Living in Awe: The Power of Obedience to God
Summary
In our lives, we often grapple with feelings of guilt, fear, inadequacy, and the struggle to meet our needs. Yet, as we delve into the Word of God, we find that these burdens are not ours to bear alone. Romans 8:1 assures us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. This is a profound truth that liberates us from the chains of past sins and the weight of guilt. When faced with temptation, we are reminded by 1 Corinthians 10:13 that no temptation is unique to us alone, and God faithfully provides a way out. In moments of fear and anxiety, we hold fast to the promise in 2 Timothy 1:7 that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. As we confront feelings of inadequacy, we stand on the truth that we are children of the Most High God, fearfully and wonderfully made. Philippians 4:19 reassures us that our God shall supply all our needs according to His riches in glory, which includes making wise financial decisions.
Our obedience to God is a reflection of our perception of Him. A small view of God leads to small obedience. However, when we are in awe of God's character, credibility, and power, our obedience grows. This awe-inspiring view of God compels us to stand firm in our faith, even in the workplace or at home, and to be unapologetic about God's Word, even when circumstances seem contrary. We are called to organize our lives in such a way that God continually amazes us, prompting us to say "yes" to Him without hesitation, even when it doesn't make sense.
The essence of our series on the fear of God is to live with such reverence for Him that His Word becomes preeminent in our lives, trumping our feelings, understanding, and desires. This is not achieved through sheer willpower but by living in constant awe of God. Our response to God's Word is influenced by our respect for Him. A God that doesn't awe us will not have the authority to contradict, correct, command, or instruct us.
Key Takeaways:
- Obedience to God is an immediate response to His authority and love. When we truly understand the magnitude of who God is, our actions align swiftly with His commands. This immediate obedience is a testament to our trust and reverence for God, showcasing a spiritual maturity that prioritizes God's will above our own. Delayed obedience, on the other hand, can often be a subtle form of disobedience, revealing our doubts and questioning of God's perfect plan for us. [17:56]
- Elevating God's Word above all else means that we obey even when it doesn't make sense to our finite minds. The biblical accounts of Noah, Abraham, and the walls of Jericho exemplify this principle. Their obedience was not based on logical understanding but on a profound trust in God's character and promises. When we follow God's commands, regardless of our understanding, we demonstrate a faith that honors God and allows Him to work mightily through our lives. [23:27]
- The awe of God is the foundation of our obedience. When we are truly in awe of God's majesty, power, and love, His Word naturally becomes the highest authority in our lives. This awe compels us to act upon His Word without delay, making what is important to God a priority for us. Our view of God shapes our response to His voice, and a high view of God leads to a high regard for His Word. [28:57]
- Discerning the voice of God amidst the multitude of voices in the world is crucial for our spiritual journey. As believers, we must be attuned to the voice of the Good Shepherd and flee from the voices that lead us into the wilderness. This discernment comes from a deep relationship with God and a commitment to His Word, which guides us safely home. [03:58]
- Our spiritual maturity is revealed in the gap between knowing God's will and acting upon it. The shorter the gap, the more mature our faith. As we grow in our relationship with God, our desire to obey Him promptly and wholeheartedly should increase. This maturity not only pleases God but also sets a powerful example for those around us, demonstrating the transformative power of living in obedience to God's Word. [15:03]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 8:1 - "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
2. 1 Corinthians 10:13 - "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
3. 2 Timothy 1:7 - "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 8:1, what is the status of those who are in Christ Jesus? How does this relate to feelings of guilt and condemnation?
2. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, what assurance does God provide when we face temptation? How does this verse encourage us in our daily struggles?
3. What does 2 Timothy 1:7 say about the spirit God has given us? How does this contrast with a spirit of fear?
4. The sermon mentioned that our view of God influences our obedience. How does a high view of God affect our actions according to the sermon? [04:34]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that there is no condemnation in Christ (Romans 8:1) change the way a believer might handle past sins and guilt?
2. What practical steps can a believer take to recognize and utilize the "way out" that God provides during temptation, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 10:13?
3. How can the truth in 2 Timothy 1:7 help a believer overcome fear and anxiety in their life? What does it mean to have a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline?
4. The sermon emphasized immediate obedience to God's commands. Why is delayed obedience considered a form of disobedience, and how does this reflect our trust in God? [17:56]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt condemned by past sins. How can Romans 8:1 help you move past those feelings and live in the freedom Christ offers?
2. Think of a recent temptation you faced. How did you respond, and what could you do differently next time to find the "way out" that God promises in 1 Corinthians 10:13?
3. Identify a specific fear or anxiety you are currently dealing with. How can you apply 2 Timothy 1:7 to this situation to find peace and strength?
4. The sermon mentioned that a high view of God leads to immediate obedience. Can you recall a time when you delayed obeying God? What were the consequences, and how can you improve your response time in the future? [17:56]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of obeying God even when it doesn't make sense. Share an instance where you followed God's command despite not understanding it fully. What was the outcome, and how did it impact your faith? [23:27]
6. How can you cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for God in your daily life to ensure His Word remains preeminent? What specific practices or habits can you adopt to keep God's majesty at the forefront of your mind? [04:34]
7. The sermon discussed the importance of discerning God's voice amidst many others. What steps can you take to better recognize and follow the voice of the Good Shepherd in your life? [03:58]
Devotional
Day 1: Immediate Obedience Honors God
When we understand the magnitude of who God is, our actions swiftly align with His commands. Immediate obedience is a testament to our trust and reverence for God, showcasing a spiritual maturity that prioritizes His will above our own. Delayed obedience, on the other hand, can often be a subtle form of disobedience, revealing our doubts and questioning of God's perfect plan for us. This immediate response to God's authority and love is a crucial aspect of our faith journey, as it reflects our willingness to trust Him completely and to act upon His Word without hesitation.
"Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands." (Psalm 63:3-4 ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific area where you have delayed obedience to God, and how can you take a step today to obey Him immediately in that area? [17:56]
Day 2: Trust Over Understanding
Elevating God's Word above our understanding means that we obey even when it doesn't make sense to our finite minds. The biblical accounts of Noah, Abraham, and the walls of Jericho exemplify this principle. Their obedience was not based on logical understanding but on a profound trust in God's character and promises. When we follow God's commands, regardless of our understanding, we demonstrate a faith that honors God and allows Him to work mightily through our lives.
"And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, 'Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever.'" (Genesis 13:14-15 ESV)
Reflection: Can you identify a situation where God is calling you to trust and obey Him, even though it doesn't make sense? How can you commit to following through on that today? [23:27]
Day 3: Awe-Inspired Obedience
The awe of God is the foundation of our obedience. When we are truly in awe of God's majesty, power, and love, His Word naturally becomes the highest authority in our lives. This awe compels us to act upon His Word without delay, making what is important to God a priority for us. Our view of God shapes our response to His voice, and a high view of God leads to a high regard for His Word.
"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens." (Psalm 8:1 ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on the last time you felt truly in awe of God. How did that experience influence your obedience to His Word? [28:57]
Day 4: Discerning God's Voice
Discerning the voice of God amidst the multitude of voices in the world is crucial for our spiritual journey. As believers, we must be attuned to the voice of the Good Shepherd and flee from the voices that lead us into the wilderness. This discernment comes from a deep relationship with God and a commitment to His Word, which guides us safely home.
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:27-28 ESV)
Reflection: What are some voices or influences in your life that may be drowning out God's voice, and how can you actively seek to listen to Him more clearly? [03:58]
Day 5: The Maturity of Prompt Obedience
Our spiritual maturity is revealed in the gap between knowing God's will and acting upon it. The shorter the gap, the more mature our faith. As we grow in our relationship with God, our desire to obey Him promptly and wholeheartedly should increase. This maturity not only pleases God but also sets a powerful example for those around us, demonstrating the transformative power of living in obedience to God's Word.
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror." (James 1:22-23 ESV)
Reflection: Consider a recent time when you hesitated to act on God's will. What held you back, and how can you close that gap between knowing and doing today? [15:03]
Quotes
"Our response to anyone's words reveal to us what we think about them as a person. Someone says to go do something, whether we obey them or not reveals what we think about their character and authority." [12:16] (Download | Download cropped video)
"The way that we respond to God's word is based upon the way that we see God. It's just like anything else, like the way that we respond to anybody else's words is based upon the credibility, the authority, the knowledge that we give other people." [12:53] (Download | )
"I have stored up your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. I have treasured up your word, your utterances, and your speeches, which is really saying I treasure your conclusions and your ideas about life." [13:27] (Download | )
"Obedience to God is an immediate response to His authority and love. When we truly understand the magnitude of who God is, our actions align swiftly with His commands." [13:59] (Download | )
"A sign of maturity, a spiritual maturity, can be seen between the time of knowing God's ways and following through on that. It's basically saying, even if you don't understand, it's important to you, it's a priority to me." [15:03] (Download | )
"I hasten and do not delay to keep your Commandments. You speak, I'll obey. Delayed obedience is disobedience, questioning whether God's instructions are the best for us." [17:56] (Download | )
"When you look at God and see credibility, character, knowledge, originator, all-knowing, all-powerful, and when the elements or attributes of God leave your mouth open in awe, you could do the things that we find in Hebrews 11." [35:22] (Download | )
"Please organize your life in a way that will keep God blowing your mind. Build a life, organize a life, have a system in your life that creates putting God in front of your face in a way that goes, 'I'm going to have a bias to say yes to you, God, whether it makes sense or not.'" [36:43] (Download | )
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