"Obedience: The Path to True Freedom"

The definition to obedience is an act or instance of obeying

Obeying means to follow the commands or guidance of

Jesus would likely define obeying as a loving, trusting, and active alignment with God’s will and commands, encompassing a life of righteousness, service to others, and unwavering faith, reflecting a deep and intimate relationship with the Father.

Obedience is often seen as a restriction on our freedom, but in fact it is the key to true freedom. The Bible teaches us this essential truth, and I'll share three main points with you, supported by Scripture, to help us understand why obedience is not the lack of freedom but the choice to act responsibly.

**Point 1: Obedience to God's Word Liberates Us**

*Scripture: Psalm 119:45 (CSB)*

I will walk freely in an open place because I study your precepts.<----rules to live by

Explanation:

Imagine you’re playing a video game. There are rules to follow if you want to win or level up, right? If you don’t follow the rules, you might lose points, or the game might become really difficult.

So, when the psalmist talks about “walking in obedience to God’s precepts,” it’s like saying, “follow God’s rules or guidelines.” Why? Because they’re there to help us make the right choices. It’s like having a super helpful strategy guide for the biggest, most exciting game of all – life!

When we follow God’s guidelines, it keeps us from making decisions we’ll regret, decisions that could hurt us or other people. And avoiding all that trouble? That’s the freedom the psalmist is talking about. It means we can live our lives without the heavy weight of guilt, shame, or the mess that comes from making bad choices.

It’s like playing the game with the best possible strategies – it becomes more enjoyable, less stressful, and you can really experience the game (or life) to the fullest!

**Point 2: Obedience Develops Character**

*Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)*

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Explanation:

Proverbs teaches us that obedience involves trusting in God's wisdom rather than relying solely on our understanding. Obedience isn't blind submission but a conscious choice to submit our ways to God's guidance. Through obedience, we develop character traits like humility, self-control, and patience. These qualities empower us to make wise decisions and navigate life's challenges successfully. What obedience does , is obedience helps us become responsible, well-rounded individuals.

**Point 3: Obedience Leads to God's Blessings**

Certainly! The principle that "Obedience Leads to God's Blessings" can be explained in a straightforward manner:

### Simple Explanation:

Think of obedience to God like following a recipe. If you follow the steps correctly, you'll end up with a tasty dish! Similarly, when we follow God’s instructions or commands (the “recipe” He has given us for a good life), we receive His blessings, like happiness, peace, and protection from harm.

### Detailed Explanation:

1. **Guidance and Protection:**

- God’s commands are like a roadmap, guiding us through life. When we obey, we walk in His protection and avoid many unnecessary troubles and dangers.

2. **Joy and Peace:**

- Obedience to God brings inner peace and joy because we are living in harmony with God’s will, even amidst life’s storms.

3. **Favor and Provision:**

- God promises to provide for the needs of those who seek Him and obey His commands, ensuring that we are cared for and lack no good thing.

4. **Spiritual Growth and Maturity:**

- Obedience is a crucial part of our spiritual growth. It draws us closer to God, helps us understand His will better, and matures our faith.

5. **Eternal Rewards:**

- God promises eternal blessings and rewards to those who obey Him, including eternal life and a place in His kingdom.

6. **Enhanced Relationships:**

- God’s commands often involve how we treat others. Obedience in this area leads to healthier, more fulfilling relationships with the people around us.

### In Application:

So, by choosing to obey God’s rules and instructions, we’re essentially choosing to live in a way that attracts His blessings, guidance, protection, and favor, both now and in the future. It’s like choosing to follow the best possible path laid out for us, with lots of good things along the way!

*Scripture: Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (NIV)*

"If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God."

Explanation:

In Deuteronomy, we see a powerful promise from God. He tells us that if we fully obey Him, blessings will overflow into our lives. This shows us that obedience is not a restriction but an invitation to partake in God's abundant goodness. His blessings go far beyond material possessions; they encompass peace, joy, and a deep sense of purpose in life. God desires to bless us abundantly when we choose to obey Him.

Conclusion:

Obedience is not the enemy of freedom; it's the gateway to true and lasting freedom. When we obey God's Word, we find liberation from the destructive consequences of sin, we develop godly character, and we open ourselves to God's abundant blessings. Let us remember Psalm 119:45, which reminds us that walking in God's ways leads to freedom.

So, as we go about our lives, let's choose to be responsible by embracing obedience to God's Word. In doing so, we will find the freedom we all long for – freedom in Christ, a freedom that brings purpose, joy, and peace. May we continually seek God's guidance and trust in His wisdom, knowing that obedience to Him is our path to genuine freedom.

Let us pray for the grace and strength to live obedient lives, honoring God in all we do. Amen.