Part 4: Walking in Obedience

Deepening your Relationship

[Introduction]

Today i want to begin by telling you a story.

A story about Timmy, his sister Sarah and their Dog Max

The Great Cookie Caper

One afternoon, little Timmy and his sister Sarah were playing in the living room when the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies drifted from the kitchen. Their mom was busy pulling a tray of delisious smelling cookies out of the oven. Timmy and Sarah rushed in, eyes wide with anticipation.

“Mom, can we have a cookie?” Timmy asked, practically drooling.

“Not yet,” their mom replied. “They’re too hot right now. You’ll burn your mouth. You have to wait until after dinner.”

Disappointed, the kids trudged back to the living room. But Timmy couldn’t stop thinking about those delicious, gooey cookies. His mouth watered just imagining the taste.

“I have an idea,” he whispered to Sarah. “I’ll sneak just one cookie. Mom won’t notice if I take just one.”

“Mom said not to,” Sarah warned. “You’ll get in trouble!”

“Nah, I’ll be quick!” Timmy insisted. Ignoring his sister’s protests, he tiptoed back to the kitchen.

He peered around the corner to make sure the coast was clear, then carefully reached for the biggest cookie on the tray. But as soon as he grabbed it, he realized his mistake. The cookie was still piping hot! The molten chocolate chips burned his fingers and he reflexively shoved the whole thing into his mouth.

“HOT! HOT! HOT!” he yelped, his eyes wide with panic, realizing his mistake, he desperately tried to cool his burning tongue. In his flailing, he knocked the entire cookie tray off the counter.

With a loud *clang*, the pan clattered to the floor, scattering cookies everywhere. Hearing the commotion, the family dog, Max, came sprinting into the kitchen. Before Timmy could do anything, Max pounced on the cookies, gobbling them up one by one.

“No, Max! Stop!” Timmy shouted, but it was too late. Max, delighted with his unexpected treat, had eaten every last cookie in a matter of seconds.

Their mom rushed in, looking at the mess on the floor, Timmy’s guilty expression, and Max happily licking his lips.

“What happened here?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Timmy, still fanning his mouth, stammered, “I… I just wanted one cookie, but it was so hot! And then everything fell, and Max ate them all!”

Their mom tried to keep a straight face but couldn’t help smiling a little. “See what happens when you don’t obey? You got burned, we lost all the cookies, and Max got an unexpected snack.”

Sarah, who had been watching from the doorway, shook her head. “I told you so.”

Their mom bent down to give Timmy a hug. “Next time, remember to listen. Good things come when you wait. And as for Max…” She looked at the dog, who was now lying contentedly on his back. “Looks like someone else learned a lesson today too.”

And that’s how Timmy learned that sometimes, impatience can turn a sweet treat into a hot mess—literally!

Introduce the theme:

True love for God is expressed through our obedience to His commands.

We show God we Love Him by obeying Him

John 14:15 NASB95

15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

In our series on deepening our relationship with God, its utterly important to understand.

Obedience leads to closer relationship.

Disobedience creates seperation.

we all know this is true,

As a kid when you disobey a parent. the last thing you want to do is be confront them

the same was true for Adam and Eve in the Garden after they ate the fruit

they hid from God

God is not some overbearing supreme being that just wants us to control us

Its not a do it my or else

rather, like in our story of Timmy and the cookies, obedience is actually for our own good.

God’s laws are to control us like man’s rules do

God’s laws are given to protect us, and give the the best life possible

Let’s take a brief look at the 10 commandments

1. You shall have no other gods before Me.

Worship only the one true God.

2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything… you shall not bow down to them or serve them.

Do not make or worship idols.

3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

Use God’s name with respect and reverence.

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Set aside the Sabbath day for rest and worship.

5. Honor your father and your mother.

Respect and obey your parents.

6. You shall not murder.

Value and respect human life.

7. You shall not commit adultery.

Maintain faithfulness in marriage.

8. You shall not steal.

Do not take what belongs to others.

9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Do not lie or speak falsely about others.

10. You shall not covet… anything that is your neighbor’s.

Do not desire what belongs to others.

These commandments serve as a foundational moral code, guiding believers in their relationship with God and others.

sin destroys

obedience brings life

John 14:15 NASB95

15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

James 1:22 NLT

22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.

I. The Connection Between Love and Obedience

Jesus’ Call to Obedience:

John 14:15

obedience is not about legalism but a response to God’s love.

Obedience as an Act of Worship:

obeying God’s commands is an act of worship that honors Him.

Application:

Examine our motives for obedience—are we obeying out of love or duty?

II. The Benefits of Obedience

Intimacy with God:

Obedience deepens our relationship with God, allowing us to experience His presence more fully

John 15:10 NASB95

10 “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

Application:

Abraham’s Obedience (Genesis 12, 22)

Story: Abraham obeyed God’s call to leave his homeland and go to an unknown place, trusting God’s promise of blessing.

Later, he demonstrated ultimate obedience by being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac.

Outcome: God blessed Abraham, making him the father of many nations. His faith and obedience deepened his relationship with God, who called him a “friend of God” (James 2:23).

Spiritual Growth and Maturity:

Obedience helps us grow spiritually and mature in our faith, as we align ourselves with God’s will (Hebrews 5:8-9).

Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3-4)

Story: When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses was hesitant. Despite his initial reluctance, he obeyed God’s command to confront Pharaoh.

Outcome: Moses’ obedience led to the liberation of the Israelites and a profound relationship with God.

Moses often spoke with God “face to face, as one speaks to a friend” (Exodus 33:11).

Joshua and the Walls of Jericho (Joshua 6)

Story: God gave Joshua unconventional instructions to march around the city of Jericho for seven days, and then blow trumpets and shout to bring the walls down.

Outcome: Joshua’s obedience led to the miraculous victory at Jericho.

This act of faith strengthened his leadership and Israel’s trust in God’s guidance.

Application:

Encourage the congregation to reflect on areas where obedience has led to growth in their lives.

III. Overcoming Barriers to Obedience

Fear and Doubt:

Address common fears that hinder obedience, such as fear of the unknown or doubting God’s provision

Isaiah 41:10 NASB95

10 ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Application:

Trust God’s promises and step out in faith, even when obedience is challenging.

Pride and Self-Will:

pride and wanting to control our own lives can block us from obeying God

When you think you actually know whats best for you!

Proverbs 16:18 NKJV

18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

Application:

Surrender control to God, trusting His wisdom over our own.

IV. Practical Steps for Walking in Obedience

Start with Small Steps:

Obeying in small areas leads to greater obedience in larger areas of life

Luke 16:10 NASB95

10 “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.

Application:

Identify one small step of obedience you can take this week.

Seek Accountability:

Find a trusted friend or group to encourage and hold you accountable in your walk of obedience

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 NASB95

9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. 10 For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.

Application:

Share your commitment to obedience with someone who can support and pray for you.

V. Obedience Leads to Blessing

God’s Promises:

blessings that come from obedience, such as peace, provision, and God’s guidance

Deuteronomy 28:1–2 NASB95

1 “Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. 2 “All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God:

Peace

Philippians 4:6–7 NASB95

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Provision

Malachi 3:8–12 NASB95

8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. 9 “You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the whole nation of you! 10 “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. 11 “Then I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of the ground; nor will your vine in the field cast its grapes,” says the Lord of hosts. 12 “All the nations will call you blessed, for you shall be a delightful land,” says the Lord of hosts.

Guidance

Proverbs 3:5–6 NASB95

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

Application:

Share testimonies of how obedience led to blessings in your life or the lives of others.

[Conclusion]

Recap the importance of obedience as an expression of love for God.Challenge the congregation to examine their lives and commit to obeying God’s commands in both small and significant ways.

[Closing Prayer]

Pray for a heart of obedience and a deeper love for God that compels us to follow His ways.Ask for courage and strength to overcome any barriers to obedience and to trust God’s guidance in every area of life.