True Worship and the Power of Obedience
Summary
Worship is not about us—it’s about God. When we come before Him, we are called to lay aside every distraction, every worry, and every circumstance, and focus our hearts on the One who is worthy of all praise. True worship is not just a song or a shout; it is a posture of humility, a surrender of self, and an authentic offering of our lives to the Lord. God desires more than our hallelujahs—He wants our hearts, our obedience, and our willingness to be shaped by His presence. Even when others don’t understand our worship, or when life’s challenges press in, we are called to remain steadfast, lifting our hands and voices because of who God is and what He has done.
Obedience is the key that unlocks the blessings God has prepared for us. The blessings listed in Deuteronomy 28 are not automatic; they are conditional upon our willingness to listen and act on God’s voice. The Hebrew word “shama” means not just to hear, but to hear with the intent to act. God is looking for people who will not only listen, but who will move when He says move, even when the path is unclear or uncomfortable. Like Abraham, we are called to step out in faith, trusting that God will provide and guide, even when the instructions don’t make sense to us.
God’s blessings are comprehensive—they touch every area of our lives: our families, our work, our coming and going, our provision, and even our protection from enemies. But these blessings are not for us to boast or show off; they are meant to be a testimony to God’s faithfulness and a witness to others. When God elevates us, it is so that His glory can be seen through our lives. Yet, with elevation comes opposition, and we must remember that it is God who sustains us, not our own strength or the approval of others.
Obedience is not always easy. It requires consistency, commitment, and a willingness to say “yes” even when it’s hard. Sometimes God will ask us to surrender what we love most, as He did with Abraham and Isaac, but He is always faithful to provide. We must keep listening for His voice, ready to respond at every turn. In this season, God is calling us to a deeper level of obedience, promising that as we walk in His ways, blessings will overtake us—not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.
Key Takeaways
- Authentic worship requires us to lay aside every distraction and focus solely on God, offering Him our true selves. It is not about outward expressions or being seen by others, but about humbling ourselves before the Lord and allowing His presence to transform us. When we worship in spirit and in truth, God delights in our offering and draws near to us. [44:58]
- The blessings of God are conditional upon our obedience. Deuteronomy 28 makes it clear that God’s promises are tied to our willingness to listen and act on His commands. Hearing God’s voice is not enough; we must be active doers, responding in faith even when the instructions are difficult or unclear. [01:32:42]
- God’s blessings are not limited by our location, status, or circumstances. Whether in the city or the field, God’s favor can find us wherever we are. Our actions, not our environment, determine the flow of God’s blessings, and everything connected to us—our families, our work, our legacy—can prosper when we walk in obedience. [01:40:49]
- Elevation and favor from God often attract opposition, but our security is in knowing that it is God who has placed us where we are. The enemy may try to undermine or discourage us, but no one can remove us from the place God has established for us. Our testimony is not about our own greatness, but about God’s power to lift and sustain us through every trial. [01:37:42]
- Obedience is a continual journey that requires us to keep listening for God’s voice, even after we have acted on His initial instructions. Like Abraham, we must remain sensitive to God’s leading, ready to adjust our course as He speaks. God’s provision and blessing are found in our willingness to say “yes” at every stage, trusting that He will provide what we need as we walk in faith. [02:01:45]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[44:58] - The Call to Authentic Worship
[47:10] - Worship Beyond Circumstance
[49:09] - God’s Presence and Our Response
[58:34] - The Power of Testimony in Worship
[01:01:18] - Living Out Our Faith
[01:13:13] - The Potter’s House: Restoration and Hope
[01:16:31] - Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 28
[01:19:19] - The Blessings of Obedience
[01:26:47] - Abraham’s Example of Faith
[01:31:51] - Conditional Blessings Explained
[01:36:29] - God’s Elevation and Our Witness
[01:40:49] - Blessings in Every Place
[01:47:38] - God’s Protection and Provision
[01:52:50] - Holiness in Everyday Life
[01:55:07] - The Commandments and Love
[01:59:28] - The Challenge of Obedience
[02:01:45] - Keep Listening for God’s Voice
[02:03:18] - Invitation to Respond
[02:09:16] - Prayers for the Next Generation
[02:12:46] - A Season of Saying Yes
[02:16:25] - Community Announcements
[02:20:21] - Celebrating Birthdays
[02:23:30] - Offering and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Blessings of Obedience
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### Bible Reading
Deuteronomy 28:1-14 (ESV)
> “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God.
> Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field.
> Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock.
> Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.
> Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.
> The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before you. They shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.
> The Lord will command the blessing on you in your barns and in all that you undertake. And he will bless you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
> The Lord will establish you as a people holy to himself, as he has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in his ways.
> And all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you.
> And the Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your livestock and in the fruit of your ground, within the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give you.
> The Lord will open to you his good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands. And you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.
> And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you shall only go up and not down, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, being careful to do them, and if you do not turn aside from any of the words that I command you today, to the right hand or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.”
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Deuteronomy 28:1-2, what is the condition for receiving the blessings God promises?
2. In the sermon, what does the Hebrew word “shama” mean, and how does it relate to obedience? [[01:19:19]]
3. What areas of life does God promise to bless in Deuteronomy 28:3-6? Can you list them?
4. The sermon mentions Abraham as an example. What did God ask Abraham to do, and how did Abraham respond? [[01:26:47]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God makes His blessings conditional on obedience, rather than giving them automatically? [[01:32:42]]
2. The sermon says, “God’s blessings are not for us to boast or show off; they are meant to be a testimony to God’s faithfulness and a witness to others.” How does this change the way we should view success or favor in our lives? [[01:36:29]]
3. The pastor said, “Obedience is not always easy. It requires consistency, commitment, and a willingness to say ‘yes’ even when it’s hard.” Why do you think God sometimes asks us to do things that are uncomfortable or unclear? [[01:56:54]]
4. In the story of Abraham and Isaac, why was it important that Abraham kept listening for God’s voice, even after he had already obeyed the first instruction? [[02:01:45]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to “lay aside every distraction and focus solely on God” in worship. What is one specific distraction that keeps you from truly worshiping God, and what can you do this week to set it aside? [[44:58]]
2. The blessings in Deuteronomy 28 are described as “overtaking” those who obey. Is there an area of your life where you have been waiting for God’s blessing, but you haven’t been fully obedient? What step of obedience could you take this week? [[01:32:42]]
3. The pastor said, “God’s blessings are not limited by our location, status, or circumstances.” Have you ever felt like your situation was too difficult for God to bless? How does this promise encourage you today? [[01:40:49]]
4. When God elevates us, the sermon warns that “with elevation comes opposition.” Have you ever experienced pushback or criticism when you tried to follow God’s call? How did you respond, and what did you learn? [[01:37:42]]
5. The sermon emphasized that obedience is a continual journey, not a one-time event. What is one way you can keep listening for God’s voice in your daily life, even after you’ve already said “yes” to Him? [[02:01:45]]
6. Sometimes God asks us to surrender what we love most, as He did with Abraham and Isaac. Is there something you sense God might be asking you to surrender or trust Him with? How can your group pray for you in this area? [[01:59:28]]
7. The pastor said, “Our testimony is not about our own greatness, but about God’s power to lift and sustain us through every trial.” How can you share your story this week to encourage someone else about God’s faithfulness? [[01:36:29]]
---
Closing Prayer:
Invite group members to pray for courage to obey God, for hearts of authentic worship, and for God’s blessings to be a testimony to others. Pray specifically for any areas of surrender or obedience shared in the group.
Devotional
Day 1: The Blessings of Obedience
When we choose to listen to God and act on what He says, we open ourselves to a flood of blessings that are not limited by our circumstances or location. Obedience is not just about hearing God's voice, but about responding with faith and action, even when we don't fully understand the path ahead. God promises that if we faithfully obey His commandments, He will set us high above the nations, bless us in every area of our lives, and make us a witness to His goodness. These blessings are not automatic; they are conditional upon our willingness to trust and obey, regardless of our age or situation. The blessings of obedience are designed to bring God glory and to show others what He can do through those who are committed to Him. [01:32:42]
Deuteronomy 28:1-14 (ESV)
“And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before you. They shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. The Lord will command the blessing on you in your barns and in all that you undertake. And he will bless you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. The Lord will establish you as a people holy to himself, as he has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in his ways. And all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. And the Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your livestock and in the fruit of your ground, within the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. The Lord will open to you his good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands. And you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you shall only go up and not down, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, being careful to do them, and if you do not turn aside from any of the words that I command you today, to the right hand or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.”
Reflection: What is one area where you sense God calling you to obey, but you’ve been hesitant? What step of faith can you take today to move forward in obedience?
Day 2: Obedience Requires Active Listening and Action
True obedience to God is more than just hearing His words; it is about listening with the intent to act. The Hebrew word "shama" means to hear and to respond, to take action on what is heard. God is not looking for passive listeners but for people who will actively do what He says, even when it challenges their comfort or understanding. In this season, it is essential to carve out quiet time to hear God's voice and then to move boldly in response, trusting that His instructions are for our good. Obedience is not always easy, but it is the pathway to experiencing God's best for our lives. [01:26:47]
James 1:22 (ESV)
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
Reflection: When was the last time you sensed God speaking to you, but you delayed or ignored acting on it? What is one practical way you can become an active doer of God’s word this week?
Day 3: God’s Blessings Are Not Limited by Location or Circumstance
God’s blessings are not confined to a particular place or situation; they follow those who walk in obedience wherever they go. Whether you find yourself in the city or the field, in abundance or in need, God’s promise is that His favor will rest on you and everything connected to you. Your family, your work, your resources, and even your future generations are included in the overflow of God’s blessings. The key is not where you are, but how you live—obediently following God’s voice ensures that His blessings will find you, no matter your circumstances. [01:40:49]
Psalm 139:7-10 (ESV)
“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.”
Reflection: In what area of your life have you believed that God’s blessings can’t reach you? How can you trust Him to bless you right where you are today?
Day 4: Obedience Is Tested Through Sacrifice and Trust
Obedience often requires us to surrender what is most precious to us, trusting that God will provide even when His instructions seem difficult or illogical. Like Abraham, who was asked to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac, we are sometimes called to lay down our own plans, dreams, or comforts. Yet, as we walk in faith and keep listening for God’s voice, He reveals His provision and faithfulness. The journey of obedience is not always easy, but it is in these moments of testing that we discover God’s ability to provide a “ram in the bush” and to meet our deepest needs. [02:00:15]
Genesis 22:1-14 (ESV)
“After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.’ So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. Then Abraham said to his young men, ‘Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.’ And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. And Isaac said to his father Abraham, ‘My father!’ And he said, ‘Here I am, my son.’ He said, ‘Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?’ Abraham said, ‘God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.’ So they went both of them together. When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.’ And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called the name of that place, ‘The Lord will provide’; as it is said to this day, ‘On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.’”
Reflection: What is something precious that God may be asking you to surrender or trust Him with? How can you take a step of faith to release it to Him today?
Day 5: Obedience Is a Witness to Others and Requires Consistency
Living a life of obedience is not just for our own benefit; it serves as a testimony to those around us. Our actions, attitudes, and faithfulness—especially when no one else understands—demonstrate what we truly believe about God. Consistency in obedience, even when it is uncomfortable or when others are watching, sets an example for the next generation and points people to Christ. God calls us to be holy, to love others, and to do good, not just on Sundays but every day. Our obedience is a living affirmation of our faith and a powerful witness to the world. [01:55:07]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Reflection: Who is watching your life and faith right now? What is one way you can intentionally model obedience and faithfulness to God for them this week?
Quotes
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