Trusting God: The Power of Obedience
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. It's wonderful to be back after a brief hiatus, and I am grateful for God's blessings and the opportunity to share His word with you today. As we prepare for 2025, it's crucial to focus on a principle that God does not require us to understand His will, but to obey it, even if it seems unreasonable. This principle is exemplified in the story of Noah from Genesis 6, where Noah obeyed God's command to build an ark despite it seeming illogical at the time. His obedience led to his salvation and the preservation of his family.
Obedience to God is paramount, even when we don't understand His reasons. Disobedience, even partial, is equivalent to total disobedience. True obedience means doing exactly what God says, when He says it, and how He says it. This requires us to study His word, meditate, and spend time alone with Him to understand His will clearly. We must continue to obey until God says to stop, regardless of whether we understand the reasons behind His commands.
Reflect on your life and identify areas where you struggle to obey God. Addressing these areas is crucial because sin prevents us from experiencing God's best. Obedience brings blessings, peace, and a deeper relationship with God. Noah's story teaches us that obedience, even in the face of criticism and ridicule, leads to God's favor and protection.
In our journey of faith, we must prioritize obedience and trust in God's plan. The Holy Spirit empowers us to obey and follow God's commands. Whether the path is painful or joyful, profitable or costly, reasonable or peculiar, we must trust and obey. Our obedience is a testament to our faith and love for God, and it brings us closer to fulfilling His purpose for our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Obedience Over Understanding: God does not require us to understand His will, but to obey it. This principle is crucial as we prepare for the future. Obedience, even when it seems unreasonable, is a testament to our faith and trust in God's wisdom and love. [02:24]
2. Partial Obedience is Disobedience: True obedience means doing exactly what God says, when He says it, and how He says it. Partial obedience is equivalent to total disobedience. We must strive to obey God fully to experience His best for us. [06:52]
3. Reflect and Address Disobedience: Identify areas in your life where you struggle to obey God. Sin prevents us from experiencing God's blessings. Addressing these areas and striving for complete obedience is crucial for a deeper relationship with God. [08:25]
4. Obedience Brings Blessings: Noah's story teaches us that obedience, even in the face of criticism and ridicule, leads to God's favor and protection. Obedience brings peace, blessings, and a deeper relationship with God. [12:44]
5. Empowered by the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers us to obey and follow God's commands. Whether the path is painful or joyful, profitable or costly, reasonable or peculiar, we must trust and obey. Our obedience is a testament to our faith and love for God. [21:34]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:24] - Principle of Obedience
[03:46] - Noah's Example
[05:24] - Obedience Over Understanding
[06:52] - True Obedience
[08:25] - Reflecting on Disobedience
[09:55] - Addressing Sin
[11:28] - Noah's Reward
[12:44] - Criticism and Obedience
[14:04] - Walking with God
[15:18] - Noah's Faithfulness
[16:35] - Being a Modern-Day Noah
[17:30] - Obedience and Sacrifice
[18:48] - Hearing God's Voice
[20:05] - Trusting God's Plan
[21:34] - Empowered by the Holy Spirit
[22:59] - Prioritizing Obedience
[24:27] - Key to Success
[26:09] - Following God's Plan
[27:55] - Encouragement to Obey
[29:16] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 6:14-22 (Noah's obedience in building the ark)
2. Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trust in the Lord with all your heart)
3. Romans 8:35-39 (Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ)
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did God give Noah regarding the construction of the ark? (Genesis 6:14-22)
2. According to Proverbs 3:5-6, what are we instructed to do instead of leaning on our own understanding?
3. In Romans 8:35-39, what are some of the things listed that cannot separate us from the love of Christ?
4. How did Noah respond to God's command to build the ark, despite it seeming unreasonable? [03:46]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Noah obeyed God's command without questioning, even though it seemed illogical? [03:46]
2. How does Proverbs 3:5-6 relate to the principle of obedience over understanding discussed in the sermon?
3. What does the story of Noah teach us about the relationship between obedience and receiving God's blessings? [12:44]
4. How can the assurance in Romans 8:35-39 encourage us to remain obedient to God, even in difficult circumstances?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was asking you to do something that seemed unreasonable. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [02:24]
2. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with partial obedience. What steps can you take to move towards complete obedience? [06:52]
3. How can you incorporate more time for studying God's word, meditating, and spending time alone with Him to better understand His will? [06:52]
4. Think of a specific sin or area of disobedience that God has been bringing to your mind. What practical steps can you take this week to address it? [08:25]
5. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit to empower you to obey God's commands, especially when the path is difficult or unclear? [21:34]
6. In what ways can you demonstrate your trust in God's plan, even when it doesn't make sense to you? Share a specific situation where you can apply this trust. [20:05]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group to remain obedient to God, even in the face of criticism or ridicule? [12:44]
Devotional
Day 1: Obedience Over Understanding
Description: God does not require us to understand His will, but to obey it. This principle is crucial as we prepare for the future. Obedience, even when it seems unreasonable, is a testament to our faith and trust in God's wisdom and love. Noah's story from Genesis 6 exemplifies this principle. Despite the seeming illogicality of building an ark, Noah obeyed God's command, which led to his salvation and the preservation of his family. This act of obedience, even in the face of ridicule and criticism, demonstrates the importance of trusting God's plan over our understanding.
In our lives, we often encounter situations where God's commands may not make sense to us. However, true faith is shown through our willingness to obey without needing to understand the reasons behind His instructions. This kind of obedience requires us to study His word, meditate, and spend time alone with Him to understand His will clearly. We must continue to obey until God says to stop, regardless of whether we understand the reasons behind His commands. [02:24]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you struggled to understand God's will. How can you practice obedience in this area, trusting that God's plan is higher than your understanding?
Day 2: Partial Obedience is Disobedience
Description: True obedience means doing exactly what God says, when He says it, and how He says it. Partial obedience is equivalent to total disobedience. This principle is vital for experiencing God's best for us. When we choose to obey only parts of God's commands, we are essentially disobeying Him. This incomplete obedience can prevent us from receiving the full blessings and peace that come from following God's will entirely.
Reflecting on our lives, we must identify areas where we are not fully obedient to God. It is essential to address these areas and strive for complete obedience. This requires a heart that is willing to submit to God's authority and trust in His wisdom. By doing so, we open ourselves up to experiencing the fullness of God's blessings and a deeper relationship with Him. [06:52]
1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "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: Identify one area in your life where you have been partially obedient to God. What steps can you take today to fully obey His command in that area?
Day 3: Reflect and Address Disobedience
Description: Sin prevents us from experiencing God's blessings. It is crucial to reflect on our lives and identify areas where we struggle to obey God. By addressing these areas and striving for complete obedience, we can deepen our relationship with God and experience His best for us. Disobedience, even in small matters, can hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from receiving the peace and blessings that come from following God's will.
Taking time to reflect on our actions and attitudes allows us to recognize areas of disobedience. This self-examination is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. By confessing our sins and seeking God's help to overcome them, we can move towards a life of complete obedience. This process requires humility and a willingness to change, but it leads to a more profound experience of God's love and favor. [08:25]
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on your life. What is one area of disobedience you need to address? How can you seek God's help to overcome it and move towards complete obedience?
Day 4: Obedience Brings Blessings
Description: Noah's story teaches us that obedience, even in the face of criticism and ridicule, leads to God's favor and protection. Obedience brings peace, blessings, and a deeper relationship with God. When we choose to obey God, we align ourselves with His will and open the door to His blessings. Noah's unwavering obedience, despite the challenges he faced, resulted in the salvation of his family and the preservation of life on earth.
In our journey of faith, we must prioritize obedience and trust in God's plan. The blessings that come from obedience are not always immediate, but they are sure. God's favor and protection are promised to those who faithfully follow His commands. By choosing to obey, we demonstrate our love and trust in God, which strengthens our relationship with Him and brings us closer to fulfilling His purpose for our lives. [12:44]
Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (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."
Reflection: Think of a time when you experienced God's blessings as a result of your obedience. How can this encourage you to continue obeying God, even when it is difficult?
Day 5: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Description: The Holy Spirit empowers us to obey and follow God's commands. Whether the path is painful or joyful, profitable or costly, reasonable or peculiar, we must trust and obey. Our obedience is a testament to our faith and love for God, and it brings us closer to fulfilling His purpose for our lives. The Holy Spirit provides the strength and guidance we need to walk in obedience, even when it is challenging.
As believers, we are not left to obey God in our own strength. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, enabling us to follow God's commands and live according to His will. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can overcome the obstacles and challenges that come our way. This divine empowerment allows us to live a life that honors God and reflects His love to the world. [21:34]
Galatians 5:16 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
Reflection: In what ways can you rely more on the Holy Spirit to help you obey God's commands? How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit in your daily life?
Quotes
1. "The principle for today is God does not require us to understand his will. Just obey it, even if it seems unreasonable. And I think that's the key I wanted to add to that. God does not require us to understand his will. Just obey it. We don't have to understand it. Just have to know God is God. Wise enough for whatever he tells us to do. Just do it, even if it seems unreasonable to your finite mind when you attempt to do it. So we have to be focused on God and on God's wisdom and his love for us, because he wouldn't tell us to do anything that's going to be detrimental. He wouldn't tell us to do anything that was going to cause us to get defeated. So we just have to believe him and trust him and obey him, no matter what it looks like." [02:24] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Do you often find yourself wondering why God doesn't answer your prayers? Or why, despite all of your best efforts, the circumstances of your life still don't work out? The answer could be in your level of obedience to God, or where they may be the result of God wanting you to be still long enough to trust him. And watch this. For his cue, when it's time for you to move, any area of disobedience in our lives need to be addressed. We cannot ignore it over and over and over. Sin prevents us from experiencing God's best for us. So we have to shun sin at all possibilities at every opportunity that we have, so that we can focus in the will of God and do what he's charging us to do, when he gives us to do it." [05:24] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "True obedience to God means doing what? It means doing what God says. Not trying to substitute how we want it or what we think he said, but doing exactly what God has said. True obedience also means doing it. When he says do it. And I think that's where a lot of us get in trouble. God might give us a vision and give us something to do. And instead of waiting for God to say move, we get out, we got anointed. We know where it is. We out there doing everything except what God wants us to do. It's important for us to know what, when, and how he says he want it done. You see, we can't substitute what we think God wants or what God really wants. So we have to study his word. We have to wait on him. We have to meditate. We have to spend time alone with him so that I can get the clearest, most definitive picture of what God is telling me to do to avoid making silly mistakes and being punished for it later." [06:52] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "How long should we be doing it? Until God says finish. Don't get weary and well doing. Don't get tired and quit. But we do it until God says stop doing it. Whatever it is he's giving you, whatever he has said, when he says, how he says, and as long as he says, do it. Can you stay in the game that long? Can you run every play until the fourth quarter or the second half is over? Regardless of whether or not you understand the reason for God giving you this vision until what he says is accomplished, you continue doing what God has told you to do. Trusting God, even though you don't understand. Believing in God, even though it doesn't make any sense to you." [08:25] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Following God's will instead of our own makes a tremendous difference in our lives. It brings about blessings that you have no idea will come in your way. But more than anything else, don't count the materialistic things God put in your life. Think the peace that you have of knowing that God has been very vocal to you. And you've been very obedient to him. But to do this, God has to be the top priority in your life. And obedience has to be the top priority in your life. God's presence has to be top to you. And then obedience comes naturally second to that. But to do that, you need to understand why submission plays such an important role in our relationship with God." [09:55] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Will it always be popular to obey God while everybody else is not? No, it won't be popular, but it's not something for you to brag about or something for you to put your hand up on and raise your hand as if you're the one who's doing something great. Will people criticize you for being obedient to God? Absolutely. I can promise you that. And the good news about that is them criticizing you is your seal of approval that you're doing what God wants you to do. Will people think you do some ridiculous, careless things? Absolutely. I tell you, there are times when people will look at you as if you've lost your mind. They will look at you as if you don't have no clue where you're headed or what you're doing. Will they laugh at you? Yeah. Oh yeah. A lot of them are bold enough to laugh in your face, not just behind your back." [11:28] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "When you're obedient to God, success is the only outcome that you're going to have. And I'm excited. I'm excited that God chose small things in life to change the larger things. So don't worry about the size of the people in the church. Don't worry about the size of the church. Don't worry about the size in you. Be a Gideon. You may be the least in your family. Your family may be the least in town, but when God calls you, all of a sudden you become a giant, mighty warrior of valor on the battlefield for the Lord. Noah obeyed God despite what people thought of him. And the Lord spared him from the great flood that covered the earth." [14:04] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Obedience is better than sacrifice with the word of God says. So continue to trust God. Continue believing in God. Continue. Continue obeying God when we choose the path of obedience, you must be prepared for the negative responses that's going to come and you're certainly going to hear them because people are bold enough today. They're not going to talk to you, talk about you behind your back. They will talk about you to your face, but at Harvard Support Christian Center, we take pride, good pride in teaching the word of God and we teach it so that people can know God for themselves and they can make decisions for themselves. they are based upon what God has said and they would teach them how to hear God's voice and how to know it's God just talking to you because the devil is smooth, he can talk to you just like anybody else, just like God. But you have to know the difference between the devil's voice and the voice of God." [17:30] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge God and he shall direct your path. This is what the preacher said in Proverbs 3. Let me tell you something else he'll do. He will direct your path. But according to Paul in Philippians 4.19, he shall supply all your need. Don't get your needs caught up with wants. Don't get them confused with what you want. Give God your request of what you need because he already know it. The book of Matthew says, seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Nothing should hinder you from being obedient. Nothing should stand between you and following the directions of God." [20:05] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The Holy Spirit enables us to obey everything God tells us to do. When you get weak along the way, God's spirit will just give you a refreshing drink of water to lift you up. And when you get weak along the way, God's spirit will just give you a refreshing drink of water to lift you up. And give you the strength to carry on. And when it gets hard, God said, just follow me. Follow the play. Run the play just like we drew it up. The Holy Spirit, which gives us all the strength to obey God, always directs us in the very best way we should go. Always. So when we are following the Holy Spirit, when we are trusting in the Lord, whether it be painful or joyful, trust and believe and obey. Whether it's profitable, or costly, trust and believe and obey. Whether it's reasonable or peculiar, trust in the Lord and obey. Our Heavenly Father will give us the ability and the strength to be faithful no matter what others think, no matter what the circumstances are like." [21:34] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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