Trusting God: The Heart of Obedience
Summary
In our journey with God, we often encounter moments that test the depth of our trust in Him. Trusting God means aligning our actions with His will, even when it challenges our preferences or understanding. Today, I want to delve into the essence of trust and obedience through the story of Cain and Abel, as we find in Genesis chapter four.
Abel, a shepherd, offered the best portions of his firstborn lambs to the Lord, while Cain, a farmer, presented some of his crops. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift but rejected Cain and his offering. This narrative isn't merely about the type of offering but the heart behind it. Abel's offering was a testament to his faith and reverence for God. He reserved the very best for God, acknowledging that nothing less than the best was worthy of the Almighty. Cain, on the other hand, gave without thought or intention, offering what was convenient rather than what was sacrificial.
The story of Cain and Abel teaches us that when we trust God, we do things His way, not ours. It's not about the external act of giving but the internal posture of our hearts. Trusting God means accepting His truth, even when it doesn't align with our feelings or logic. Noah, for example, trusted God's word about the impending rain, despite never having seen rain before. His faith was not based on his understanding but on God's command.
Sin, as I mentioned, has a snowball effect. It begins with a small compromise, a slight deviation from God's way, and grows into something that can dominate our lives. Cain's story is a cautionary tale of how a lack of trust and obedience can lead to disastrous consequences. When we start to negotiate with God's commands, we open the door for sin to take root in our lives.
Furthermore, the examples of Moses and Uzzah remind us that even good intentions cannot substitute for obedience. Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded, and Uzzah touched the Ark of the Covenant, contrary to God's instructions. Both actions, though seemingly minor, reflected a deeper issue of taking matters into their own hands rather than following God's explicit directions.
In conclusion, our faith must be active and present. It is the substance that brings our hopes into reality and the evidence of things unseen. By faith, we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, and by faith, Abel offered a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain. Our faith in God compels us to live according to His ways, not ours.
Key Takeaways:
- Trusting God requires a heart that is willing to offer Him our very best, not out of obligation but out of a deep sense of reverence and love for who He is. Just as Abel set aside the firstborn of his flock, we too must prioritize God in every aspect of our lives, dedicating the first and best of what we have to Him. [31:09]
- Sin's deceptive nature begins with small compromises, leading us away from God's best for our lives. It is crucial to recognize that even the smallest deviation from God's way can have significant consequences. We must be vigilant and proactive in mastering sin before it takes control. [34:23]
- True faith is not passive but active, bringing our hopes into reality and providing the foundation for acquiring the things we long for. It is the conviction of things not seen, and it empowers us to trust in God's creative power, even when we have no physical evidence before us. [17:16]
- Obedience to God's commands is not optional, and it cannot be customized to fit our preferences. The stories of Moses and Uzzah remind us that even when we think we are doing good, if it is not done God's way, it is not acceptable to Him. Our actions must align with God's instructions, no matter how challenging they may seem. [41:01]
- Reflecting on our own lives, we must ask ourselves if we have been carrying out God's commands in our way, rather than His. This self-examination is essential for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. It is only by doing things God's way that we can truly honor Him and experience the fullness of His plans for us. [45:41]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 4:2-7 (NLT)
> "When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected. 'Why are you so angry?' the Lord asked Cain. 'Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.'"
2. Hebrews 11:1-4 (NLT)
> "Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen. It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith."
3. Numbers 20:7-12 (NLT)
> "And the Lord said to Moses, 'You and Aaron must take the staff and assemble the entire community. As the people watch, speak to the rock over there, and it will pour out its water. You will provide enough water from the rock to satisfy the whole community and their livestock.' So Moses did as he was told. He took the staff from the place where it was kept before the Lord. Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. 'Listen, you rebels!' he shouted. 'Must we bring you water from this rock?' Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill. But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 'Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the different offerings that Cain and Abel brought to the Lord, and how did God respond to each? (Genesis 4:3-5)
2. According to Hebrews 11:4, what made Abel's offering more acceptable to God than Cain's?
3. In Numbers 20:7-12, what specific instructions did God give to Moses, and how did Moses deviate from them?
4. What does Genesis 4:7 suggest about the nature of sin and its impact on Cain?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God accepted Abel's offering but rejected Cain's? What does this tell us about the importance of the heart behind our actions? (Genesis 4:3-5)
2. How does the story of Cain and Abel illustrate the concept of faith as described in Hebrews 11:1-4? (Hebrews 11:4)
3. What can we learn from Moses' actions in Numbers 20:7-12 about the consequences of not fully trusting and obeying God's commands?
4. How does the idea of sin "crouching at the door" in Genesis 4:7 relate to the concept of small compromises leading to larger sins?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you gave something to God (time, resources, effort) out of convenience rather than sacrifice. How can you change your approach to ensure you are giving your best to God? (Genesis 4:3-5) [30:02]
2. Abel's faith was demonstrated through his actions. What are some practical ways you can show your faith in your daily life? (Hebrews 11:4) [18:25]
3. Sin often starts with small compromises. Identify an area in your life where you might be making small compromises. What steps can you take to address this before it grows into a larger issue? (Genesis 4:7) [34:23]
4. Moses' story shows that even good intentions cannot replace obedience. Are there areas in your life where you are doing things your way instead of God's way? How can you align your actions more closely with God's instructions? (Numbers 20:7-12) [41:01]
5. Reflect on the concept of faith as the "evidence of things not seen." How can you strengthen your faith in God's promises, even when you don't see immediate results? (Hebrews 11:1) [17:16]
6. Consider the story of Uzzah and the Ark of the Covenant. How can you ensure that your actions, even those with good intentions, are in line with God's specific commands? (2 Samuel 6) [41:01]
7. Self-examination is crucial for spiritual growth. Take some time this week to reflect on whether you have been carrying out God's commands in your way rather than His. What changes can you make to better align with His will? (Genesis 4:7) [45:41]
Devotional
Day 1: Reverence Through Sacrificial Offerings
True reverence for God is demonstrated by the quality of our offerings to Him. It is not enough to give what is convenient or leftover; true worship requires sacrifice and the best of what we have. This principle is vividly illustrated in the story of Cain and Abel. Abel's offering was accepted because it was his best, a reflection of his faith and reverence. In contrast, Cain's offering was merely convenient, lacking the depth of true worship. This teaches us that our offerings to God, whether they are our time, resources, or talents, should be the best we can give, not out of compulsion but as a genuine act of worship and trust in His provision.
The heart's posture is more important than the material offering. When we give our best to God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and express our trust in Him. It's a declaration that He is worthy of the best we have to offer. This act of giving is not just a one-time event but a lifestyle of prioritizing God and His will above all else. It's about making a conscious decision every day to set aside the first and best for God, trusting that He will honor our sacrifice and provide for our needs. [31:09]
Bible passage: Proverbs 3:9-10
"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can begin to offer God your first and best, rather than what's leftover or convenient?
Day 2: The Subtlety of Sin's Compromise
Sin often creeps into our lives through small compromises, which can lead us away from God's best. The story of Cain warns us about the dangers of not fully trusting and obeying God. It starts with a seemingly insignificant act of disobedience or a minor compromise, but it can quickly grow into a pattern that dominates our lives. Recognizing these small deviations is crucial because they can have significant consequences. It is essential to be vigilant and proactive in aligning our actions with God's commands to prevent sin from taking root and controlling us. [34:23]
Sin's deceptive nature can make it seem harmless at first, but its effects are far-reaching. It is vital to understand that God's commands are given for our good and protection. When we choose to follow our own ways instead of God's, we not only dishonor Him but also harm ourselves. Mastering sin before it masters us requires a daily commitment to trust and obey God, even in the smallest matters.
Bible passage: James 1:14-15
"But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."
Reflection: Can you identify a "small compromise" you've made recently, and what steps can you take today to correct your course and realign with God's will?
Day 3: Active Faith Manifests Reality
Faith is not a passive state but an active force that brings our hopes into reality. It is the conviction of things not seen, a powerful element in trusting God's creative power. By faith, we understand that the universe was formed at God's command. Similarly, by faith, Abel offered a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain. Our faith compels us to live according to God's ways, trusting in His promises and His character, even when we do not have physical evidence before us. [17:16]
This active faith is not just about believing in God but also about acting on that belief. It requires us to take steps that may seem illogical or risky from a human perspective. However, these steps demonstrate our trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to do what He has promised. Faith is the substance that undergirds our daily decisions and actions, guiding us to live in a way that honors God and aligns with His purposes.
Bible passage: Hebrews 11:6
"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 step of faith you can take today that aligns with God's promises, even if it seems risky or illogical from a human perspective?
Day 4: Obedience Beyond Good Intentions
Obedience to God's commands is essential and cannot be tailored to fit our preferences. The stories of Moses and Uzzah serve as reminders that even actions with good intentions are not acceptable if they do not align with God's explicit instructions. Obedience requires us to follow God's directions precisely, without taking matters into our own hands. It is a testament to our trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty over our own understanding. [41:01]
When we choose to obey God, we do so knowing that His ways are higher than ours. It may be challenging, and at times we may not understand the reasons behind His commands, but obedience is an act of faith in itself. It is through this obedience that we demonstrate our love and reverence for God. It is also how we experience the fullness of His plans for us, as true blessings come from walking in His will, not in our own ways.
Bible passage: 1 Samuel 15:22
"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.'"
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you've been substituting good intentions for precise obedience? How can you align your actions with God's instructions starting today?
Day 5: Self-Examination for Spiritual Alignment
Reflecting on our own lives is essential for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. It requires us to ask ourselves if we have been carrying out God's commands in our way, rather than His. This self-examination is not about self-condemnation but about realigning our hearts and actions with God's purposes. It is only by doing things God's way that we can truly honor Him and experience the fullness of His plans for us. [45:41]
This process of self-examination should be a regular practice, as it helps us to stay on the path that God has set for us. It allows us to identify areas where we may have strayed and to make the necessary adjustments. By examining our hearts and actions, we can ensure that we are living in obedience to God, which leads to a deeper relationship with Him and a more impactful life.
Bible passage: Lamentations 3:40
"Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!"
Reflection: What is one specific way you have been carrying out God's commands in your own way, and what change can you make to follow His way more closely?
Quotes
"He didn't keep the best portion. He just grabbed a portion. Abel's heart said, I will reserve the very best for God because there is none like him. He deserves the best." [31:09] (Download | )
"I want to tell you that sin has a snowball effect. Sin starts very little. That's how it gets its root in your life. It's innocent. It's just a little bit." [34:23] (Download | )
"By faith, we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command. That what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen." [17:16] (Download | )
"God said not just anybody can carry the ark. And although Uzzah is just doing a good thing and doing what David told him to do, he transgressed." [41:01] (Download | )
"Have I done what God asked, but because it was embarrassing or hard, I did it my way? Like if I would have done this God's way, I might have suffered embarrassment or I might have had to sacrifice something that I really, really like." [39:16] (Download | )
"Now faith brings our hopes into reality, Faith gives us the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen." [10:47] (Download | )
"When I trust God, I do things his way. Cain's was not. Let's find out why. Genesis chapter four." [23:39] (Download | )
"Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. The best portions of the firstborn lambs from the flock. Now, it wasn't like this thing was born. He said, there you go. No, no, no. In other words, this is consecrated to God." [28:43] (Download | )
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