Transformative Power of Obedience to God's Call
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound impact of a single act of obedience to God's call. We traced the spiritual lineage from Edward Kimble's faithful witness to Dwight L. Moody, through to Billy Graham, whose ministry reached billions. This cascade of evangelism began with one man's "yes" to God, illustrating the extraordinary potential of our obedience.
We delved into the story of Ananias, a disciple who, despite his reservations, obeyed God's command to minister to Saul of Tarsus. Ananias's obedience was instrumental in transforming Saul into Paul, the apostle who would go on to shape the early church and write a significant portion of the New Testament. This act of faithfulness demonstrates the power of saying "yes" to God, even when it's uncomfortable or when we have concerns.
We also examined the importance of serving within the church, highlighting that those who serve often witness God's miracles first. Service is not about seeking recognition but about being faithful to God's call. We are reminded that the kingdom of God is full of unsung heroes whose names we may never know, but whose obedience has had a lasting impact.
Furthermore, we discussed the dangers of craving fame and recognition, which can be detrimental to our faith. We are called to be faithful, not famous. The desire for fame can lead us astray, but when we focus on being faithful to God, we become vessels fit for the Master's use.
Finally, we addressed the importance of surrendering to Jesus, allowing Him to work from the inside out. It's not about external appearances but about the condition of our hearts. We were encouraged to live for the approval of God alone, laying down our lives and saying "yes" to whatever He asks of us.
Key Takeaways:
1. The ripple effect of one person's obedience to God can have an immeasurable impact on the world. Edward Kimble's simple act of sharing the Gospel with one individual set off a chain reaction that eventually led to Billy Graham preaching to billions. Our faithfulness in small things can lead to monumental outcomes for the kingdom of God. [01:21:41]
2. Ananias's willingness to serve Saul, despite his fears, teaches us that God's plans are often greater than our apprehensions. When we submit our concerns to God and move forward in obedience, we become part of His transformative work in the lives of others. Our "yes" to God can be the catalyst for someone else's salvation and calling. [01:05:00]
3. Serving in the church is not about witnessing miracles for our own satisfaction but about being part of God's work in the lives of others. When we serve, we are often the first to see the change that God brings about in people's lives, which is a reward far greater than any earthly recognition. [01:15:29]
4. The pursuit of fame can be a subtle trap that distracts us from our true calling to be faithful. Our worth is not measured by our popularity or the recognition we receive but by our obedience to God's will. We must resist the temptation to seek approval from others and instead strive to please God alone. [01:24:50]
5. True surrender to Jesus means allowing Him to work on our inner being, addressing the foundational issues of our hearts. It's not about maintaining a facade of righteousness but about genuine transformation from the inside out. When we fully surrender to Jesus, we find freedom and the approval that truly matters. [01:27:36]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 9:10-19 - The story of Ananias and Saul (Paul)
2. Isaiah 6:1-8 - Isaiah's vision and his response to God's call
3. John 2:1-11 - The wedding at Cana, where Jesus turns water into wine
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Ananias's initial reaction to God's command to go to Saul, and how did he respond eventually? ([01:01:38])
2. How did Ananias address Saul when he met him, and what was the significance of this greeting? ([01:05:00])
3. In Isaiah 6:1-8, what was Isaiah's response to God's call, and how does it compare to Ananias's response?
4. According to the sermon, who were the first to witness the miracle at the wedding in Cana, and why is this significant? ([01:14:21])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Ananias's willingness to obey God despite his fears teach us about the nature of obedience and faith? ([01:01:38])
2. How does the story of Ananias and Saul illustrate the potential impact of a single act of obedience on the broader mission of the church? ([01:06:19])
3. In what ways does the story of Isaiah's vision and his response to God's call (Isaiah 6:1-8) parallel the theme of obedience and surrender discussed in the sermon?
4. How does the example of the servants at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11) relate to the idea that those who serve often witness God's miracles first? ([01:14:21])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God calling you to do something that made you uncomfortable. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([01:01:38])
2. Ananias called Saul "brother" despite his past. Is there someone in your life whom you need to extend grace and acceptance to, despite their past actions? ([01:05:00])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of serving within the church. What specific area of service can you commit to, and how do you think it will impact your faith and the faith of others? ([01:14:21])
4. The pursuit of fame can be a subtle trap. Are there areas in your life where you seek recognition more than faithfulness? How can you shift your focus to seeking God's approval instead? ([01:24:50])
5. True surrender to Jesus means allowing Him to work on our inner being. What are some areas in your heart that you need to surrender to Jesus for genuine transformation? ([01:27:36])
6. Think about the ripple effect of Edward Kimble's obedience. How can your small acts of faithfulness potentially impact others in ways you might not see immediately? ([01:21:41])
7. How can you cultivate a heart posture that says "yes" to God, even when you don't fully understand what He is asking of you? ([01:07:00])
Devotional
Day 1: Obedience Ignites Spiritual Legacies
Obedience to God's call, no matter how small it may seem, can set off a chain reaction with eternal significance. Edward Kimble's simple act of sharing the Gospel with Dwight L. Moody serves as a powerful example of this truth. Kimble could not have known that his faithful witness would lead to Moody's evangelistic work, which in turn would touch the life of Billy Graham and through him, billions more. This demonstrates that the smallest "yes" to God can have a profound impact, far beyond our immediate sphere of influence. It is a reminder that faithfulness in seemingly small acts of obedience is not small at all in God's economy. Every act of obedience is a seed that can grow into a tree with branches that reach far and wide [07:40].
Matthew 13:31-32 (ESV)
He put another parable before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent opportunity you had to share your faith or act in obedience. What was the outcome, and how can you continue to plant seeds of faithfulness in your daily interactions?
Day 2: Courage Over Comfort in God's Service
Ananias's encounter with Saul of Tarsus is a testament to the transformative power of obedience even amidst fear. Ananias had every reason to be wary of Saul, yet he chose to follow God's command to minister to him. This act of obedience was pivotal in Saul's conversion and subsequent mission as the Apostle Paul. It is a stark reminder that God's plans can be far greater than our apprehensions. When we choose to say "yes" to God, despite our fears or reservations, we open the door to being part of someone's life-changing journey with Christ. Our willingness to step out in faith can be the catalyst for incredible work that God wants to do through us [05:00].
Acts 9:15-16 (ESV)
"But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.'"
Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith, but fear is holding you back? How can you trust God and move forward in obedience today?
Day 3: The Hidden Rewards of Service
Serving within the church is not a path to recognition but a way to witness God's miraculous work up close. Those who serve often do so behind the scenes, yet they are privy to the transformative power of God in the lives of others. This service is a privilege, allowing individuals to be part of something much larger than themselves. It is a reminder that the true reward of service is not applause or acknowledgment but the joy of seeing lives changed and knowing that one has been faithful to God's call to serve. This perspective shifts the focus from self to the greater good of the community and the advancement of God's kingdom [15:29].
Hebrews 6:10 (ESV)
"For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do."
Reflection: In what ways are you currently serving in your church or community, and how have you seen God work through your service? What new area of service might God be calling you to explore?
Day 4: Faithfulness Over Fame
The desire for fame and recognition can be a subtle yet powerful distraction from our true purpose. As followers of Christ, we are called to seek faithfulness rather than fame. Our worth and success are not measured by the world's standards but by our obedience and alignment with God's will. The pursuit of God's approval should be our highest aim, as it leads to a life of genuine significance and purpose. This focus on faithfulness over fame ensures that our actions are not driven by the fleeting approval of others but by a steadfast commitment to serve God wholeheartedly [24:50].
1 Corinthians 4:5 (ESV)
"Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God."
Reflection: Have you ever found yourself seeking the approval of others over God's? What practical steps can you take to shift your focus to seeking God's approval in your daily life?
Day 5: Surrender Leads to True Transformation
Surrendering to Jesus is about allowing Him to work from the inside out, addressing the core issues of our hearts. It is not about maintaining an outward appearance of righteousness but about undergoing a genuine transformation that begins within. This process of surrender leads to freedom and the approval that truly matters—God's. When we lay down our lives and say "yes" to whatever Jesus asks of us, we experience the fullness of life He intends for us. This surrender is a daily decision to let Jesus lead, shape, and use us for His glory [27:36].
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)
"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
1) "We are not called to be famous, we are called to be faithful." [01:25:34](Download)
2) "When you add serving to your calendar, giving not for what you get but for who He is, you will walk out of here more full." [01:13:14](Download)
3) "The kingdom is full of those kind of people we never hear about again... Generals in the Kingdom that we've never heard their names." [01:17:48](Download)
4) "What could God do with your yes? What if we lived with the kind of yes where we would not count our lives as worthy but that we would die to ourselves?" [01:09:42](Download)
5) "When you hear the voice of the Lord, you've got to learn to obey immediately... Partial obedience is still disobedience." [01:17:11](Download)
6) "May you live for the approval of one, the only one that matters, the name above all names... His name is Jesus." [01:26:50](Download)
7) "It's the ones who are serving that get to see it first... the person that saw them hurt in the parking lot." [01:15:29](Download)
8) "Edward Kimble's yes led to 2.2 billion people hearing the gospel... The kingdom needs more heroes that do not need the credit." [01:21:41](Download)
9) "It's not about how busy you are, it's about finding rhythm in who I am... Jesus was never rushed and yet he was real busy." [01:12:05](Download)
10) "Let us address where the issues are rising, let Him do it from the inside out... It's a question of motive." [01:26:17](Download)
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