Five Defining Marks of Real Obedience

John 2:1–11 NLT

1 The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. 3 The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.” 4 “Dear woman, that’s not our problem,” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” 5 But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. 7 Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, 8 he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. 9 When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. 10 “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” 11 This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

INTRODUCTION:

Illustration: Old parrot in store – “You know what!” (A great lesson on obedience)

A- Biblical background

Notice the 5 defining marks of real obedience.:

I- OBEDIENCE IS ALWAYS FOCUSED UPON THE SOLUTION TO A PARTICULAR PROBLEM.

(JOHN 2:1 – 3)

John 2:1–3 NLT

1 The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. 3 The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.”

A- Problems often come in the midst of blessings (John 2:1 – 2).

John 2:1–2 NLT

1 The next day there was a wedding celebration in the village of Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration.

1- This problem occurred in the middle of a marriage celebration.

2- Our greatest problems come when experience of great blessing and joy occur.

a- Our response is usually “Lord, why now?”

* The Israelites were freed from slavery, only to become trapped between Pharaoh and the Red Sea. (Exodus 14)

Exodus 14 NLT

1 Then the Lord gave these instructions to Moses: 2 “Order the Israelites to turn back and camp by Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea. Camp there along the shore, across from Baal-zephon. 3 Then Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are confused. They are trapped in the wilderness!’ 4 And once again I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after you. I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord!” So the Israelites camped there as they were told. 5 When word reached the king of Egypt that the Israelites had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds. “What have we done, letting all those Israelite slaves get away?” they asked. 6 So Pharaoh harnessed his chariot and called up his troops. 7 He took with him 600 of Egypt’s best chariots, along with the rest of the chariots of Egypt, each with its commander. 8 The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, so he chased after the people of Israel, who had left with fists raised in defiance. 9 The Egyptians chased after them with all the forces in Pharaoh’s army—all his horses and chariots, his charioteers, and his troops. The Egyptians caught up with the people of Israel as they were camped beside the shore near Pi-hahiroth, across from Baal-zephon. 10 As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord, 11 and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? 12 Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’ ” 13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” 15 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! 16 Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground. 17 And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites. My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers. 18 When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the Lord!” 19 Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp. The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them. 20 The cloud settled between the Egyptian and Israelite camps. As darkness fell, the cloud turned to fire, lighting up the night. But the Egyptians and Israelites did not approach each other all night. 21 Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. 22 So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side! 23 Then the Egyptians—all of Pharaoh’s horses, chariots, and charioteers—chased them into the middle of the sea. 24 But just before dawn the Lord looked down on the Egyptian army from the pillar of fire and cloud, and he threw their forces into total confusion. 25 He twisted their chariot wheels, making their chariots difficult to drive. “Let’s get out of here—away from these Israelites!” the Egyptians shouted. “The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt!” 26 When all the Israelites had reached the other side, the Lord said to Moses, “Raise your hand over the sea again. Then the waters will rush back and cover the Egyptians and their chariots and charioteers.” 27 So as the sun began to rise, Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the water rushed back into its usual place. The Egyptians tried to escape, but the Lord swept them into the sea. 28 Then the waters returned and covered all the chariots and charioteers—the entire army of Pharaoh. Of all the Egyptians who had chased the Israelites into the sea, not a single one survived. 29 But the people of Israel had walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, as the water stood up like a wall on both sides. 30 That is how the Lord rescued Israel from the hand of the Egyptians that day. And the Israelites saw the bodies of the Egyptians washed up on the seashore. 31 When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the Lord had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the Lord and in his servant Moses.

B- Problems, depending on our handling, can become opportunity. (John 2:3)

John 2:3 NLT

3 The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.”

1- This problem was serious.

a- Could lead to ridicule and ruin.

2- The problems we face can become opportunities.

(Romans 8:28)

Romans 8:28 NLT

28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

a- opportunities for God to work salvation, deliverance, etc.

b- Opportunities for spiritual growth.

C- Problems are generally more easily stated than solved. (John 2:3 b)

John 2:3b NLT

3 The wine supply ran out during the festivities, so Jesus’ mother told him, “They have no more wine.”

1- Mary could state the problem, but had no earthly solution.

2- It is often easy to state our problem, but impossible for us to solve.

II- OBEDIENCE IS ALWAYS SIMPLE AND COMPLETE. (JOHN 2:5)

John 2:5 NLT

5 But his mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

A- Find out what God says.

1- Note Mary’s words: “Whatever he says, do it!”

2- The first step to obedience is to find out what God says to do.

a- Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. (John 16:13)

John 16:13 NLT

13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.

b- search the Scriptures for a command or principal

(2 Timothy 2:15)

2 Timothy 2:15 NLT

15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

(2 Timothy 3:16 – 17)

2 Timothy 3:16–17 NLT

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

c- Be sensitive to the gentle guidance of the Holy Spirit.

(1 Thessalonians 5:19)

1 Thessalonians 5:19 NLT

19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.

(Ephesians 4:30)

Ephesians 4:30 NLT

30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

(1) Through internal conviction in your spirit.:

(2) Through circumstances.

(3) To the Counsel of godly people.

B- Obey what God says completely!

1- Note again Mary’s instructions:

a- the 2nd step – “do it.”

2- When you receive a word from God obey him completely.

(Deuteronomy 13:4)

Deuteronomy 13:4 NLT

4 Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him.

(Luke 6:46)

Luke 6:46 NLT

46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?

III- OBEDIENCE REQUIRES ACTING UPON HIS COMMAND. (JOHN 2:7)

John 2:7 NLT

7 Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled,

A- Do first things first.

1- When Jesus spoke, he gave a plan one step at a time.

a- Fill the water pots.

b- Draw some of the liquid out.

c- Take it to the governor of the feast.

2- God does not do things haphazardly, so follow his directions exactly.

(1 Corinthians 14:33, 40)

1 Corinthians 14:33 NLT

33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.

1 Corinthians 14:40 NLT

40 But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.

B- Do not do it just half-way, or you are in rebellion.

1- King Saul half-obeyed God. (1 Samuel 15:12 – 13):

1 Samuel 15:12–13 NLT

12 Early the next morning Samuel went to find Saul. Someone told him, “Saul went to the town of Carmel to set up a monument to himself; then he went on to Gilgal.” 13 When Samuel finally found him, Saul greeted him cheerfully. “May the Lord bless you,” he said. “I have carried out the Lord’s command!”

2- Israel did not fully obey God (Joshua 17:12 – 13)

Joshua 17:12–13 NLT

12 But the descendants of Manasseh were unable to occupy these towns because the Canaanites were determined to stay in that region. 13 Later, however, when the Israelites became strong enough, they forced the Canaanites to work as slaves. But they did not drive them out of the land.

a- Israel is still plagued by descendents of the Canaanites.

Partial obedience is disobedience!

IV- OBEDIENCE ALWAYS INVOLVES A RISK (JOHN 2:8 – 9)

John 2:8–9 NLT

8 he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. 9 When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over.

A- Often times, his commands make no earthly sense (John 2:8)

John 2:8 NLT

8 he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions.

1- It made no sense to draw water when wine was needed.

2- God sometimes commands us to do what goes contrary to human wisdom.

(1 Corinthians 2:14)

1 Corinthians 2:14 NLT

14 But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.

(Hosea 14:9)

Hosea 14:9 NLT

9 Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them. But in those paths sinners stumble and fall.

a- Human wisdom is foolishness to God.

(Isaiah 5:21)

Isaiah 5:21 NLT

21 What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever.

(1 Corinthians 1:20)

1 Corinthians 1:20 NLT

20 So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish.

B- Often times your credibility will be put on the line (John 2:9 a)

John 2:9a NLT

9 When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over.

1- The servant’s credibility was on the line.

2- Satan will remind you that yours is on the line.

a- He will make you have doubts like:

(1) “What if this does not work?”

(2) “What will other people think?”

C- Assurance comes from knowing the source of your plan (John 2:9).

John 2:9 NLT

9 When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over.

1- The severance could move with assurance because Jesus gave the command.

2- You can accept the plan of God and move forward with confidence.

Remember: your credibility is safer when acting under divine guidance that makes no earthly sense, then it is when acting in worldly wisdom without divine guidance.

* Back to the Red Sea… What was the worldly credible solution? – Note God’s plan – walk into the sea!

V- OBEDIENCE IS ALWAYS REWARDED (JOHN 2: 9 – 11).

John 2:9–11 NLT

9 When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. 10 “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” 11 This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

A- Obedience is always rewarded with the best possible result (John 2:10).

John 2:10 NLT

10 “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!”

1- The servants’ obedience resulted in the best wine ever made.

a- Why be surprised – look who made it!

(1) Jesus never does anything halfway.

*The sick were healed completely.

* The dead were raised completely to life.

B- Obedience is always rewarded with complete provision.

1- Jesus always does more than we can ask or think.

2- God is never stingy with his provision.

* Moses and the Israelites not only escaped the Egyptians, but God destroyed the enemies.

* Jesus fed the multitudes and had leftovers.

* The prophets widow had more oil than enough to sell and meet her needs.

CONCLUSION:

A- summary:

1- Obedience is always focused on the solution to a particular problem.

2- Obedience is always sample and complete.

3- Obedience always requires acting upon God’s direction.

4- Obedience always involves a risk.

5- Obedience is always rewarded.

* Here are some questions that must be asked at this point:

1- What issue or problem are you facing that seems to have no earthly answer?:

2- Has God given you his direction on handling this problem?

3- What are you going to do specifically to put God’s plan in motion?

4- Are you going to step into the water or remain paralyzed before your problems?

5- Why not trust God and obey him and receive his reward?

Invitation: