Part 2: Obedience – The First Step of Faith Introduction: Why Does Obedience Matter?

Michael Johnson

Light Way Church

Faith in Motion: Living What We Believe • Sermon • Submitted 3 months ago • Presented 3 months ago

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Part 2: Obedience – The First Step of Faith

Introduction: Why Does Obedience Matter?

Faith and obedience are inseparable. Many people want God’s blessings but resist following His commands. However, the Bible is clear: obedience is the first step of faith. It proves our trust in God and allows us to experience His promises.

In this lesson, we will explore:

Why obedience is essential to faith

How biblical figures demonstrated obedience

The blessings that come from obedience

How we can actively walk in obedience today

I. Historical and Biblical Context

Authorship & Date: Deuteronomy was written by Moses around 1406 B.C., just before Israel entered the Promised Land.

Audience: The new generation of Israelites preparing to enter Canaan.

Purpose: To remind Israel of God’s covenant and the blessings that come through obedience.

Background of Deuteronomy 28

The Israelites had spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness due to their disobedience (Numbers 14:33-34).

As they prepared to enter the Promised Land, Moses reminded them of God’s commandments and the importance of obeying Him fully.

Deuteronomy 28 contrasts the blessings of obedience (verses 1-14) with the curses of disobedience (verses 15-68).

II. Passage Analysis – Breaking Down Deuteronomy 28:1-14

1. The Call to Obedience (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)

📖 Deuteronomy 28:1 (ESV) – "And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth."

🔍 Key Hebrew Word:

Shama (שָׁמַע) – "Obey, Listen"

Means to hear with attention and respond.

Used in 1 Samuel 15:22 – "To obey (shama) is better than sacrifice."

Analysis:

Obedience starts with listening to God’s voice.

God does not bless partial obedience—He calls for faithful, complete obedience.

John 14:15 – "If you love me, you will keep my commandments."

💡 Application:

Are you listening to God’s voice and responding with obedience?

Is there an area of partial obedience in your life that needs full surrender?

2. The Blessings of Obedience (Deuteronomy 28:3-6)

📖 Deuteronomy 28:3-6 (ESV) – "Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field... Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl."

🔍 Key Hebrew Word:

Barak (בָּרַךְ) – "Blessed"

Means to be favored, prosperous, or divinely approved.

Used in Psalm 1:1-3 – "Blessed (barak) is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked."

Analysis:

Obedience leads to spiritual, physical, and material blessings.

Blessings are not just individual but also communal—they affect families, cities, and nations.

Matthew 6:33 – "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

💡 Application:

Are there areas of your life where disobedience is blocking blessings?

How can you align your daily actions with God’s commands?

3. Victory Through Obedience (Deuteronomy 28:7-10)

📖 Deuteronomy 28:7 (ESV) – "The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before you. They shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways."

🔍 Key Hebrew Word:

Natsach (נָצַח) – "Victory"

Means to prevail, conquer, or overcome.

Used in Exodus 14:14 – "The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."

Analysis:

Obedience leads to spiritual protection and victory over the enemy.

James 4:7 – "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

When we walk in obedience, we invite God’s power and authority into our lives.

💡 Application:

Are you experiencing spiritual attacks due to disobedience?

What steps of obedience can you take to walk in victory?

4. Established as God’s People (Deuteronomy 28:11-14)

📖 Deuteronomy 28:13 (ESV) – "And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you shall only go up and not down, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God."

🔍 Key Hebrew Word:

Qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ) – "Holy, Set Apart"

Means to be dedicated and distinct for God’s purposes.

Used in 1 Peter 2:9 – "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy (qadosh) nation."

Analysis:

Obedience sets us apart as God’s people.

Isaiah 1:19 – "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land."

Living differently from the world reflects our faith in God.

💡 Application:

How does your obedience reflect God’s holiness in your life?

What specific habits need to change to align with God's will?

III. Faith in Action – Practical Application

Obedience Requires Trust (Proverbs 3:5-6)

We obey not because we always understand but because we trust God’s wisdom.

Obedience Positions Us for Blessing (Psalm 119:1-2)

Blessings follow those who walk according to God’s ways.

Obedience Invites God’s Power (Acts 5:29-32)

The Holy Spirit moves in those who obey.

IV. Study Questions for Reflection

Why does God emphasize obedience before blessing?

How does obedience demonstrate true faith?

In what areas do you struggle with full obedience?

What is one act of obedience you can commit to this week?

V. Sermon Outline: "Obedience – The First Step of Faith"

1. Obedience is the Evidence of Faith (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)

Faith without obedience is empty profession.

2. Obedience Unlocks God’s Blessings (Deuteronomy 28:3-6)

God’s blessings are tied to our willingness to follow Him.

3. Obedience Brings Victory (Deuteronomy 28:7-10)

When we obey, we walk in God’s power and protection.

4. Obedience Marks Us as God’s People (Deuteronomy 28:11-14)

A lifestyle of obedience distinguishes us as followers of Christ.

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