Unleashing God's Power Through Obedience
Scripture: Matthew 7:24 NIV
2 Kings 5:11-14
Deuteronomy 26:16
Joshua 1:8
Introduction
How often do we cheat ourselves out of God's blessing because of our own disobedience? When God instructs us in his word or by revelation, his instructions are designed to bring us to victory through releasing His power in our lives. Obedience to his direction is the key that opens the door to God's power.
I. Some Biblical examples and observations
Joshua 1:8 NIV Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
A. Biblical examples
1. Naaman
2. Jericho
3. Jehoshaphat
B. Some observations
1. Obedience is for our benefit
Joshua 1:8b NIV ... be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
2. Obedience is an act of worship
2 Chronicles 20:20-22 KJV And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. 21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy [endureth] for ever. 22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
3. Our preconceived notions must be discarded
2 Kings 5:11 NIV But Naaman went away angry and said, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.
II. Areas in our lives where God requires obedience
Joshua 11:15 NIV As the Lord commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses.
A. Personal purity
1. Thought life
2. Attitudes
3. Actions
B. Personal responsibility
1. Spiritual growth
2. Fulfilling family roles
3. Fulfilling other roles
C. Personal finance
1. Living within our means
2. Becoming debt free
3. Principles of giving
D. Personal ministry
1. Serving the body of Christ
2. Putting your gifting to work
III. How to step into a life of obedience
Read Deuteronomy 28:1-14 NIV
A. Set your will to obey
1. God
2. Laws of the land
B. Seek out and discover scripture which applies to your situation
Act on the instructions you have