that He knows what is best for us. When we act in faith-filled obedience, we demonstrate our trust in God's character and His promises, bringing glory to Him. Let us seek to align our actions with God's will, trusting that His ways are always higher and better than our own. [13:27]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are acting on your own terms rather than following God's instructions? How can you realign your actions with God's will and trust in His timing and methods?
Day 5: The Importance of Humility and Repentance
When confronted with our sin, we must humble ourselves before God, genuinely mourn our disobedience, and seek His forgiveness. This humility and repentance should lead to a renewed commitment to obey God's commands. Through Christ's sacrifice, we receive grace and forgiveness, empowering us to live in obedience and bring glory to God. The Israelites' failure to humble themselves and truly repent led to further disobedience and consequences. True humility involves recognizing our need for God's grace and being willing to submit to His authority.
Christ's sacrifice on the cross provides us with the opportunity to receive forgiveness and be restored to a right relationship with God. When we humble ourselves and repent, we open the door to God's grace and the power to live in obedience to His commands. Let us approach God with humility, acknowledging our need for His forgiveness and committing to follow His ways. Through His grace, we can live lives that bring glory to Him and reflect His love to the world. [22:33]
James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to humble yourself and seek God's forgiveness? How can you demonstrate true repentance and a renewed commitment to obeying God's commands today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If we're not obeying God by committing our lives to making fully devoted disciples of Jesus Christ, it can really only be for one reason. We don't actually trust God. Because here's a hard truth that we love you enough to tell you. He isn't really our Lord and Savior if we don't trust him. He isn't really our Lord and Savior if we don't trust him. He isn't really our Lord and Savior if we don't trust him." [01:26]
2. "God despises sin. He hates our disobedience. I'm afraid we don't take sin and disobedience nearly as seriously as we should. God will forgive us. What's the big deal? It is a very, very big deal. It is a blatant and arrogant disregard and disdaining of his glory and his authority." [18:54]
3. "Now listen, friends, there is mercy and forgiveness with God. There is. We saw it in God's response to Moses' prayer. He certainly didn't just let them off the hook, but he did extend profound mercy and grace. And for those of us who live on this side of the cross, that is what we celebrate. That is the good news of the gospel that we're thankful for every day as well." [20:43]
4. "When we sin, the only response that is appropriate, the only response that is pleasing to God is humility and repentance. We've got to mourn and hate our sin as much as God does. We've got to be broken in a way that leads to repentance. And that repentance must then lead to obedience every time." [22:33]
5. "Friends, we must know that God takes our disobedience very, very seriously. When he says go, we had better go. The consequences of not doing so are more than we can comprehend." [08:02]
### Quotes for Members
1. "So let's get even more specific and remember together what's led up to what we do. Just heard read to us. Through a chain of several significant events in and of themselves, right? God's chosen nation, Israel, is eventually, they're enslaved in Egypt. And that's what point one is up there on that graphic. Fulfilling a prophecy that he made about, or a promise, I'm sorry, that God made about 500 years before, God then sends a series of plagues. And he parts the Red Sea, that's up in point two there, and he deletes the Red Sea. And he delivers his people, he delivers Israel from bondage. And he does all of this to lead them to Canaan, or what is called the promised land, a land flowing with milk and honey." [02:52]
2. "But then I get convicted and ashamed because I recognize that I am just like them. And so are you. And before you get all defensive on me, let me just ask you a few questions. First of all, how many times a day do you scorn God's glory and authority? How often do you trust your own wisdom and rely on your own strength rather than God's? How many times a day do you ignore our commission and fail to go make disciples? And when you sin, when you disobey God's direct commands, how often do you scramble to try to undo the harsh realities of your disobedience and lack of faith that you brought in the first place, right? But it's too late. The damage has been done." [18:54]
3. "You know, I think it's easy to kind of keep this story at an arm's length. Happened a long time ago to people who were far removed from us in a context completely different from our own. And so we can too easily think that we really don't have all that much to learn from them. Well, I hope that we've seen as we've been studying numbers 13 and 14 for the past couple of months. I hope we've been, we were able to see that that's not correct. We've got to be willing to see ourselves in this story. To do business with our own sin and rebellion. To repent and turn back to God in all those places and areas of our lives. Where we are living in direct disobedience to his word. And then we've got to determine to follow him. To do what he commands us. To go and make disciples." [20:43]
4. "When Moses told these words to all the people of Israel, the people mourned greatly. So when we read these concluding verses to the disaster that was the spying out of the land, we have to be careful not to read too much into the text. With just a cursory reading, it kind of maybe seems like Israel was sorrier for the consequences of their sin than they were for the sin itself. It kind of feels like, they were trying to be sorry enough, right? Or to undo what they did wrong. And that might be true. But the text doesn't say that, does it? It says that they mourned greatly when they learned about the devastating consequences of their disobedience." [09:45]
5. "What God is after and what brings him glory is faith-filled obedience. That's rooted in his character. Faith-filled obedience because we believe and we trust in his word and truth. That word presumed, one of the words that is used to define it is heedless." [15:13]
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