Unlocking God's Promises Through Obedience

Devotional

Day 1: Obedience is the Key to Transformation and Blessing

Obedience is not just about following rules, but about responding courageously to God's call, unlocking the fullness of His promises in our lives. When we choose to obey, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable, we step into the transformative power of God and experience His presence, purpose, and blessing. Obedience is the key that opens the door to the promises God has for us, and it is the pathway for both individuals and the community to move forward in His will. [01:07:29]

Ezekiel 33:1-9 (ESV)
The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, speak to your people and say to them, If I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from among them, and make him their watchman, and if he sees the sword coming upon the land and blows the trumpet and warns the people, then if anyone who hears the sound of the trumpet does not take warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet and did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself. But if he had taken warning, he would have saved his life. But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand. So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, O wicked one, you shall surely die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from his way, that wicked person shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. But if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, that person shall die in his iniquity, but you will have delivered your soul.”

Reflection: What is one area where God is calling you to obey today, even if it feels uncomfortable or costly? Will you take one brave step forward in obedience?

Day 2: Hearing Without Doing is Self-Deception

It is not enough to simply hear God's Word or enjoy spiritual teaching; true transformation comes only when we act on what we have heard. Many deceive themselves by thinking that listening, attending, or admiring is the same as obeying, but Scripture warns that hearing without doing is like looking in a mirror and forgetting what you saw. God desires that we move beyond passive listening to active obedience, so that His Word bears fruit in our lives and we are not trapped in self-deception. [01:47:34]

James 1:22-24 (ESV)
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.

Reflection: What is one specific thing you have heard from God recently that you have not yet acted on? What step can you take today to move from hearing to doing?

Day 3: Obedience Activates God’s Promises, Not Just Heritage or Knowledge

God’s promises are not automatically inherited by association, tradition, or knowledge; they are activated by obedience. The people of Israel believed that the promises given to Abraham guaranteed their blessing, but God reminded them that only obedience leads to possession of the promise. Relying on spiritual heritage or past righteousness is not enough—God calls each of us to walk in obedience today, so that we may truly experience the fullness of His blessing. [01:34:35]

Ezekiel 33:23-26 (ESV)
The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, the inhabitants of these waste places in the land of Israel keep saying, ‘Abraham was only one man, yet he got possession of the land; but we are many; the land is surely given us to possess.’ Therefore say to them, Thus says the Lord God: You eat flesh with the blood and lift up your eyes to your idols and shed blood; shall you then possess the land? You rely on the sword, you commit abominations, and each of you defiles his neighbor’s wife; shall you then possess the land?”

Reflection: Are you relying on your spiritual background or past experiences with God, or are you actively walking in obedience today? What promise of God do you long to see fulfilled, and how might obedience be the key?

Day 4: Accountability is Both Corporate and Personal

God moves His people as a community, but He also holds each individual accountable for their response to His Word. While there are blessings and consequences that affect the whole body, each person must stand before God and give an account for what they have heard and how they have responded. This dual accountability calls us to support one another in obedience, while also taking personal responsibility for our own walk with God. [01:27:03]

Hebrews 13:17 (ESV)
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Reflection: In what ways can you encourage and support others in your community to walk in obedience, while also taking responsibility for your own response to God’s call?

Day 5: God’s Heart is for Restoration, Not Punishment

God takes no pleasure in judgment or the death of the wicked; His desire is always for repentance, restoration, and life. Even when He calls us to hard truths or difficult obedience, it is because He longs to see us live on the other side of His promises. No matter how far we have strayed, God’s invitation is to turn, turn from our ways and receive His mercy, grace, and blessing through obedience. [01:20:26]

Ezekiel 33:10-11 (ESV)
“And you, son of man, say to the house of Israel, Thus have you said: ‘Surely our transgressions and our sins are upon us, and we rot away because of them. How then can we live?’ Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?”

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you have believed God is more interested in punishment than restoration? How can you respond to His invitation to turn and receive His life-giving grace today?

Sermon Summary

Obedience is the key that unlocks the fullness of God’s promises in our lives. God, in His awesomeness, has given each of us the gift of free will—volition. We can choose our path, but with that freedom comes the responsibility to respond to God’s voice with a willing heart. The journey of faith is not just about hearing God’s invitation or being moved by His presence; it is about stepping forward in obedience, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. This is not a call to mere rule-following, but to a transformative relationship where our actions align with God’s heart and purpose.

Looking at Ezekiel 33, we see that God’s people are called to collective and individual obedience. The story of the watchman reminds us that both leaders and the community bear responsibility for responding to God’s warnings and instructions. Obedience is not just for the leaders or the spiritually mature; it is for every member of the body. God’s blessings and promises are activated when we move together in unity, but each of us will also stand before God and give an account for what we have heard and how we have responded.

It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that hearing God’s word, attending church, or admiring spiritual teaching is enough. But God is not looking for spectators; He is seeking doers. The tragedy for Israel was not that they didn’t hear, but that they didn’t act. They deceived themselves into thinking that hearing was sufficient, but transformation only comes through obedience. God’s desire is not to punish, but to see us live on the other side of His promises. He calls us to take just one brave step at a time, trusting that on the other side of our obedience is His faithfulness.

God knows the weight of what we carry and the challenges we face, yet He still calls us to obedience—not to burden us, but to bless us. The invitation is to move from hearing to doing, from inspiration to transformation, and to trust that God’s promises await us as we walk in obedience.

Key Takeaways

1. Obedience is the Key to Transformation True transformation in the Christian life does not come from information or inspiration alone, but from obedience. When we act on what God has spoken, we unlock the promises and blessings He has prepared for us. Obedience is the bridge between hearing God’s word and experiencing its power in our lives. [109:33]
2. Collective and Individual Responsibility God moves His people as a collective, but He also holds each person individually accountable. Our choices impact not only ourselves but the entire community of faith. While we benefit from the blessings of unity, each of us must answer for how we respond to God’s voice and calling. [71:58]
3. Hearing Without Doing is Self-Deception It is possible to be moved by God’s word, to enjoy spiritual experiences, and yet remain unchanged if we do not act. Hearing without doing is a form of self-deception, convincing ourselves that we are aligned with God when our hearts are actually resistant. True discipleship requires moving beyond admiration to action. [107:34]
4. Obedience Requires Courage and Sacrifice Obedience often demands courage, especially when God’s instructions are difficult or countercultural. It may require us to deliver hard truths, make uncomfortable changes, or step into unfamiliar roles. Yet, God values obedience above sacrifice, and He promises to be with us as we take each step of faith. [68:17]
5. God’s Promises are Conditional on Our Response The blessings and inheritance God has promised are not automatic; they are accessed through obedience. Even the most profound promises, like those given to Abraham, require us to align our actions with God’s will. Without obedience, inheritance can turn into judgment, but with it, we step into the fullness of God’s purpose for us. [95:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[61:30] - Introduction and Disclaimer
[63:44] - The Key of Obedience
[65:33] - Ready to Move: Responding to God’s Call
[67:29] - The Courage of Obedience
[69:09] - Ezekiel 33: The Watchman’s Responsibility
[71:58] - Collective and Individual Accountability
[73:24] - The Consequences of Obedience and Disobedience
[76:28] - Specific Instructions to Ezekiel
[80:26] - God’s Heart: No Pleasure in Judgment
[87:03] - Accountability of Leaders and Members
[92:29] - Speaking Only What God Commands
[94:35] - The Abrahamic Covenant and Conditional Promises
[97:57] - Inheritance Without Obedience
[103:26] - The Pharisaical Pathway: Hearing Without Doing
[107:34] - James 1: Be Doers, Not Hearers Only
[112:01] - Call to Action: One Brave Step
[115:05] - Closing Prayer and Invitation for Ministry

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ezekiel 33:1-20 (ESV) — > The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, speak to your people and say to them, If I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from among them, and make him their watchman, and if he sees the sword coming upon the land and blows the trumpet and warns the people, then if anyone who hears the sound of the trumpet does not take warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet and did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself. But if he had taken warning, he would have saved his life. But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand. ... (continue through verse 20)

James 1:22-25 (ESV) — > But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

Observation Questions

In Ezekiel 33, what is the role of the watchman, and what are the consequences for both the watchman and the people if warnings are ignored or not given? ([01:13:24])
According to the sermon, what is the difference between hearing God’s word and actually responding to it? ([01:47:34])
What does James 1:22-25 say happens when someone hears the word but does not do it?
How does God describe His heart toward judgment and obedience in Ezekiel 33:11? ([01:20:26])

Interpretation Questions

Why does God hold both the watchman (leader) and the people accountable for obedience? What does this say about individual and collective responsibility in the church? ([01:11:58])
The sermon says, “Hearing without doing is self-deception.” Why might people convince themselves that hearing is enough? ([01:47:34])
According to the sermon, why does God call us to obedience even when it is difficult or uncomfortable? ([01:08:17])
What does it mean that “obedience is the key that unlocks the fullness of God’s promises”? How does this challenge the idea that God’s blessings are automatic? ([01:35:31])

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to move from being spectators to doers. In what areas of your life have you been content to just “hear” God’s word without acting on it? What is one step you could take this week to move from hearing to doing? ([01:47:34])
Think about a time when you felt God prompting you to do something that was uncomfortable or required courage. How did you respond? What might help you take that “one brave step” next time? ([01:08:17]) ([01:52:01])
The message says that obedience is not just for leaders but for every member of the body. Is there a specific area in your church or community where you sense God calling you to step up in obedience? What’s holding you back? ([01:11:58])
The sermon warns against self-deception—believing that hearing is enough. Are there spiritual practices (like attending church, listening to sermons, or giving) that you do out of habit but without real obedience or heart change? How can you make these practices more meaningful? ([01:47:34])
God’s promises are described as conditional on our response. Is there a promise of God you are waiting to see fulfilled in your life? How might obedience be a key to experiencing that promise? ([01:35:31])
The story of the watchman shows that our choices impact others, not just ourselves. Can you think of a time when your obedience (or disobedience) affected your family, friends, or church community? What did you learn from that experience? ([01:13:24])
The sermon says God knows the weight of what we carry and still calls us to obedience “not to burden us, but to bless us.” How does this perspective change the way you view God’s commands? ([01:53:00])

Sermon Clips

Obedience leads to true transformation and is the way of all true disciples of Christ. Do you believe that? I believe that with all my heart. [01:07:02] (20 seconds) #ObedienceTransformsDiscipleship

No matter what, it looks like obedience is a blessing, because obedience will activate the promises of God. The things that he's promised are true, and they're certain, and they are activated. They are opened up with the key of obedience, no matter how challenging it may be. [01:19:34] (23 seconds) #ObedienceActivatesPromises

Without obedience, inheritance turns into judgment. Without obedience, the blessings fade away. You see, judgment are the consequences of doing something other than what God has said. And that's something every believer has to grapple with. Doing something other than what God has said. [01:37:50] (38 seconds) #ObedienceOrJudgment

The people pretend to enjoy listening to him while talking behind his back. They treated him like a performer, a good storyteller, or a musician with a lovely song. They like the novelty, perhaps the sound of his words, or even the artistry of his prophetic language. Yet, they had no intention of obeying what he said. This is what I'm calling a pharisaical pathway. It's hearing without doing. Outward interest, inward resistance. They honored God with their lips, but their hearts were far from him. [01:43:20] (50 seconds) #PharisaicalPathway

The tragedy for the children of Israel is that they thought hearing was enough. They decided themselves, or they deceived themselves into believing. The children of Israel deceived themselves into believing that hearing was enough. That attending church is enough, that listening to sermons is enough, that admiring our favorite preachers' delivery equals obedience, that tipping over tithing and grace -giving is enough. [01:45:03] (50 seconds) #HearingIsNotEnough

All of it comes down to the invitation, the voice to hear and listen, and the will to respond in obedience. That is what we are talking about today. Hearing without doing is not obedience. It's self -deception. It's convincing ourselves that everything is okay. [01:47:08] (37 seconds) #InvitationToObedientResponse

``Transformation never comes from information alone. It only comes through obedience. Obedience is the pathway. The words of the Lord will only bear fruit for those who act on what they hear, regardless of the delivery method. [01:49:50] (27 seconds) #ObedienceOverInformation

What is our call to action today, beloved, as a church, as a people, as a community, as a city, as a nation? It's to identify what God is saying and just take one brave step forward. One brave, just one, just one, just one. You take one, and then you wait. Then you hear again, and you take one more. And you've got to trust on the other side of your obedience is His promise. [01:52:01] (41 seconds) #OneBraveStepObedience

Though this particular conversation might feel a little tough and weighty, be confident and rest assured that God has got you. He's got you. He's not unfamiliar with what you're grappling with or the gravity of what burdens your heart. He's not unacquainted with that. He knows precisely. Yet He still is calling you to obedience so that He can deliver on His promises. [01:53:01] (35 seconds) #GodUnderstandsYourBurden

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