ETERNITY

[Ranb2khz]

Powerful message today from Charles Stanley:

http://intouch.org/watch/what-does-obedience-require

Introduction

Obedience can be defined as doing what God says, how He says, and when He says to do it. It’s not always easy, but it’s essential if we want to live in accordance with God’s will.

Sermon Points

Obedience requires the following characteristics. We must be willing to …

• Recognize that God is the sovereign ruler of this universe.

When we acknowledge His right as the Creator to reign over the earth, we also recognize our responsibility to submit to Him as our authority.

• Have faith.

If we’re going to obey God, we must believe what He says.

• Be courageous.

We must be careful not to let fear stop us from fully obeying the Lord.

• Wait upon the Lord.

God’s timing is always perfect. He knows all the facts and the perfect timing for every situation.

• Meditate on God’s Word.

To obey, we must first know what the Lord wants us to do. As we read and meditate on His Word, it will challenge us to examine ourselves, and if necessary, change our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.

• Learn to listen to the Lord.

Since so many voices could lead us astray, we must be careful what we listen to.

• Suffer a head-on collision with the world, if necessary.

There may be times when we have to go against people and their expectations in order to obey the Lord.

• Forsake any and all sin.

There is no way to walk obediently with God while tolerating sin in our lives. This doesn’t mean we have to be perfect, but when the Holy Spirit convicts us of a particular sin, our first response should be confession, followed by repentance.

• Surrender our will to the Lord.

Each morning, we need to yield everything to the Lord, wanting only what pleases and honors Him.

• Walk where the way is unclear.

God doesn’t always give us full understanding of the path He wants us to walk. He doesn’t show us the entire picture up front but promises to guide us if we’ll take one step of faith at a time.

Summary

Obedience can be costly, confusing, and challenging, if we don’t trust that the Lord is faithful in our lives. Our heavenly Father always does what’s best for us when we leave all the consequences to Him.