A LIFE OF OBEDIENCE

(Acts 5:14-29)

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 than important in life
than following Jesus and trusting Him to care for your needs.

I. 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 says, “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” (Num. 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
backed inside.
4. Jonah would have willingly traveled to Nineveh to preach the Word of God.

D. Faithful Biblical Characters:

The Lord rewarded those who were willingly 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.
2. Moses, a desert nomad, had to appear before the Pharaoh, the leader of a
powerful civilization, and demand freedom for the Israelites. Ultimately, the
people were allowed to go.
 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.
4. Nehemiah boldly asked Babylonian King for supplies to rebuild Jerusalem,
and received all he needed, including guards to help him safely reach the
city.
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.
6. Peter and the apostles refused to stop preaching about Jesus, even though
they were threatened, with flogging and imprisonment.

E. The Requirements:
As Believers, we must:
 Believe that God is sovereign – He controls all things at all times
(Ps. 103:19).
 Trust that He will work for our good in every situation and
circumstances (Rom. 8:28).
 Love the Lord. The Bible says we show our love for Him by
obeying His commands (1 John 5:3) – and not just when they
are convenient and desirable.
 Listen to Him. When you pray, make time to hear what He has
to say.
 Be courageous. Obeying God takes courage because following
His will often leads to conflict. You must be willing to do what is
right anyway.
 Fully surrender to Him.

F. The Results of Obedience:

 You will experience personal victory of you follow His will, even if the
world does not consider you a success. (see Joshua 1:8)
 Obedience leads to supernatural peace and joy in every circumstance.
 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.
II. Conclusions:
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 heart.
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.