SUNDAY 05 2025 SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP
Obedience to God is not merely a religious duty; it’s the pathway to experiencing His blessings, encountering His divine presence, and fulfilling our God-given purpose. Today, we’ll delve into the profound significance of intentional obedience – a conscious and purposeful choice to align our lives with God’s will.
1. Obedience: The Foundation of a Deep Relationship
* “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
* True love for God is not just expressed in words or emotions; it’s demonstrated through our actions. Obedience is a tangible expression of our love and commitment to God. It’s a testament to the depth of our relationship with Him.
2. Intentional Obedience: A Conscious Choice
* “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).
* Intentional obedience goes beyond merely acknowledging God’s commands. It requires a conscious decision to apply His word in our daily lives. It involves actively seeking to understand His will and then purposefully choosing to align our actions with His guidance.
3. The Benefits of Intentional Obedience
* “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).
* When we prioritize obedience, we open ourselves to a life of abundant blessings. God promises to fulfill the desires of our hearts, but these desires must be aligned with His will.
* “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
* God’s plans for our lives are always for our good. When we choose to obey Him, we tap into His divine wisdom and experience His blessings beyond measure.
4. Overcoming Obstacles to Obedience
* “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord does not see as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart'” (1 Samuel 16:7).
* Our human nature often tempts us to prioritize our own desires and inclinations over God’s will. We may face temptations, distractions, and even fear in our journey of obedience.
* “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
* We cannot rely on our own strength to overcome these obstacles. We need to draw strength from Christ, who empowers us to live a life of obedience.
5. A Call to Action
* Today, let us commit to a life of intentional obedience. Let us diligently study God’s word, seek His guidance through prayer, and actively choose to align our lives with His will.
* Let us remember that true freedom comes from surrendering our will to His.
Conclusion
Intentional obedience is not a burden; it’s a privilege. It’s an invitation to experience the fullness of God’s love, grace, and blessings. Let us embrace this journey of obedience with joy and confidence, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
