Obedience and Discipline

Date: January 21, 2015

Scriptures: 1 John 2 4:5, Proverbs 12:22, 1 Timothy 2:4, Matthew 14:18, Matthew 22, Isaiah 5:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Psalm 104, 1 Thessalonians 4:7, 1 Peter 1:15, 1 Peter 2:15, 1 Peter 3:17, Peter 4:19

Bible Study Notes:

God’s will is revealed in his word. 1 John 2 4:5 – When we obey God’s word we know that we are in him. The fulfillment of the word comes from Christ. 

We must be obedient to the word of God. God’s will for the world is justice and righteousness. He desires honesty and truth. We can’t lie or verbalize untruth with each other or with God.

Proverbs 12:22 – God desires honesty and truth. God delights in our honesty and when we are truthful with each other. Sometimes we withhold truth because we don’t want to hurt feelings but by not verbalize the truth we end up hurting them more in the end. 

Especially, neighbors, friends and relatives who aren’t saved. It’s God will for the world to be saved.

We must be a witness to others so they will know the truth. 1 Timothy 2:4 – God wants everyone to be saved. Even the worst of us. 

Matthew 14:18 – God doesn’t want anyone to be lost. God’s will for us loving obedience. Matthew 22 – I must obey God without full understanding.

I must be obedient to God even if it causes opposition with  my closest associates. We must obey. Joshua – as for me and my house, it’s my responsibility to bring it in line to the will of God. The man is the head of the house.

Not only do we have instruction, our husbands do too. Husbands shouldn’t go outside of God’s will, wives don’t go beyond their husbands. 

Scripture makes obeying God the highest priority over performing religious acts. Obeying God takes precedence over serving on church boards.

God desires us to be willing and obedient. Isaiah 5:14 – There are situations where you are willing but not obedient.

God grants us mercy so we must in turn show mercy. God forgives us so we must forgive others because one time or another we’ll need God’s forgiveness.

There should never be a time when you are in the midst of worship and not be ready to bless the name of the Lord.  1 Thessalonians 5:18 – in everything give thanks, not for everything give thanks. 

It could’ve been worse – thank you Lord for saving/keeping me. Even in the worse of situations you said that all things would work for the good. Even when we don’t see it, we must know that it’s working for our good. All we have to do is discipline ourselves to wait on when it will manifest.

We also can’t set time limits. We must know that he promised it and he will keep us until it comes to pass. Psalm 104 – Now with this knowledge I can bless his name. You need to praise him, just because you are still alive. Whatever you are dealing with there is someone else worse off than you. He wont put more on you than you can bear.

God desires us to worship him – He inhabits the praise of his people. The more you praise him, the better you’ll feel. You can praise your way through and out of situations. 

We know what he promised. He desires us to worship and be holy. 1 Thessalonians 4:7 – He called us to be holy. We must walk upright before him and be holy.

We must discipline ourselves to be holy. We need this lifestyle so we may let our light shine. When people see you they must see a Godly person. People want to know Jesus. 1 Peter 1:15 – In everything we do we must watch our speech. We must watch the conversations that we’re involve in. Don’t join in unholy conversations. You’re adding fuel to the fire.

You must discipline yourself not to listen to gossip. God calls us to love each other. God didn’t say, that the person we’re supposed to love should behave a certain way. We must still show love. 

John 15 - We must be willing to give the ultimate sacrifice. God desires that we have a high moral standard. Some things we shouldn’t be involved in 1 Peter 2:15 – People will try to involve you in their foolishness. We must do what God tells us to do.

Sometimes abiding by God’s will involves suffering. We are not in this life to be free from suffering. God doesn’t give you anything to get your attention. He can get your attention if he wants to. 

There are times where it involves suffering. 1 Peter 3:17 – The will of God. If you suffer for well doing, Christ is glorified (1 Peter 3:17) Don’t despise the chastening of the Lord. Don’t get bent out of shape when we’re chastened. 1 Peter 4:19 – If I suffer according to his will, I commit my soul to God.