Lessons from Obadiah: Pride, Justice, and Restoration
Summary
In our exploration of the book of Obadiah, we delve into the profound lessons that this often-overlooked text offers. Obadiah's prophecy against Edom serves as a mirror reflecting our own struggles with pride and the consequences of standing aloof in the face of injustice. The story of Edom is a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, a sin that can lead to our downfall just as it did for Edom. Pride deceives us, making us believe we are invincible, much like the engineers of the Titanic who ignored warnings and ultimately faced disaster. This narrative urges us to confront our pride, acknowledging that it draws God's attention in a negative way and that He is adept at humbling the proud.
Furthermore, Obadiah challenges us to intervene when we witness injustice. Edom's failure to defend Israel, their neighbor, highlights the importance of not standing idly by when others are in need. This call to action is timeless, urging us to consider how we can make a difference in our communities today, whether through advocacy, support, or direct intervention.
The prophecy also reminds us that we are not exempt from God's judgment. While we may be tempted to compare ourselves to others and feel justified in our actions, God's judgment is impartial and applies to all nations, including us. This realization should lead us to live with humility and reverence for the Lord.
Lastly, Obadiah offers a message of hope and restoration. Despite the judgment pronounced on Edom, there is a promise of deliverance for God's people. This assurance encourages us to wait patiently for the Lord's deliverance, trusting in His faithfulness even when we cannot see the blooms of restoration in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. Confronting Pride: Pride is a subtle yet destructive force that can lead to our downfall. Like Edom, we must recognize and admit our pride, understanding that it draws God's attention in a negative way. By humbling ourselves, we open the door to God's grace and favor. [10:30]
2. Intervening in Injustice: Standing aloof in the face of injustice is a grave error. We are called to intervene and support those in need, just as Edom should have defended Israel. Our actions today can make a significant impact, whether through advocacy, support, or direct intervention. [12:59]
3. Acknowledging God's Judgment: We are not exempt from God's judgment, and it is crucial to live with humility and reverence. While we may be tempted to compare ourselves to others, God's judgment is impartial and applies to all. This understanding should lead us to live righteously and seek His forgiveness. [23:10]
4. Trusting in God's Restoration: Despite the challenges we face, we can trust in God's promise of restoration. Just as Israel was promised deliverance, we too can hold onto hope, knowing that God is faithful and will never forsake His people. [24:55]
5. Living with Hope and Humility: In times of waiting and uncertainty, we are encouraged to live humbly, act compassionately, revere the Lord, and hold onto hope. These principles guide us through difficult seasons, reminding us of God's faithfulness and the promise of His deliverance. [29:10]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:00] - Introduction to One Hit Wonders
[04:30] - The Story of Obadiah
[08:11] - The Danger of Pride
[10:30] - Lessons from the Titanic
[12:59] - The Call to Intervene
[15:10] - Historical Reflections on Injustice
[17:38] - Modern Examples of Intervention
[20:30] - Understanding God's Judgment
[23:10] - The Reality of Judgment
[24:55] - The Promise of Restoration
[26:55] - The Surprise Lily Analogy
[29:10] - Living with Hope and Humility
[31:00] - Final Exhortations
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Lessons from Obadiah
Bible Reading:
- Obadiah 1:1-21
- James 1:22
- 1 Peter 5:5-6
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific actions did Edom take that led to God's judgment, as described in Obadiah? [12:59]
2. How does the story of the Titanic serve as an illustration of pride in the sermon? [10:30]
3. What does James 1:22 say about how we should approach the word of God, and how does this relate to the message of Obadiah? [08:11]
4. According to the sermon, what are some modern examples of intervening in injustice? [17:38]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the pride of Edom reflect the pride that can exist in our own lives, and why is it important to confront it? [08:11]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that standing aloof in the face of injustice is similar to the actions of Edom? [12:59]
3. How does the concept of God's impartial judgment challenge our tendency to compare ourselves to others? [23:10]
4. What does the promise of restoration in Obadiah teach us about God's faithfulness, even when we cannot see immediate results? [24:55]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when pride may have led you to make a poor decision. How can you actively work to recognize and admit pride in your life? [10:30]
2. Consider a situation where you witnessed injustice. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to intervene? [12:59]
3. How can you cultivate a lifestyle of humility and reverence for God, knowing that His judgment is impartial? [23:10]
4. In what areas of your life are you currently waiting for God's restoration? How can you hold onto hope during this season? [24:55]
5. Identify a specific way you can act compassionately in your community this week. What steps will you take to make this happen? [29:10]
6. How can you ensure that you are not exempting yourself from God's judgment by comparing yourself to others? What practical steps can you take to live righteously? [23:10]
7. Think of a person or group in your community who is in need of support. How can you be an advocate or provide assistance to them this week? [17:38]
Devotional
Day 1: The Subtlety of Pride
Pride is a deceptive force that can lead to our downfall, much like it did for Edom. It often blinds us to our vulnerabilities, making us feel invincible and self-sufficient. This false sense of security can cause us to ignore warnings and advice, leading to disastrous consequences. The story of Edom serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that pride draws God's attention in a negative way. God is adept at humbling the proud, and it is through humility that we open ourselves to His grace and favor. By acknowledging our pride and seeking humility, we align ourselves with God's will and invite His blessings into our lives. [10:30]
Obadiah 1:3-4 (ESV): "The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in your lofty dwelling, who say in your heart, 'Who will bring me down to the ground?' Though you soar aloft like the eagle, though your nest is set among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the Lord."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where pride has taken root. How can you actively practice humility in this area today?
Day 2: The Call to Act Against Injustice
Standing aloof in the face of injustice is a grave error, as demonstrated by Edom's failure to defend Israel. This inaction serves as a reminder that we are called to intervene and support those in need. Our actions, whether through advocacy, support, or direct intervention, can make a significant impact in our communities. The call to act against injustice is timeless, urging us to consider how we can make a difference today. By stepping in to help others, we reflect God's love and justice in the world, becoming His hands and feet in times of need. [12:59]
Proverbs 31:8-9 (ESV): "Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you witnessed injustice. What specific action can you take this week to support those affected?
Day 3: The Reality of God's Judgment
We are not exempt from God's judgment, and it is crucial to live with humility and reverence. While we may be tempted to compare ourselves to others and feel justified in our actions, God's judgment is impartial and applies to all. This understanding should lead us to live righteously and seek His forgiveness. Recognizing the reality of God's judgment encourages us to examine our lives, repent of our wrongdoings, and strive to live in a way that honors Him. By doing so, we align ourselves with His will and experience His grace and mercy. [23:10]
Ecclesiastes 12:14 (ESV): "For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision or action. How does the understanding of God's impartial judgment influence your choices today?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Promise of Restoration
Despite the challenges we face, we can trust in God's promise of restoration. Just as Israel was promised deliverance, we too can hold onto hope, knowing that God is faithful and will never forsake His people. This assurance encourages us to wait patiently for the Lord's deliverance, trusting in His faithfulness even when we cannot see the blooms of restoration in our lives. By holding onto this hope, we find strength and courage to persevere through difficult times, knowing that God's promises are true and His timing is perfect. [24:55]
Isaiah 43:19 (ESV): "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God's promise of restoration? How can you actively wait on Him today?
Day 5: Living with Hope and Humility
In times of waiting and uncertainty, we are encouraged to live humbly, act compassionately, revere the Lord, and hold onto hope. These principles guide us through difficult seasons, reminding us of God's faithfulness and the promise of His deliverance. By living with hope and humility, we reflect God's character to those around us and become a source of encouragement and strength. This way of living not only honors God but also transforms our perspective, allowing us to see His hand at work in every situation. [29:10]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: How can you demonstrate hope and humility in your interactions with others today? What specific actions can you take to embody these qualities?
Quotes
1) "So on the maiden voyage of the Titanic, April 12th, 1914, it hit an iceberg and went down. There were approximately 2,224 passengers on board. Only 706 survived. Over 1,500 died. Why? Because of pride. Because of pride, the ship was ruined and all those who went along for the ride were devastated. and most of them died. And I looked at that, and I thought, how much is this like a prideful person? Someone who declares that they have no flaws, and they build their plans, and they live an overinflated view of themselves, and they end up shipwrecking their own lives and hurting those around them." [10:30] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Pride. What does pride look like? Pride looks like the spouse who just can't admit that they are wrong. Don't elbow your spouse. That would be wrong in church. Pride is a friend who refuses to apologize even though they hurt you, and they know it. Pride is the braggart who ruins his friend group because all he talks about is himself, and the group falls apart. Pride is the opportunist who sees no fault in his investment plan, and then promptly loses his friend's money. Pride is the workmate who thinks that they know everything, and they're glad to tell you it. They're glad to push their opinion on you. Pride is the relative who's always criticizing someone else as if they themselves have no flaws and can do no wrong. Pride is that person who always uses themselves as the example of what is good and right and true." [12:59] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "I spent a lot of time in my life trying to apply God's word to myself as a pastor. I was a full-time pastor for quite a few years. And I thought if I could travel in time and go back to certain eras, what would I have done as a pastor then? What would I have done or said about slavery if I was a pastor in those days? Would I say anything? Would I justify not doing anything? Or would I be like the majority who said they aren't even people? What's the big deal? What if I was a pastor in the period of our country when the Native Americans were being slaughtered? Would I have done anything? Would I have said anything? Or would I have been like the majority of the pastors who said those are savages? They're just pagans. What about if I was a pastor during the time of the brutality of the KKK? Would I speak up to the risk of my own life?" [15:10] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "I think of lawyers who do pro bono work for poor people who can't afford to be represented in a court of law. I think of those who report a superior who is unjustly targeting a workmate. I think of kids at school who will turn in a bully who's terrorizing somebody else. What does intervention look like today? Those are things I think about. I think about the called to care ministry that operates out of the basement of our older section of the building here. And if you don't know about called to care, you will, but by the time I get done, I talked with Sherry Chapman, one of the founders of that yesterday at the Helmar Palooza. My mom says, what's a Palooza? I said, I have no idea. I have no idea." [17:38] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "In your life, you may be waiting right now, stuck in the period in between when the leaves were blooming, I'm sorry, when the leaves were growing and the flowers have yet to come, and you're standing there in your life looking at bare ground, and you're wondering if your life is ever going to bloom again. You're trying to wait patiently on the Lord, but it's hard. You're trying to hang on to God's hope for restoration. But all you see is bare earth where green leaves once grew. You know, when Obadiah wrote this, the restoration of Israel was decades away. But he was encouraging the people of God to trust in the Lord." [29:10] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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