Radical Obedience: Parenting and Our Spiritual Journey
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound and often challenging role of parenting, drawing parallels to our spiritual journey and relationship with God. Parenting, much like our walk with Christ, is not about achieving perfection but about understanding and responding to the unique needs and motivations of each child. Similarly, our motivations for following Jesus can vary, and it's crucial to examine whether we are driven by the hope of reward, fear of punishment, or a genuine love and reverence for God.
We delved into Philippians 2, where Paul urges believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, emphasizing the importance of aligning our will with God's will. This alignment is not about legalism or lawlessness but about a sincere pursuit of holiness. Jesus' teachings in Matthew 7 remind us to avoid judging others while neglecting our own shortcomings, highlighting the need for self-reflection and humility in our faith journey.
The story of Abraham in Genesis 22 serves as a powerful example of radical obedience and holy fear. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac demonstrates a deep trust in God's promises, even when they seem to contradict our understanding. This narrative challenges us to obey God immediately, even when it doesn't make sense or offer personal benefit, and to complete our obedience despite the cost.
We also explored the blessings that come from fearing the Lord, such as favor, protection, answered prayers, and a lasting legacy. These blessings are not merely rewards but are rooted in a life that seeks to honor God above all else. The fear of the Lord sustains us when our feelings waver, ensuring that our faith remains steadfast.
Ultimately, the call is to live a life of radical obedience and holy fear, allowing God's presence and power to fill and overflow from us, impacting those around us. This is not about achieving perfection but about being vessels through which God's love and grace can be poured out into the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. Parenting and Spiritual Motivation: Parenting teaches us about diverse motivations, reflecting our spiritual journey. Just as children have different motivations, we must examine our reasons for following Jesus. Are we driven by reward, fear, or genuine love for God? Understanding this helps us align our will with God's will. [08:48]
2. Holiness Over Legalism and Lawlessness: True holiness is not about legalistic rule-following or lawless freedom. It's about being a vessel for God's presence, allowing His love to fill and overflow from us. This requires letting go of our own agendas and embracing God's will. [17:12]
3. Radical Obedience Like Abraham: Abraham's story in Genesis 22 exemplifies radical obedience and holy fear. He obeyed God immediately, even when it didn't make sense or offer personal benefit. This challenges us to trust God's promises and obey Him fully, despite the cost. [26:13]
4. Blessings of Fearing the Lord: Fearing the Lord brings blessings like favor, protection, and answered prayers. These blessings are not just rewards but are rooted in a life that honors God. The fear of the Lord sustains us when our feelings waver, ensuring our faith remains steadfast. [37:47]
5. Living as Vessels for God's Presence: Our ultimate goal is to be vessels for God's presence, allowing His love and grace to impact those around us. This requires a life of radical obedience and holy fear, not perfection. By fearing God, we create an environment where His power can work through us. [48:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:57] - Parenting and Spiritual Motivation
- [08:48] - Examining Our Motivations
- [17:12] - Holiness Over Legalism and Lawlessness
- [23:48] - Abraham's Radical Obedience
- [26:13] - Trusting God's Promises
- [28:48] - Obeying Without Personal Benefit
- [33:17] - Completing Our Obedience
- [37:47] - Blessings of Fearing the Lord
- [40:56] - Protection and Answered Prayers
- [48:18] - Living as Vessels for God's Presence
- [49:33] - Invitation to Respond
- [52:00] - Closing Prayer and Challenge
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 2:12-13
2. Matthew 7:1-5
3. Genesis 22:1-14
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Observation Questions:
1. In Philippians 2:12-13, what does Paul mean by "work out your salvation with fear and trembling"? How does this relate to aligning our will with God's will? [08:48]
2. According to Matthew 7:1-5, what warning does Jesus give about judging others, and how does this relate to self-reflection and humility in our faith journey? [17:12]
3. In Genesis 22, how does Abraham demonstrate radical obedience and holy fear? What specific actions did he take that showed his trust in God's promises? [26:13]
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of how different motivations can influence our spiritual journey, similar to how children have different motivations in parenting? [02:57]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "fear and trembling" in Philippians 2:12-13 challenge the idea of legalism and lawlessness in our pursuit of holiness? [17:12]
2. In what ways does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:1-5 encourage believers to focus on their own spiritual growth rather than judging others? How can this be applied in a church community? [17:12]
3. How does Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac in Genesis 22 serve as a model for trusting God's promises, even when they seem to contradict our understanding? [26:13]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the blessings that come from fearing the Lord, and how do these blessings differ from mere rewards? [37:47]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your motivations for following Jesus. Are you driven by the hope of reward, fear of punishment, or genuine love for God? How can you align your motivations more closely with a sincere love for God? [02:57]
2. Consider a time when you judged someone else without addressing your own shortcomings. How can you practice self-reflection and humility in your daily interactions? [17:12]
3. Abraham obeyed God immediately, even when it didn't make sense. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to act, but you are hesitating? What steps can you take to obey God fully? [26:13]
4. The sermon mentions the blessings of fearing the Lord, such as favor and protection. How have you experienced these blessings in your life, and how can you cultivate a deeper fear of the Lord? [37:47]
5. How can you become a vessel for God's presence, allowing His love and grace to impact those around you? What practical steps can you take to live a life of radical obedience and holy fear? [48:18]
6. Think about a specific area where you have been living either lawlessly or legalistically. How can you shift towards a balanced pursuit of holiness that honors God? [17:12]
7. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from seeing God's love and grace through you. What is one action you can take this week to demonstrate God's presence in your interactions with them? [48:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Understanding Our Spiritual Motivations
Parenting teaches us about diverse motivations, reflecting our spiritual journey. Just as children have different motivations, we must examine our reasons for following Jesus. Are we driven by reward, fear, or genuine love for God? Understanding this helps us align our will with God's will. In our spiritual journey, it is crucial to introspect and identify what truly drives us. Are we following Christ out of a desire for heavenly rewards, fear of divine punishment, or a sincere love and reverence for God? This self-examination is vital for aligning our motivations with God's will, ensuring that our faith is rooted in genuine love rather than external incentives. [08:48]
"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10, ESV)
Reflection: What is your primary motivation for following Jesus today? How can you ensure it aligns with a genuine love for God rather than external rewards or fears?
Day 2: Pursuing Holiness Over Legalism
True holiness is not about legalistic rule-following or lawless freedom. It's about being a vessel for God's presence, allowing His love to fill and overflow from us. This requires letting go of our own agendas and embracing God's will. Holiness is a sincere pursuit of aligning our lives with God's will, not through rigid adherence to rules or unchecked freedom, but by allowing His love to transform us. By letting go of our personal agendas, we become vessels for God's presence, enabling His love to overflow into the world around us. [17:12]
"Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work." (2 Timothy 2:21, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you let go of your own agendas today to become a vessel for God's presence and love?
Day 3: Embracing Radical Obedience
Abraham's story in Genesis 22 exemplifies radical obedience and holy fear. He obeyed God immediately, even when it didn't make sense or offer personal benefit. This challenges us to trust God's promises and obey Him fully, despite the cost. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrates a profound trust in God's promises, even when they seem contradictory. This narrative challenges us to embrace radical obedience, trusting in God's wisdom and timing, even when His commands defy our understanding or personal benefit. [26:13]
"And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where God is calling you to radical obedience, even if it doesn't make sense or offer immediate benefit?
Day 4: Experiencing the Blessings of Fearing the Lord
Fearing the Lord brings blessings like favor, protection, and answered prayers. These blessings are not just rewards but are rooted in a life that honors God. The fear of the Lord sustains us when our feelings waver, ensuring our faith remains steadfast. The blessings that come from fearing the Lord are profound, encompassing favor, protection, and answered prayers. These are not mere rewards but are deeply rooted in a life that seeks to honor God above all else. The fear of the Lord provides a foundation for steadfast faith, sustaining us even when our emotions fluctuate. [37:47]
"The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm." (Proverbs 19:23, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord in your daily life to experience His blessings and sustain your faith?
Day 5: Living as Vessels for God's Presence
Our ultimate goal is to be vessels for God's presence, allowing His love and grace to impact those around us. This requires a life of radical obedience and holy fear, not perfection. By fearing God, we create an environment where His power can work through us. Living as vessels for God's presence means allowing His love and grace to flow through us, impacting those around us. This requires a commitment to radical obedience and holy fear, rather than striving for perfection. By cultivating a reverent fear of God, we create an environment where His power can work through us, transforming lives and communities. [48:18]
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." (2 Corinthians 4:7, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to become a vessel for God's presence, allowing His love and grace to impact those around you?
Quotes
"But at the end of the day, I would say 100 % of us will never experience what it's like to be the president. However, a lot of us will experience the weight of being a parent. And it is crazy because it's not like you can get approval odds based on your performance. It's all about, I would say it's 50 % perspective, 50 % actual results." [00:00:29]
"Because then you're dealing with multiple, like the way you love one kid, they turn out great. You do the exact same thing with the second one. They're a train wreck. Then you just give up on the third one and they turn out great, too. So it's like, what? My wife, she decided to have three kids. And so I'm learning still how to love and lead them, you know, individually. And they're all so different." [00:01:48]
"She, she, I'm sorry, my six -year -old. My six -year -old, she, she's a feeler. She's not really an overthinker. She's just a feeler. You know, she's just, everything I say, she listens to, she believes, she remembers, which is the dangerous part. Like, I could say something just, you know, I'm texting and she says, I'm like, yeah, yeah, yeah, we'll do that. Yeah, yeah, whatever you want. And then six months later, she's pulling up receipts." [00:04:29]
"Paul is telling this to the church because he understands that there is the word and the will of God, but then there's also human will and human actions, and oftentimes there's a disconnect, even by those who profess to be followers of Jesus. That God's preference, God's not just preference, God's will, God's word is over here, but your will is over there, and so what happens is you choose to follow his will when there's reward or when there's peer pressure or when you've hit rock bottom and there's no one else to save you, but if you are left to your own preferences, you will always choose your will over the will of your heavenly father, and he's warning them, he's encouraging, he's pleading with them, he's saying, listen, friends, don't just do what's right when I'm around, but work hard to show the results of your salvation, not to earn your salvation, but to show like, hey, because I have a good father who bought me a Nintendo Switch, I'm not going to pee on myself just because I feel like it." [00:09:11]
"Holiness is not about how much you can avoid anyone who's a mess or has drama or any situation that feels uncomfortable. That's not true holiness. Holiness is can you be in the world but not of it? Holiness is can you be entrusted? That's true holiness. And so God tested and proved Abraham in Genesis chapter 22. Now, thank you." [00:25:00]
"Because I have a good father who is pleased with me, who, I'm sorry, who loves me, I want to please help you, I want to forgive me, I want to forgive you, I want to forgive you. You guys are never me teach you, I want to forgive him again, say you at subscribe. him because i love him back jesus understood this even while he was on earth and and he would talk to the people the crowds around him and he says something interesting in matthew chapter 7 he says judge not that you not be judged everybody with a tupac tattoo knows that verse for with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged and with the measure you use it will be measured to you why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye but do not notice the log that is in your own eye or how can you say to your brother let me take that speck out of your eye when there is a log in your own eye you hypocrite first take the log out of your own eye and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eyes he then goes on a few verses later and then says not everyone who says to me lord lord will enter the kingdom of heaven but the one who does the will of my father who is in heaven on that day many will say to me lord lord did we not prophesy in your name and cast out demons in your name and go to legacy church and do mighty works in your name and then i will declare to that part isn't in there but anyway you can and then i will declare to them i never knew you depart from me you workers of lawlessness" [00:10:26]
"and the lawless behavior that they were living and the fact that they didn't want to have to actually deal with accountability or truth they only wanted grace and love which isn't great which isn't love if you don't have truth because they didn't like how the church responded to certain individuals or certain groups or that's not that doesn't feel like that doesn't sound like what jesus would have done you don't do what jesus would have done and so they end up thinking this christianity stuff doesn't work so they drop the water bottle but here's the beauty of the scripture because you start off with saying i love jesus until jesus doesn't do what i love to do so you find out that your love for jesus isn't enough to keep you in love with jesus when you actually go through the harsh realities of college and and and trauma and disappointment and people being hurting you who go to church and so you you you drop your faith however this is what the psalmist says this is david talking and who god says is a man after my own heart he says in psalms 103 17 the love of the lord remains forever in those who what and those who fear him meaning a true pursuit of the fear of the lord which is really holiness a true pursuit of holiness" [00:18:52]
"me from living lawlessly or from thinking i'm holier than you but what is holiness holiness is not how much can i carry or do you measure up to my water bottle holiness is letting go of the water bottle and saying i'm supposed to be a vessel my job is to make sure that my life my heart and my actions are allowing god to not just protect me and keep me but to fill me so i go from looking at the law as something that i have to uphold so i look at it as a love letter from god that only jesus upheld and i need to just be available for allowing the perfect one who lived out the law to fill me up i need to look at sin as not something well god will forgive me because grace abounds and i need to say i don't want anything to pollute the purity of my relationship with jesus so even if it goes against how i feel how i was born what i prefer what i learned what i grew up like if it contaminates who god has called me to be i don't want it that's a fear the fear of the lord is how how close can i get to to being as empty as possible and as pure as possible so everything he deposits in me is not polluted or corrupted by me and then here comes the beauty of having a relationship with jesus a full a true love of the lord that remains forever it goes from me holding the water to me" [00:24:29]
"and so sometimes you're praying and there's things that try to distract you and there's things that try to discourage your prayers and the Bible says in Daniel that Daniel was praying and fasting because he was the only he was the the spiritual leader in Babylon for the people of Israel and an angel showed up after 40 days of praying and fasting and said I've been trying to get to you your prayers were heard immediately however I had to fight legions of demons to get to you some of the strongest demons around came to oppose your prayers and that is not exclusive just for Daniel that is for anyone who God is trying to use for in a magnet in a major way so sometimes you're it's that your prayers are so powerful that the enemy has to himself get involved to deter them but that's why Psalms matters because it says those who fear the Lord he gives them the dot he's like listen I love all my kids but you got a fiber connection when we pray and I'm going to make sure that not only are you when you pray I'm going to send angels to fight for your prayer so that it's not just on you and when he says he will give you the desires of your heart it's because he knows that your heart is connected to his heart because you fear God the last thing I'm sorry the second to last thing Psalms 112 says how joyful are those who fear the Lord if you meet a miserable Christian they don't fear God they're just fearful because the Bible says they're joyful those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands their children will be successful everywhere an entire generation of godly people will be blessed what does that mean legacy" [00:42:36]
"that's when you're just minding your own business doing your way your life your will but you had a praying grandmother so even when you're in a car with a bunch of teenagers while on out and there's alcohol in the car and the cops pull up right next to you and you're all underage under the influence about to have felonies on your records and and all of a sudden there's a loud boom because the exhaust and your lowrider goes out and the cop is sitting right next to you he doesn't even turn over why not because you're living godly because you are under a legacy of protection that the prayers of a righteous grandmother or mother or father has gone before you to even when you're trying a while out you don't even you can't even have fun sinning because the Holy Spirit is already convicting you saying you're better than this you don't belong here you're in the middle of the party dropping the alcohol saying i don't even want to be here let me let me go home you're you're you're you're in the middle of this situation you're like you know let me come i'm running out of here i don't i don't know what it is i don't even want to be here why" [00:44:13]
"because there is a legacy because there is someone in your family line who feared god so much so that even though your desire was to be wild ratchet and sinful god loves them enough to interrupt your will for their sake that's a legacy it results in you being successful in things that you weren't even the smartest kid in your class but the hand of god everything that aligns the favor the protection it's all in your family line so you're a benefit of someone else's sacrifice and obedience i don't know about you but that's what i want to give to my children it's where you could be as wild as you want to in your teenage years and i hope you're not and i pray you're not i believe that god can correct that but you can't get outside of the plan that god has for your life even if you have to hit rock bottom he will drag you out because i lived a life to ensure that even though i walk through the shadow of the valley of the shadow of death i will fear no evil because he is with me last verse i want you to know ephesians chapter 5 why do we why does this matter why does this matter to us this is when jesus is telling men how to appall is telling men how to love their wives as christ loved the church then he tells them why verse 27 ephesians 5 he did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish instead she will be holy and without fault listen jesus is looking for a church not that is the nicest or the most hospitable or are the the the best worship team he's looking for a church that is holy why because his presence can reside there that's the best benefit and blessing that's the last one you want to fear the god because you want his presence to be you want his presence and power to be in your life what is more powerful than everywhere you go the power and presence of god goes with you what is more powerful than where everywhere your kids go the power and presence of god goes with them what is more powerful than when we gather together as saints on a sunday the power and presence of god fills the room so that people who are skeptics or people who are unsure or people who got they didn't want to be here but they're trying to impress the girl that they came with god is able to grab a hold of their hearts and life because he is in an atmosphere where people actually fear him not just love him that's where miracles happen consistently but here's my last thing i have to ask you you" [00:45:13]
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