Radical Obedience: Seeking God Beyond Criticism
Summary
God reveals Himself to us as our Provider, our Healer, our Righteousness, and our Defender. In every area of life—whether physical, spiritual, or emotional—He is present and able to meet our needs. Yet, our pursuit should not be for His blessings, but for His presence and righteousness. When we seek God first, everything else falls into place as a byproduct of living under His care. This truth is not just theological; it is deeply practical, especially when we face moments of uncertainty, fear, or need. God’s provision is most clearly seen in the gift of Jesus, who made a way for us to have relationship and eternal life.
Life is filled with challenges, and following God does not exempt us from criticism or hardship. In fact, obedience to God often invites criticism, sometimes from those closest to us—even fellow believers. The story of the woman with the alabaster jar in Mark 14 illustrates this reality. She gave extravagantly to Jesus, and her act was sharply criticized by the disciples themselves. Yet, Jesus defended her, affirming that her obedience was a beautiful work done for Him. This challenges us to consider: What have we withheld from God because of fear of criticism? Are we allowing the opinions of others, especially within the church, to keep us from radical obedience?
Obedience to God requires faith and often goes against the grain of human logic or social expectation. It is not about replicating what others do, but about responding to what God has specifically called each of us to do. Sometimes, what was once an act of obedience can become mere routine if we stop seeking God’s direction afresh. We must be willing to let go of tradition and embrace new assignments as God leads, even if it means partnering with others or stepping into unfamiliar territory.
Criticism is inevitable, but it must not deter us from obeying God. Instead, we are called to build one another up, to encourage faith, and to support each other in our unique callings. When we fail to obey, or when we have discouraged others from obedience, repentance is the way forward. God honors those who respond to His voice, regardless of how long it has taken or what others may say. The blessing is found in obedience, not in the approval of people.
Key Takeaways
- God’s provision is comprehensive, but our focus must remain on seeking His presence and righteousness, not just His blessings. When we prioritize relationship with Him, every other need is met as a natural result of living under His care. This reorients our hearts from a transactional faith to a transformational one, rooted in trust and intimacy. [45:35]
- Obedience to God will inevitably attract criticism, sometimes from those within the faith community. The story of the woman with the alabaster jar reminds us that even well-meaning believers can misunderstand or oppose acts of radical obedience. Our allegiance must be to God’s voice above all others, trusting that He sees and values our faithfulness. [01:01:59]
- Faith is always required in obedience, especially when God’s instructions defy human logic or tradition. We are not called to mimic the actions of others, but to discern and follow God’s unique direction for our lives. This means continually seeking His guidance and being willing to change course as He leads, rather than clinging to past routines or expectations. [01:10:22]
- Criticism from within the body of Christ can be especially painful and discouraging, but we are called to build each other up, not tear each other down. When someone steps out in faith, our role is to pray, encourage, and support, rather than to question or undermine. The health of the church depends on a culture of mutual encouragement and trust in God’s leading for each person. [01:15:06]
- Delayed obedience is disobedience, but God’s grace invites us to repent and act now. If we have hesitated or withheld obedience out of fear of criticism, today is the day to respond. Likewise, if we have discouraged others from following God’s call, repentance and restoration are available. The blessing and fulfillment we seek are found on the other side of obedience, not in the comfort of others’ approval. [01:23:30]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[45:35] - God’s Names and Provision
[46:41] - Prayer for Healing and Comfort
[50:23] - Praying for Ariela’s Surgery
[51:00] - Vision: Trusting and Leaning on God Daily
[53:03] - The Reality of Criticism
[55:35] - Criticism When Following Jesus
[56:53] - Mark 14: The Alabaster Jar
[57:59] - Criticism from Within
[01:01:59] - Obedience vs. Fear of Criticism
[01:07:15] - Faith Required for Obedience
[01:10:22] - Obedience and Changing Assignments
[01:12:24] - The Cost of Withholding Obedience
[01:15:06] - Building Up vs. Tearing Down
[01:18:25] - Obedience is for God, Not for Man
[01:23:30] - Responding to God’s Call Today
[01:24:15] - Repentance and Restoration
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- Mark 14:3-9 (The woman with the alabaster jar)
- Matthew 6:33 (“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”)
- 2 Timothy 1:7 (“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Mark 14:3-9, who criticized the woman for her act of devotion, and what was their main complaint?
2. According to Matthew 6:33, what are we told to seek first, and what is promised as a result?
3. The sermon mentioned several names of God (Provider, Healer, Righteousness, Defender). Which of these names stood out in the message, and how were they connected to our daily needs? [[45:35]]
4. What was Jesus’ response to the criticism the woman received from the disciples? [[01:04:21]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the disciples, who were close to Jesus, misunderstood or criticized the woman’s act of obedience? What does this reveal about the challenges of following God’s direction? [[57:59]]
2. The sermon emphasized that obedience to God often requires faith, especially when it goes against logic or tradition. Why is faith so essential in these moments? [[01:07:15]]
3. How does seeking God’s presence and righteousness, rather than just His blessings, change the way a person approaches their relationship with God? [[45:35]]
4. The message talked about “friendly fire” in the church—criticism from other believers. Why can this kind of criticism be especially discouraging, and how should the church respond instead? [[01:15:06]]
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### Application Questions
1. The woman with the alabaster jar gave extravagantly to Jesus, even though she was criticized. Is there something you feel God has asked you to do that you’ve hesitated on because of fear of criticism? What would it look like to obey anyway? [[01:01:59]]
2. The sermon challenged us to focus on seeking God’s presence and righteousness, not just His blessings. In your daily life, what is one practical way you can shift your focus from what God can give you to simply being with Him? [[45:35]]
3. Have you ever experienced criticism from other believers when you tried to step out in faith or obedience? How did it affect you, and what helped you move forward? [[01:15:06]]
4. The message mentioned that sometimes we keep doing things out of routine instead of fresh obedience. Is there an area in your life or ministry where you need to ask God for new direction instead of just repeating what you’ve always done? [[01:10:22]]
5. The pastor shared about partnering with another church instead of holding onto a tradition. Is there a tradition or routine in your life that you sense God might be asking you to let go of or change? What would it take to make that shift? [[01:10:22]]
6. The sermon called us to build each other up rather than tear each other down. Think of someone in your church or small group who is stepping out in faith. How can you encourage or support them this week? [[01:15:06]]
7. If you realize you’ve discouraged someone else’s obedience, or delayed your own, what step of repentance or restoration can you take today? Is there a conversation or action you need to follow through on? [[01:24:15]]
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Devotional
Day 1: Seek First the Kingdom and His Righteousness
God calls us to seek Him above all else, not for the blessings He gives, but for who He is—our Provider, Healer, and Righteous Father. When we prioritize His kingdom and righteousness, every other need is met as a byproduct of our relationship with Him. This means shifting our focus from chasing after what we want to pursuing God Himself, trusting that He knows and provides exactly what we need in every area of life. [45:35]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been seeking God’s blessings more than seeking God Himself? How can you intentionally shift your focus to pursue Him first today?
Day 2: Obedience to God Will Bring Criticism
When you step out in obedience to God, criticism is inevitable—sometimes even from fellow believers. The story of the woman with the alabaster jar reminds us that wholehearted obedience may not make sense to others, but Jesus sees and values our acts of faith, even when others misunderstand or disapprove. Don’t let the fear of criticism keep you from doing what God has called you to do; your obedience is for Him, not for the approval of people. [01:04:21]
Mark 14:3-9 (ESV)
"And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. There were some who said to themselves indignantly, 'Why was the ointment wasted like that? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.' And they scolded her. But Jesus said, 'Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.'"
Reflection: Is there something God has asked you to do that you’ve hesitated on because of fear of criticism? What step of obedience can you take today, regardless of what others might say?
Day 3: Faith Is Required for Obedience
Obeying God often requires faith, especially when His instructions don’t make sense or seem costly. Like the woman who anointed Jesus, we are called to act on God’s promptings even when the outcome is uncertain or when it requires sacrifice. Faith means trusting that God sees the bigger picture and that our obedience, no matter how small or misunderstood, is significant in His eyes. [01:07:15]
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)
"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Reflection: What is one area where God is asking you to step out in faith, even though you don’t see the full picture? How can you trust Him with that step today?
Day 4: Don’t Let Past Methods Replace Present Obedience
It’s easy to turn past acts of obedience into routines, but God calls us to seek His direction afresh in every season. Just because something was right in the past doesn’t mean it’s what God is asking for now; true obedience means listening for His current voice and being willing to change course as He leads, even if it means letting go of familiar patterns or traditions. [01:10:22]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)
"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 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: Is there a routine or tradition in your life that you continue simply because it’s what you’ve always done? How can you seek God’s fresh direction for this area today?
Day 5: Build Up Others Instead of Criticizing
As followers of Jesus, we are called to encourage and support one another in obedience, not to tear each other down with criticism or doubt. When someone shares what God has put on their heart, our role is to pray with them and cheer them on, trusting that God speaks to each of His children. Let’s be people who build up the body of Christ, helping others walk boldly in their calling. [01:15:52]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Reflection: Who in your life is stepping out in obedience to God? How can you intentionally encourage and support them today, rather than questioning or criticizing their calling?
Quotes
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