Faithful Obedience: Trusting God's Unconventional Ways

Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the theme of obedience within our ongoing series, "Tested." We delved into the story of Joshua and the Israelites as they faced the fortified city of Jericho. This narrative from Joshua chapter 6 serves as a profound example of obedience to God's seemingly unconventional commands. Despite the absurdity of the strategy—marching around the city for seven days and then shouting to bring down the walls—the Israelites followed God's instructions to the letter. This act of obedience led to a miraculous victory, demonstrating that God's ways, though often incomprehensible to us, are always purposeful and powerful.

We examined three key observations about obedience. First, obedience is easy until it isn't. It's simple to follow God's commands when they align with our desires, but true obedience is tested when His instructions challenge our comfort and understanding. Second, obedience must be practiced daily. It's not a one-time act but a continual posture of the heart, requiring daily commitment and trust in God's wisdom. Third, obedience always accomplishes what God desires. While the immediate results of obedience may not always be visible, God's blessings and purposes are ultimately fulfilled through our faithful actions.

We also reflected on the ultimate example of obedience—Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:5-11 illustrates how Jesus, though equal with God, humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death on a cross. His obedience brought about the greatest blessing of all: our redemption and reconciliation with God. Finally, we considered the story of Rahab, a woman whose past was marked by sin, yet she was chosen by God to play a crucial role in the victory at Jericho. Her story reminds us that God's grace is greater than our sin, and He can use anyone who turns to Him in faith and obedience.

### Key Takeaways

1. Obedience is Easy Until It Isn't: Obedience to God is straightforward when His commands align with our desires. However, true obedience is tested when His instructions challenge our comfort and understanding. This is where faith comes into play, trusting that God's ways, though sometimes difficult, are ultimately for our good. [10:30]

2. Daily Practice of Obedience: Obedience is not a one-time act but a continual posture of the heart. It requires daily commitment and trust in God's wisdom. Just as the Israelites had to march around Jericho for seven days, we must consistently choose to follow God's commands, even when it seems tedious or nonsensical. [19:23]

3. Obedience Accomplishes God's Desires: While the immediate results of obedience may not always be visible, God's blessings and purposes are ultimately fulfilled through our faithful actions. Obedience may not make sense initially, but it always brings about God's intended outcomes eventually. [20:48]

4. Jesus as the Ultimate Example of Obedience: Jesus' life and sacrifice exemplify perfect obedience. Despite the immense suffering He faced, He submitted to the Father's will, resulting in the redemption of humanity. His example teaches us that true obedience requires humility, courage, and trust in God's plan. [25:33]

5. God's Grace in Our Obedience: The story of Rahab shows that God's grace is greater than our sin. Despite her past, Rahab's obedience played a crucial role in the victory at Jericho. This reminds us that no matter our past, God can use us for His purposes when we turn to Him in faith and obedience. [28:08]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:03] - Introduction to Obedience
[02:12] - Joshua's Strategy for Jericho
[05:13] - The March Around Jericho
[06:56] - The Command to Shout
[08:45] - The Walls Fall Down
[09:39] - Reflections on Obedience
[10:30] - Obedience is Easy Until It Isn't
[12:23] - Cultural Challenges to Obedience
[16:28] - Daily Practice of Obedience
[19:23] - Obedience in the Present and Future
[20:48] - Obedience Accomplishes God's Desires
[25:33] - Jesus as the Ultimate Example of Obedience
[28:08] - Rahab's Story and God's Grace
[31:02] - Call to Obedience and Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 6:1-20 - The fall of Jericho
2. Philippians 2:5-11 - Jesus' obedience to the point of death

#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did God give Joshua regarding the conquest of Jericho? ([04:25])
2. How did the Israelites respond to Joshua's commands about marching around Jericho? ([06:56])
3. What was the outcome of the Israelites' obedience to God's unconventional strategy? ([08:45])
4. How does Philippians 2:5-11 describe Jesus' attitude and actions in His obedience to God? ([25:33])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might God have chosen such an unconventional strategy for the Israelites to conquer Jericho? What does this teach us about God's ways? ([09:39])
2. How does the story of Rahab illustrate the concept of God's grace in the midst of obedience? ([28:08])
3. In what ways does Jesus' obedience, as described in Philippians 2:5-11, serve as the ultimate example for believers? ([27:02])
4. How can the daily practice of obedience, as seen in the Israelites' actions, be applied to our own spiritual lives? ([19:23])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you found it difficult to obey God's commands. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them? ([10:30])
2. Obedience must be practiced daily. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure you are consistently following God's commands in your everyday life? ([17:43])
3. Consider the story of Rahab. How does her transformation and role in the victory at Jericho encourage you about God's ability to use anyone for His purposes, regardless of their past? ([29:15])
4. Jesus' obedience led to the ultimate blessing of our redemption. How can you emulate Jesus' humility and courage in your own acts of obedience? ([27:02])
5. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with obedience. What specific actions can you take this week to align more closely with God's will in that area? ([16:28])
6. How can you cultivate a heart posture of obedience, not just outward compliance, in your relationship with God? ([17:08])
7. Think about a decision you are currently facing. How can you seek God's guidance and trust His wisdom, even if His direction seems unconventional or challenging? ([23:26])

Devotional

Day 1: Obedience is Easy Until It Isn't
True obedience to God is straightforward when His commands align with our desires and understanding. However, the real test of obedience comes when His instructions challenge our comfort zones and defy our logic. The story of Joshua and the Israelites marching around Jericho is a prime example. The strategy seemed absurd—marching around the city for seven days and then shouting to bring down the walls. Yet, the Israelites followed God's instructions to the letter, demonstrating their faith and trust in His wisdom. This act of obedience led to a miraculous victory, showing that God's ways, though often incomprehensible to us, are always purposeful and powerful. [10:30]

Joshua 6:2-5 (ESV): "And the Lord said to Joshua, 'See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. And when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up, everyone straight before him.'"

Reflection: Think of a time when God’s instructions seemed to challenge your comfort or understanding. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can you trust God more in similar situations in the future?

Day 2: Daily Practice of Obedience
Obedience to God is not a one-time act but a continual posture of the heart. It requires daily commitment and trust in God's wisdom. Just as the Israelites had to march around Jericho for seven days, we must consistently choose to follow God's commands, even when it seems tedious or nonsensical. This daily practice of obedience builds our faith and aligns our hearts with God's purposes. It is through this consistent, faithful action that we grow spiritually and see God's hand at work in our lives. [19:23]

Deuteronomy 5:32-33 (ESV): "You shall be careful therefore to do as the Lord your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess."

Reflection: What daily habits can you incorporate into your life to ensure you are consistently practicing obedience to God? How can you remind yourself to stay committed to these habits even when they seem tedious?

Day 3: Obedience Accomplishes God's Desires
While the immediate results of obedience may not always be visible, God's blessings and purposes are ultimately fulfilled through our faithful actions. Obedience may not make sense initially, but it always brings about God's intended outcomes eventually. The story of Jericho's walls falling down is a testament to this truth. The Israelites' obedience to God's unconventional strategy led to a miraculous victory, fulfilling God's promise to them. This teaches us that our obedience, even when it seems insignificant or confusing, is part of God's greater plan and will accomplish His desires in due time. [20:48]

Isaiah 55:8-11 (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. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you obeyed God without seeing immediate results. How did the situation eventually unfold? How can this experience encourage you to trust in God's timing and purposes in your current circumstances?

Day 4: Jesus as the Ultimate Example of Obedience
Jesus' life and sacrifice exemplify perfect obedience. Despite the immense suffering He faced, He submitted to the Father's will, resulting in the redemption of humanity. His example teaches us that true obedience requires humility, courage, and trust in God's plan. Jesus' obedience, even to the point of death on a cross, brought about the greatest blessing of all: our redemption and reconciliation with God. As we strive to follow His example, we are reminded that our obedience, though it may involve sacrifice, is ultimately for a greater purpose and aligns us with God's will. [25:33]

Hebrews 5:8-9 (ESV): "Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to follow Jesus' example of obedience? What steps can you take to cultivate humility, courage, and trust in God's plan in these areas?

Day 5: God's Grace in Our Obedience
The story of Rahab shows that God's grace is greater than our sin. Despite her past, Rahab's obedience played a crucial role in the victory at Jericho. This reminds us that no matter our past, God can use us for His purposes when we turn to Him in faith and obedience. Rahab's story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of God's grace and the importance of obedience. It encourages us to trust that God can redeem our past and use us for His glory, no matter where we come from or what we have done. [28:08]

James 2:25-26 (ESV): "And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead."

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you feel unworthy or disqualified because of your past. How can you embrace God's grace and step into obedience, trusting that He can use you for His purposes?

Quotes

### Quotes for outreach

1. "Jesus, when he speaks about obedience, actually talks about it in a different way. He says, if you love me, you will keep my commandments. Later in the epistles, he says, and my commandments are not burdensome. So he reminds us of this quality that needs to be evidenced in our lives. This quality of obedience, and he said, it's not a bad thing, it's a good thing." [01:03] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Obedience doesn't always make sense initially, but God always blesses it eventually. Because I think sometimes within society, we do the right thing and we're like just waiting for the clouds to part. We're like, God, you must have loved that. I'm dying down here. Help a brother out. No, it doesn't happen that way. You're at the third day. You still got to walk around the city four more days, seven times on the seventh day." [20:09] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Where sin is great, God's grace is greater. We are not defined by our past. We are not even defined by our goodness. We are defined by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. He is our only hope. Our only hope. We need to realize that at times we feel like Rahab. Shameful. Looking back. And God takes us in the middle of a moment. He says, listen friend, when you look back, you just see things that you may regret. I want you to meet me here and I want you to look forward at what you can be." [30:03] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Obedience always, always accomplishes what God desires. I'm going to make a statement. I want you to hear me on this. Obedience doesn't always make sense initially, but God always blesses it eventually. Because I think sometimes within society, we do the right thing and we're like just waiting for the clouds to part. We're like, God, you must have loved that. I'm dying down here. Help a brother out. No, it doesn't happen that way." [20:09] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Jesus is the perfect picture of obedience. The Father said, this is the way, this is the plan of redemption, this is the only hope for all of humanity. You're going to take on human flesh. You're going to live a life, you're going to be ridiculed, you're going to be scorned, you're going to be mocked, you're going to be beaten, you're going to be whipped, and you're going to finally be crucified. And you're going, um, is there another plan? No, that's the plan." [25:33] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for members

1. "Obedience is easy until it isn't. Until we come against that moment where we go, um, yeah, but, you know, what I think, what I feel, what my friend says, what the culture's doing, all of this. I love this passage. I love this passage because it really challenges our understanding of obedience. When things don't even make sense, can I trust God with what he said? truth is, obedience is difficult until it's, is not difficult until it's difficult." [10:30] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | | )

2. "Obedience must be practiced daily. It's not, I would even say this. Obedience isn't just about an outside action. Although it's seen, it's revealed. It's a heart posture. You can be in a house and your kids can actually comply. They can do what you've said and what is expected. But inside they're going, I don't agree with that. I don't know. Where are you? I don't like that. Your parents? I don't know. Maybe the old days they did it like this. You know? And outside it's like, okay, dad." [17:08] (39 seconds) ( | | )

3. "When we choose to do our own thing instead of what God has clearly said in his word, we become our own God determining what is right and wrong. That's the truth. We become our own God saying, I hear you, I'm just not listening to you. Because I know better. That I'm in this place, that I'm now making the decision of what is best, what is right." [15:35] (29 seconds) ( | | )

4. "Obedience always brings blessing. Not always initially, but you will experience it. Eventually. So our greatest example of obedience is Jesus. We can talk about Joshua. We can talk about the children of Israel. We can talk about Jericho and the walls coming down and this whole thing unfolding, but the greatest example of obedience is Jesus." [25:33] (27 seconds) ( | | )

5. "Obedience in our past helps our present, but it doesn't determine our present. We've got to obey today. Obedience in the future takes another new decision. It's something we have to have a heart posture to choose. And we have to also know why we're choosing and what that looks like. We're going to honor God and follow his commandments, not just yesterday. This isn't the way I lived. This is the way I live. And this is the way I'm seeking to live." [18:23] (33 seconds) ( | | )

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Transcript

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