OBEY THE COMMANDS OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD By: Major Frank Materu
KEY SCRIPTURE
“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” — John 6:63 (KJV)
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INTRODUCTION
The Christian life is founded upon obedience to God and submission to the leading of His Holy Spirit. God has not called us merely to know His name, participate in religious activities, or speak about His Kingdom. He has called us to live according to His will, walk in His truth, and fulfil His purposes through the power of His Spirit.
Many people desire God's blessings but resist His instructions. They want His presence without surrendering their personal ambitions, pride, and fleshly desires. Instead of allowing God to direct their lives, they attempt to make Him approve their own decisions. This attitude creates conflict between human desires and divine authority.
The commands of the Spirit of God must therefore be received with humility and obeyed with faith. When we allow fleshly reasoning to contradict God's truth, we hinder our spiritual growth. However, when we surrender to His authority, we position ourselves to live according to His purposes and bear fruit that glorifies His name.
God's wisdom is greater than human understanding. His ways may sometimes challenge our expectations, but His character remains trustworthy. Scripture declares, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 55:8).
Our responsibility is not to force God to follow our plans but to surrender our plans to Him. We must learn to hear His Word, receive His correction, reject evil, and follow Jesus Christ faithfully.
This lesson calls every believer to examine his heart, abandon disobedience, and walk in the truth and life of the Holy Spirit. Genuine spiritual maturity is demonstrated not merely by what we say but by how faithfully we obey God.
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THE AUTHORITY OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD
The Holy Spirit leads God's people into truth and directs them according to the will of the Father. His authority must not be subordinated to human opinions, cultural expectations, personal ambitions, or selfish desires.
Jesus promised His disciples, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).
Obedience begins with a heart willing to listen and respond. When God's Word exposes sin, we must repent. When He commands forgiveness, we must forgive. When He calls us to righteousness, we must turn away from evil.
We must also exercise spiritual discernment. Not every feeling, thought, or personal impression comes from God. The leading we attribute to the Holy Spirit must be examined in the light of Scripture and the character of Jesus Christ. God does not lead His people into conduct that contradicts His truth.
Jesus declared, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
Our love for Christ must therefore be expressed through obedience. We cannot sincerely claim to honour Him while deliberately rejecting His instructions. True submission means allowing His Word to govern our decisions, relationships, attitudes, and conduct.
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REJECT THE INTERFERENCE OF THE FLESHLY MIND
One major obstacle to obedience is the fleshly mind, which places personal reasoning above God's authority. The problem is not the responsible use of our minds, but allowing pride, fear, selfishness, and sinful desires to justify disobedience.
Scripture declares, “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Romans 8:7).
The fleshly mind seeks independence from God. It may refuse forgiveness because of resentment, reject correction because of pride, or tolerate dishonesty because truth appears costly. In each case, human reasoning is being used to resist divine instruction.
We must not assume that something is right simply because it is convenient or desirable. God's truth must determine our choices rather than our emotions or personal preferences.
Paul instructs believers, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
Renewal takes place as we receive God's Word, repent of sinful attitudes, and practise obedience. We must surrender our thinking to the Lord so that our decisions reflect His wisdom.
Whenever personal ambition conflicts with God's truth, choose obedience. Whenever pride resists correction, choose humility. Whenever temptation encourages compromise, choose righteousness. The mind must serve God's purposes rather than become an instrument of rebellion.
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WALK IN THE SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH
God desires His people to live in the Spirit and in truth, not merely to maintain an outward appearance of religion. Walking in the Spirit means submitting to His guidance, resisting sinful desires, and allowing Him to shape our character.
Paul writes, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
Walking in truth requires honesty, integrity, and faithfulness to God's Word. We cannot consistently claim to follow the Holy Spirit while deliberately practising deception, hatred, exploitation, or other forms of unrepentant sin.
Jesus declared, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).
True worship extends beyond songs, church attendance, and public declarations. It involves a heart that honours God and a life that reflects His truth.
The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). These qualities provide evidence of the Spirit's transforming work.
Walking in the Spirit does not mean becoming instantly perfect. It means remaining teachable, responding to correction, repenting when we fall, and continuing to grow in Christlikeness.
Our faith must therefore be visible in our conduct. Let our words, relationships, decisions, and service demonstrate that we are learning to follow the Spirit of God.
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LIFE AND POWER ARE FOUND IN THE SPIRIT
Human strength, education, wealth, and influence cannot produce spiritual life. Although these things may have legitimate uses, they cannot replace the transforming work of God in the human heart.
Jesus declared, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing” (John 6:63).
The Spirit gives life, strengthens believers, and equips them to fulfil God's purposes. When we obey His truth, our lives become instruments of righteousness and service.
God may call us to forgive, speak honestly, help someone in need, abandon a sinful habit, or accept a responsibility that requires sacrifice. Obedience enables us to participate faithfully in His work.
However, obedience does not guarantee immediate success, material prosperity, or freedom from suffering. Sometimes God's purposes require patience, perseverance, correction, and sacrifice. Our calling is to remain faithful even when the outcome differs from our expectations.
The Lord declares, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).
God's work must not be reduced to human ambition or outward performance. Ministry programmes, resources, and strategies can serve His purposes, but they must remain subject to His truth.
We must depend upon the Holy Spirit rather than trusting exclusively in our abilities. His power enables us to resist sin, serve others, proclaim Christ, and persevere in faith.
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DESIRE THE PRESENCE OF GOD
The presence of God is precious and must never be treated with indifference. We are called to seek Him sincerely, honour His holiness, and remain faithful to His truth.
James 4:8 declares, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”
We cannot consistently reject God's authority while expecting to enjoy the fullness of fellowship with Him. Persistent, unrepentant sin damages our spiritual lives and requires genuine repentance.
Nevertheless, we must not measure God's presence solely by our emotions or circumstances. Difficult seasons, unanswered questions, and personal struggles do not automatically mean that God has abandoned us. Our faith must rest upon His character and the truth of His Word.
The psalmist expressed his longing for God, saying, “My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God” (Psalm 42:2).
This should be the desire of every believer: to know God, honour Him, and live according to His will. His presence must be valued above worldly recognition, material possessions, and human approval.
A church or ministry may have impressive programmes and visible success, but these cannot substitute for holiness, truth, love, and obedience. God's people must demonstrate their desire for Him through prayer, repentance, worship, righteous conduct, and faithful service.
Let us seek the Lord sincerely and allow His truth to govern our lives.
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GIVE THANKS FOR THE BREAD OF LIFE
Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life, the source of spiritual nourishment and eternal life. Our greatest privilege is to know Him and receive the salvation God offers through Him.
Jesus said, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).
No material possession, human philosophy, or religious performance can replace the life found in Christ. Therefore, we must remain thankful for His mercy, forgiveness, guidance, and daily provision.
Scripture instructs us, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Thanksgiving does not mean pretending that suffering does not exist. It means trusting God's character even in difficult circumstances and recognizing His faithfulness amid uncertainty.
God is invisible to the natural eye, but His reality does not depend upon our ability to see Him. We trust Him through faith in His revealed Word and His saving work through Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Let gratitude shape our attitudes and actions. We should respond to God's goodness through worship, generosity, humility, and service. Having received the Bread of Life, we must also share the message of Christ with others.
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TRUST THE WAYS OF THE LORD
God's wisdom exceeds our understanding. Sometimes His direction differs from our preferences, and His timing challenges our expectations. In such moments, we must resist the temptation to question His goodness merely because we do not understand His ways.
Proverbs 3:5–6 teaches, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Trusting God does not mean abandoning responsible thinking. It means refusing to make human understanding the final authority. We must examine our plans through Scripture, seek wise counsel, pray for discernment, and remain willing to change direction when God's truth requires it.
We must not demand a complete explanation before obeying what God has clearly revealed. Some things become clearer as we walk in faith; others remain beyond our present understanding.
Deuteronomy 32:4 declares, “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.”
We should receive God's provision with gratitude and face difficulties with faith. This does not mean that every painful event is God's direct command or that injustice should be ignored. Rather, we must respond to every situation according to biblical truth while trusting the Lord.
When His direction differs from our expectations, let us remain humble and obedient. God knows the way we should follow, and His wisdom is worthy of our trust.
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HUMBLE YOURSELF UNDER THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST
Pride makes obedience difficult because it places personal judgment above God's authority. A proud heart resists correction, protects its own ambitions, and refuses to acknowledge its limitations.
Scripture declares, “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6).
Humility recognizes that God is Lord and that our lives belong to Him. It requires us to accept correction, acknowledge wrongdoing, and surrender ambitions that conflict with His truth.
Peter instructs believers, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).
We must not use spiritual gifts, leadership positions, knowledge, or public recognition as reasons to consider ourselves superior to others. Every responsibility must be exercised with integrity, accountability, and reverence for God.
Jesus demonstrated perfect submission to the Father's will when He prayed, “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42).
His example teaches us to place God's will above personal preference. Sometimes obedience requires admitting a mistake, asking forgiveness, surrendering a preferred opportunity, or accepting a difficult assignment.
Such surrender is not weakness. It is evidence that we recognize the lordship of Jesus Christ.
Let us stop contending with God and learn to follow Him with humble hearts. His wisdom is greater than ours, and His purposes deserve our faithful obedience.
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ENTER THE KINGDOM THROUGH GENUINE FAITH
Knowing God's name or speaking about His Kingdom does not, by itself, establish a saving relationship with Him. Jesus taught that a person must be born again to enter the Kingdom of God.
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).
Salvation is God's gift of grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. It cannot be earned through religious activities, family background, good works, or human achievement.
Ephesians 2:8–10 teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our works, and that we are created in Christ Jesus for good works. Obedience is not the price we pay for salvation; it is the response of a life being transformed by God's grace.
Jesus warned, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).
These words expose the danger of religious profession without genuine submission. We must not merely speak about Christ while deliberately refusing to follow His truth.
The Kingdom of God is not advanced through manipulation, conspiracy, dishonesty, or selfish ambition. It advances through the saving work of God and the faithful witness of people who live according to His Word.
Paul writes, “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power” (1 Corinthians 4:20).
The reality of God's Kingdom must be reflected in transformed lives, righteous conduct, genuine love, and faithful service. Let us examine our hearts and ensure that our faith is rooted in Christ and expressed through obedience.
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RECOGNIZE PEOPLE BY THEIR FRUIT
Words can be impressive, but they do not always reveal the true condition of the heart. A person may speak confidently about God while living contrary to the truth he professes.
Jesus taught, “Ye shall know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16).
The fruit of a person's life includes character, integrity, humility, love, faithfulness, and the willingness to repent when corrected. These qualities provide evidence of spiritual growth.
This does not mean that believers never make mistakes. Christians continue to grow and depend upon God's grace. The important distinction is between someone who sincerely repents and seeks transformation and someone who deliberately protects a lifestyle of unrepentant sin.
Religious language must never be used to conceal deception, exploit others, or avoid accountability. At the same time, we must assess people fairly and avoid condemnation based on rumours, appearances, or personal prejudice.
James 3:17 describes heavenly wisdom as “first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits.”
These qualities should guide our assessment of spiritual leadership and personal conduct. Those who follow the Holy Spirit should increasingly demonstrate Christlike character.
When sin is exposed, the proper response is repentance rather than excuses. When correction is necessary, humility must replace defensiveness.
Let us value godly character above impressive speech and faithful conduct above outward appearances. Our lives should confirm the truth we proclaim.
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SEPARATE YOURSELF FROM EVIL
Obedience requires a deliberate rejection of sin. We cannot consistently claim to follow the Holy Spirit while knowingly embracing conduct that contradicts God's holiness.
Scripture commands, “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2 Timothy 2:19).
Separation from evil does not mean refusing to love or serve people who do not share our faith. It means refusing to participate in sin, endorse wrongdoing, or allow ungodly influences to control our decisions.
Sinful compromises can gradually weaken spiritual convictions. Dishonesty, bitterness, greed, pride, and unforgiveness may become established habits when they are continually excused. These attitudes must be confronted through repentance and obedience.
First Peter 1:15–16 calls believers to holiness in all their conduct because God is holy.
Holiness involves consecrating our entire lives to the Lord. Our speech, relationships, work, financial dealings, and private conduct must increasingly reflect His truth.
The Holy Spirit strengthens believers to resist sin and grow in righteousness. We must cooperate with His work through prayer, Scripture, accountability, confession, and practical obedience.
Romans 8:13 teaches that through the Spirit we put to death the deeds of the body and live.
Therefore, reject whatever draws you away from God's truth. Do not hide sin behind religious language or protect it through excuses. Repent, receive God's forgiveness, and pursue a life that honours Jesus Christ.
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OBEY GOD AND WALK IN HIS POWER
God calls His people to obedience so that they may fulfil His purposes and bear witness to Jesus Christ. Spiritual power is not given for personal domination, selfish ambition, or the control of others. It equips believers to live faithfully, overcome sin, serve people, proclaim the Gospel, and persevere in God's work.
Jesus promised, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me” (Acts 1:8).
The power of the Holy Spirit enables believers to represent Christ through their words, character, service, and faithfulness.
Our witness becomes ineffective when we proclaim righteousness but deliberately practise dishonesty, preach forgiveness while nurturing hatred, or teach humility while pursuing personal glory.
God's grace remains the foundation of our spiritual lives. Obedience does not purchase His favour; it demonstrates our willingness to submit to His transforming work.
As we follow the Lord, we become instruments through which His truth and love reach others. Our families, workplaces, churches, and communities should benefit from our integrity and faithful service.
Micah 6:8 summarizes God's requirement: “To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”
Let us seek spiritual power together with righteousness, humility, and accountability. May our lives demonstrate the reality of Christ's Kingdom and bring glory to God.
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SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
The central message of this lesson is clear: Obey the commands of the Spirit of God and allow His truth to govern your life.
Spiritual life cannot be sustained by religious language or human ambition. It requires faith in Jesus Christ, submission to God's Word, and a willingness to follow the Holy Spirit.
Reject the fleshly mind when it encourages disobedience. Walk in the Spirit, pursue holiness, desire God's presence, and remain thankful for the salvation and life He provides through Christ.
Trust God's wisdom even when you do not understand His ways. Humble yourself under the lordship of Jesus, turn away from evil, and evaluate spiritual claims through the fruit of a person's life.
Remember that salvation is a gift of grace, not a reward earned through works. Nevertheless, genuine faith produces a life that increasingly reflects obedience, righteousness, love, and faithfulness.
God has called us not merely to know His name but to live according to His will. Let us become people who hear His Word, obey His instructions, and demonstrate His transforming power through our daily conduct.
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THE CALL TO ACTION
Examine your heart today. Are you following God's instructions, or are pride, fear, bitterness, selfish ambition, and personal desires controlling your decisions?
Identify the areas where you have resisted God's truth. Repent of sin, seek His wisdom, forgive where necessary, correct wrongdoing, and take practical steps toward obedience.
Develop a daily commitment to prayer, Scripture, thanksgiving, and faithful service. Remain accountable to God's Word and be willing to receive correction.
If you are a leader, demonstrate the truth you teach. If you are a parent, worker, minister, student, or community servant, allow Christ to govern your responsibilities.
Above all, place your faith in Jesus Christ. Do not delay responding to His call. Receive His grace, follow His truth, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform your life.
Hear His Word. Reject rebellion. Walk in truth. Obey the Spirit of God. Live for the glory of Jesus Christ.
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FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Do not be discouraged when God reveals areas of your life that need correction. His truth gives you an opportunity to repent, grow, and become more faithful.
You are not required to depend upon your strength alone. Through Jesus Christ, God's grace is available to forgive, restore, and transform those who sincerely turn to Him.
Remain faithful even when obedience requires patience or sacrifice. Let your conduct support your words, your faith produce godly fruit, and your service reflect the love of Christ.
May the Lord strengthen you to reject evil, obey His commands, walk in truth, and fulfil His purposes. May your life become a testimony of His grace and power.
Obey the Spirit of God. Follow Jesus Christ wholeheartedly. Until your life brings glory to God and bears witness to His Kingdom.
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SALVATION PRAYER
If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you may pray this prayer sincerely, placing your faith in Him. Salvation is received through God's grace, not by repeating words alone.
Heavenly Father,
I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. I acknowledge that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I cannot save myself through my own efforts or good works.
Lord Jesus, I believe that You are the Son of God, that You died for my sins, and that You rose again from the dead. I repent of my sins and place my faith in You as my Lord and Saviour.
Please forgive me, cleanse my heart, and give me a new life. Deliver me from the power of sin and help me to turn away from everything that contradicts Your truth.
Holy Spirit, guide me according to God's Word. Teach me to obey the Lord, walk in righteousness, love others, and remain faithful to Jesus Christ.
Father, strengthen my faith, establish me in Your truth, and lead me into fellowship with believers who will encourage my spiritual growth. Help me to live for Your glory and fulfil the purposes You have prepared for me.
Thank You for Your mercy, forgiveness, and the new life available through Jesus Christ. I place my life in Your hands and trust in Your saving grace.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour, I pray. Amen.
KEY SCRIPTURE
“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” — Romans 8:14 (KJV)
Tighten repeated obedience themesClarify the Spirit’s commands biblically
