THE URGENCY OF OBEDIENCE TO GOD By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:22 - "But Samuel replied: 'Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'"
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Introduction
Obedience to God is not an option; it is a divine command that determines our spiritual direction and ultimate destiny. Many people assume they have plenty of time to yield to God’s instructions, delaying their response to the leading of the Holy Spirit. However, such delays can have eternal consequences. God calls His people to immediate and total obedience, as delayed obedience is equivalent to disobedience.
The urgency of obeying God cannot be overstated. Throughout Scripture, we see examples of those who obeyed promptly and were blessed, as well as those who procrastinated and faced destruction. This teaching will explore the significance of obedience, the dangers of following carnal reasoning, and the importance of walking in the fear of God.
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The Danger of Delayed Obedience
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Many believers operate in partial obedience or delay following God’s commands, thinking they are buying themselves more time. However, such delays only lead to loss and destruction. When we delay, we are essentially exalting our carnal reasoning above the Holy Spirit’s leading. True obedience requires that we surrender our understanding and align ourselves fully with God’s instructions.
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Obedience Brings Divine Guidance and Protection
Isaiah 1:19-20 - "If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken."
Walking in obedience to God ensures that we remain under His divine protection and provision. Jesus Himself was led by the Holy Spirit throughout His earthly mission. Those who fail to obey and instead follow their own desires often end up in confusion and destruction. God desires His people to trust Him fully, knowing that His plans are for their well-being.
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The Consequences of Carnal Reasoning
Romans 8:6-7 - "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so."
Those who refuse to be led by the Holy Spirit are governed by carnal reasoning, which leads them away from God's will. The carnal mind is influenced by demonic deception, bringing destruction, disobedience, and ultimately separation from God. Many people make decisions based on their fleshly desires rather than seeking divine guidance, leading them into dangerous paths.
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The Call to Walk in the Fear of God
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."
Walking in the fear of the Lord means having deep reverence and respect for Him. It is through this fear that we learn to obey without question. Those who fear the Lord are careful to follow His instructions without hesitation, knowing that obedience leads to eternal life, while disobedience leads to destruction.
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Summary
God desires full and immediate obedience from His people. Delayed obedience is dangerous and can lead to spiritual death. The Holy Spirit is our guide, and we must submit to His leading rather than our own carnal reasoning. Walking in obedience brings divine protection, provision, and favor, while disobedience results in suffering and separation from God.
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Conclusion
Every believer must make a choice: to obey God fully or to follow their own understanding. The latter leads to destruction, while the former secures eternal life. The fear of the Lord should be our guiding principle, and we must never procrastinate in following His commands. The time to obey is now before it is too late.
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Call to Action
If you have been delaying obedience to God, repent today and surrender completely to His will. Listen to the Holy Spirit and act immediately when He directs you. Seek God’s wisdom in all decisions, and choose to walk in His ways without hesitation.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Be encouraged to walk in obedience and trust that God’s plans for you are good. He desires to bless and guide you, but you must align yourself with His will. Do not allow the enemy to deceive you into delaying your obedience. The time to follow God is now!
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Prayer of Salvation
If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, now is the time. Say this prayer with sincerity in your heart:
"Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and rose again for my salvation. Today, I surrender my life to You and ask You to be my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to walk in obedience to Your Word. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus' name, Amen."
