Memory Verse: “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 28:1-2
Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:24-27
Introduction:
As we read this week’s Scripture Reading and think on obedience, we are led to understand that with even this formalized promise to Abram God loved unconditionally and yet He commanded Abram with demands also. God commanded them to move to a new land, to be a blessing to others, to walk before Him and be blameless, and told them what to do for a sign of the covenant between them. Through Abram’s faithful obedience to God’s commands Abram withstood the test, for he believed and obeyed. What does God ask of us today but obedience also?
In human beings the “will” is important, the “won’t” is very important also. As was stated in an earlier lesson, God has given us the gift of free will, the ability to make independent decisions. But the very act of making choices implies that such choices can be wrong as often as they may be correct. If we wish to re-cap benefits rather than curses from our decisions, we would be wise to make them within a framework of obedience to God. Being human, we can err even then, but if we consider how God may be assessing our decisions we will certainly be a lot more careful in making them.
Just when do any of us outgrow the need to be obedient toward someone? Isn’t there some authority over various aspects of our lives? We must all obey the legal authorities with regard to speed, laws, zoning ordinances, etc… And we had better not disobey the order to pay our taxes, unless we wish to spend some time in a jail cell. God requires obedience form all men. If they choose not to obey Him directly, they still must obey Him through civil officials which He has ordained. How much easier it is to “render unto Caesar” when we have first pledged our allegiance to the Author of All law. How much more difficult life is for those who fail to do this.
It is the response of obedience that qualifies people of great faith. Abraham and Sarah believed God; they obeyed Him regardless of the consequences. It is this kind of willing trust that pleases God, anything less will not do. Those who do not have faith cannot see past the physical world around them and are blind to what God is doing; but those who open their spiritual eyes can see the spiritual realities which transcend this world. Hope in God’s strength and in His faithfulness, and then in that hope they will find the strength to endure. When it comes to faith, the world scoffs. Faith is never easy, but the more convinced we are of the reality of an all-good, all-powerful God, the more our trust will grow and the less we will be overwhelmed by doubts and temptations.
Study Questions:
- Abraham passed one of the severest tests of obedience God could require of a man, what was the reward for his obedience? Genesis 17:5-6; 22:15-18; Hebrews 11:8-12.
- What befell the sons of Aaron when they disobeyed the Lord’s commandments? Leviticus 10:1-3; Numbers 3:2-4.
- Disobedience always causes disaster in one way or another. What catastrophe came upon the house of Eli? 1 Samuel 2:12-17, 27-36; 1 Samuel 4:10-11. Note: Eli’s sons dishonored God by doing their priestly duties with irreverence and disrespect. Eli warned his sons of divine judgment, but he had never really rebuked them for their sins. By neglecting his parental duty, he was in effect favoring his sons above God. The prophet predicted the destruction of the priestly family which was ultimately fulfilled when the priesthood was transferred to the family of Zadok in the time of Solomon (See 1 Kings 2:26-27).
- What became of the disobedient Israelites who came out of Egyptian captivity? Numbers 14:26-38; 1 Corinthians 10:1-11. Note: The discipline of God exercised against the disobedient Israelites should serve notice to Christians that God will punish His people’s sin.
- What are God’s feelings toward the obedient and the disobedient? Proverbs 12:1-3; 15:9; 1 Samuel 15:17-26. Note: Saul excused his disobedience by blaming the people, but Samuel emphasized that sincerity and obedience were the prerequisites for worship that pleased God. Saul failed to realize that he was not a sovereign and independent ruler but was the representative of God’s royal presence. Saul had disobeyed God one time too many and for him there was no return.
- What good admonition did Moses give to Israel? Deuteronomy 4:1-10; Ezekiel 20:11. Note: By living in obedience to God, Israel would become a countercultural force by its manner of life, government, and society. The quality of a Christian’s physical and spiritual life on earth, are related to his or her obedience to the living God. God’s judgments and statutes were given to us, His people, as a means of maintaining our walk with God, not as the basis for establishing our salvation.
- Was Jesus obedient to His Father in heaven? Did Jesus set an example for us? Mark 14:36; John 5:24-30; Romans 5:18-19; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 5:5-10. Note: The separation between Spirit and flesh is real and our human nature, even after conversion, wars against the work of God. Christ successfully carried out God’s plan for Him; He endured suffering and temptation so that He could truly function as our High Priest. He experienced all of what a person goes through on this earth, He knows how difficult it is to obey God completely; just as He understands the attractions of temptation, yet He persisted in obedience. Could we have asked for a better or more complete example?