Session Recap:

How have you been applying what you've learned and your action plan(s)?

• How was your prayer time last week?
• Did God reveal anything to you when you were with Him?

Ask:

Why is obedience so important in the life of a believer?

Teaching Time:

Obedience can be defined as “submission to another’s authority”. This definition works perfectly as it applies to our faith. In fact, obedience is one of the most essential parts of the Christian faith. For Christians, the act of taking up our cross and following Christ (Matthew 16:24) means obedience. The Bible says that we show our love for Jesus by obeying Him in all things: “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Christ Himself is the greatest illustration of obedience for us in scripture. Scripture tells us that "He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!" (Philippians 2:8). Therefore, we can see that obedience does not come easy or natural all the time. In fact, more times than not, it is a vicious fight between our spirit and our flesh to obey God’s Word. The fight to obey is an everyday battle. For the Christian, obedience means complying with everything God has commanded. It is our duty to do so. Knowing this, It is important to remember that our obedience to God is not solely a matter of duty. We obey Him because we love Him (John 14:23). Also, we understand that the spirit of obedience is as important as the act of obedience. We serve the Lord in humility, and love. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we grow more and more in our obedience to God as we seek to live a life that glorifies Him.

Application:

Read John 14:15-31

• How do we know if we love God? 
  
• Are we alone in trying to walk in obedience? Who is our Helper? How does he help us?

Read Romans 6:17

• What is obedience from the heart? Why are our attitudes and actions important to God? 

Read James 1:22-25

• What is James’ definition of spiritual deception? 
• Why does James relate disobedience to looking in a mirror and forgetting your own reflection? 

Read 1 John 2:3-6

• What does this teach us about obedience?
• Is it possible to be a Christian and not walk in obedience? (Hint: the answer is yes and no)

Read 1 John 5:2-3

• What is the love of God?

Read Matt 7:24-27

• What does this teach us about obedience and disobedience? 

Read Matt 22:37-40 & Matt 28:18-20

• What are the greatest commandments? What is the great commission?

Read 2 Cor 10:5

• Where does the fight of obedience start? How is the mind involved? 

Read 1 Cor 6:9-11

• What are the consequences of disobedience? 
• In your life, what are the greatest enemies of obedience?
• Based on our conversations today, what is your next step?

Where do we get it wrong?

• Disobedience isn’t that big of a deal to God
• Disobedience has no consequences.
• Obedience will always be easy.
• Obedience is not worth it.
• I can love God and walk in disobedience at the same time.