A Life of Obedience

A Life of Obedience

Scripture: Acts 5:14-29

4 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. 16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

Imprisoned Apostles Freed

17 Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with [a]indignation, 18 and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. 19 But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”

21 And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the [b]council together, with all the [c]elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

Apostles on Trial Again

22 But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, 23 saying, “Indeed we found the prison shut securely, and the guards standing [d]outside before the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” 24 Now when [e]the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they wondered what the outcome would be. 25 So one came and told them, [f]saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!”

26 Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, 28 saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”

29 But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.

           I.                  Introduction:

How do you make decisions?  Do you try to determine what will benefit you the most, or perhaps you strive to please or impress others? Maybe you let emotions take control or attempt to make a logical choice. Wise men and women learn to obey God, and leave all the consequences to Him. There is nothing more important in life than following Jesus and trusting Him to care for your needs. 

       II.                  What does the Bible say about obeying God? 

A.       Biblical Example: When the apostles were told to stop preaching in Jesus’ name, they responded, “We must obey God rather than men” Acts 5:29

B.       Sowing and Reaping: Galatians 6:7 say, “Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” Every action has an impact, for good or evil. Our decisions, and the choices of others, determine the quality of our lives. 

C.      Disobedient Biblical Characters: The Bible says, “Be sure your sin will find you out” Numbers 32:23. Imagine how different the stories in Scripture would be if mankind knew what disobeying God would cost:

1.        Adam and Eve would never have eaten the forbidden fruit.

2.        The nation of Israel would have chosen to fight for the Promised Land the first time around instead of wandering 40 years in the desert. 

3.        After seeing Bathsheba bathing, David would have turned away and walked back inside. 

4.        Jonah would have willingly traveled to Ninevah to preach the Word of God. 

D.      Faithful Biblical Characters: The Lord rewarded those who were willing to follow His commands:

1.        Noah was asked to build a massive boat – which made him the laughing stock of his community. But he was ready when the flood came. (Genesis 6:13-22)

2.        Moses, a desert nomad, had to appear before Pharaoh, the leader of a powerful civilization, and demand freedom for the Israelites. Ultimately, the people were allowed to go. (Exodus 5:22 -  6:1-12)

3.        Joshua was told to march around Jericho for seven days instead of relying on the military tactics he knew. And God destroyed the enemy. (Joshua 6:1-17)

4.        Nehemiah boldly asked the Babylonian king for supplies to rebuild Jerusalem and received all he needed, including guards to help him safely reach the city. (Nehemiah 4:1-23)

5.        In captivity, Daniel and his three friends refused to eat meat because it was not prepared according to Hebrew dietary laws. Yet they were healthier than all the other young men. (Daniel 1:8-16)

6.        Peter and the apostles refused to stop preaching about Jesus, even though they were threatened with flogging and imprisonment. (Acts 5:17-42)

E.       The Requirements: As believers, we must:

1.        Believe that God is sovereign – He controls all things at all times (Psalms 103:19The Lord has established His throne in heaven,

And His kingdom rules over all.) (Jeremiah 18:6 6 “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?” says the Lord. “Look, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!)

2.        Trust that He will work for our good in every situation and circumstance (Romans 8:2828 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.)

3.        Love the Lord. The Bible says we show our love for Him by obeying His commands (1 John 5:3 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.) – and not just when they are convenient and desirable. 

4.        Listen to Him. When you pray, make time to hear what He has to say.

5.        Be courageous. Obeying God takes courage because following His will often leads to conflict. You must be willing to do what is right anyway.

6.        Fully surrender to Him. 

F.        The Results of Obedience

1.        You will experience personal victory if you follow His will, even if the world does not consider you a success. (Joshua 1:8  8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you[a] shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.)

2.        Obedience leads to supernatural peace and joy in every circumstance

3.        Spiritual growth and maturity results when believers continue to walk with God in the midst of suffering

G.      Application

1.        God may ask you to do something that doesn’t make sense from a human perspective

2.        The Father may lead you to give up a hobby or donate a valuable item

3.        He may prompt you to give financially when money is scarce.

4.        The Lord might want you to serve in your church or take a leadership role although you feel inadequate

    III.                  Conclusion:

When you need to make an important decision, don’t rely primarily on your own reasoning, the opinions of others, or even what worked in the past. Get on your knees before the Lord and pour out your heat. Spend time prayerfully reading His Word. Listen for His voice, and then follow His specific guidance for your life. Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.

If you will take to heart this one principle, you will have the awesome privilege of watching the Lord accomplish great things in and through you.