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 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 follow His instructions, walk in truth, and fulfil His purposes through the power of His Spirit.

Many people desire God's blessings but resist His commands. They want His presence without surrendering their pride, personal ambitions, and fleshly desires. Instead of allowing God to direct their lives, they expect Him to approve their decisions. This attitude creates conflict between human will and divine authority.

The commands of the Spirit of God must be received with humility and obeyed with faith. When fleshly reasoning contradicts God's truth, spiritual growth is hindered. However, when we surrender to His authority, we become better equipped to fulfil His purposes. 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. Genuine spiritual maturity is demonstrated through obedience, repentance, righteousness, and faithfulness. This lesson calls every believer to reject rebellion, trust God's wisdom, and allow the Holy Spirit to govern daily life.

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THE AUTHORITY OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD

The Holy Spirit guides God's people according to divine truth. His authority must not be subordinated to human opinions, cultural expectations, or selfish ambitions. Jesus promised, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

Obedience begins with a willing heart. When God's Word exposes sin, we must repent; when it commands forgiveness, we must forgive; and when it calls us to righteousness, we must reject evil. We must also examine spiritual impressions against Scripture because not every feeling or personal idea represents God's leading. The Holy Spirit does not contradict God's revealed truth or the character of Jesus Christ.

Jesus declared, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Our love for Christ must therefore be expressed through practical obedience. We cannot sincerely claim to honour Him while deliberately rejecting His instructions. His Word must govern our attitudes, relationships, decisions, and conduct.

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REJECT THE INTERFERENCE OF THE FLESHLY MIND

The fleshly mind becomes an obstacle when personal reasoning is placed above God's authority. The problem is not responsible thinking 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).

People often resist God by excusing what they desire. Some refuse to forgive because of resentment, reject correction because of pride, or tolerate dishonesty because truth appears costly. In each case, personal preference is being used to oppose divine instruction.

Paul writes, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). We renew our minds by receiving God's Word, abandoning sinful attitudes, and practising obedience. Whenever pride resists correction, choose humility; whenever temptation encourages compromise, choose righteousness. Our thinking must serve God's purposes rather than become an instrument of rebellion.

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WALK IN THE SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH

Walking in the Spirit means submitting to His guidance, resisting sinful desires, and allowing Him to shape our character. Paul commands, “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 unrepentant sin. Jesus taught that genuine worship must be offered “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). These qualities demonstrate the Spirit's transforming work. Spiritual maturity does not mean that believers never make mistakes; it means they remain teachable, repent when they sin, and continue growing in Christlikeness.

Our faith must be visible in our conduct. The way we speak, treat others, fulfil responsibilities, and respond to correction should 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. Jesus declared, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing” (John 6:63). The Holy Spirit gives life, strengthens believers, and equips them to fulfil God's purposes.

Obedience may require us to forgive, speak honestly, serve someone in need, abandon a sinful habit, or accept a difficult responsibility. Yet obedience does not guarantee immediate success, material prosperity, or freedom from suffering. God's purposes may require patience, sacrifice, and perseverance. Our responsibility 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 cannot be accomplished through human ability alone. Ministry programmes, resources, and strategies may be useful, but they must remain subject to His truth. We must depend upon the Holy Spirit to resist sin, serve others, proclaim Christ, and persevere in faith.

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DESIRE THE PRESENCE OF GOD

God's presence must be valued above worldly recognition, material possessions, and human approval. James 4:8 declares, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” We cannot deliberately reject God's authority while expecting to enjoy faithful fellowship with Him. Persistent, unrepentant sin requires genuine repentance.

However, we must not measure God's presence solely by emotions or circumstances. Difficult seasons and unanswered questions do not automatically mean that God has abandoned us. Our faith rests upon His character and the truth of His Word.

The psalmist expressed his longing for God: “My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God” (Psalm 42:2). This should be the desire of every believer. We must seek the Lord through prayer, worship, repentance, and obedience, allowing His truth to govern our lives.

Religious activities and outward success cannot substitute for holiness, love, and faithfulness. A genuine desire for God's presence must be demonstrated through a life that honours His authority and reflects His character.

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GIVE THANKS FOR THE BREAD OF LIFE

Jesus Christ is the Bread of Life and the source of eternal life. He declared, “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).

Our greatest privilege is to know Christ and receive the salvation God offers through Him. Material possessions, human philosophies, and religious performances cannot replace the life found in Jesus. We should therefore remain thankful for His mercy, forgiveness, guidance, and provision.

Scripture commands, “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 denying suffering; it means trusting God's faithfulness amid difficult circumstances.

Although God is invisible to the natural eye, we can trust His revealed character and promises. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Let our gratitude be expressed through worship, generosity, humility, and faithful 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 human understanding. Sometimes His direction differs from our preferences, and His timing challenges our expectations. We must not conclude that He has failed us simply because His ways are different from ours.

Proverbs 3:5–6 instructs us, “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 should 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. 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.”

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 according to biblical truth while trusting His wisdom. God knows the way we should follow, and His faithfulness is worthy of our confidence.

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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 selfish ambitions, and refuses to acknowledge its limitations. Scripture declares, “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6).

Humility means recognizing God's sovereignty and accepting our need for His wisdom. It requires us to acknowledge wrongdoing, receive correction, and surrender ambitions that conflict with His truth. Leadership, knowledge, spiritual gifts, and public recognition must never become excuses for pride or unaccountable conduct.

Peter instructs believers, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).

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, or accepting a difficult responsibility.

Such surrender is not weakness; it is evidence that we recognize the lordship of Jesus Christ. Stop contending with God and follow Him with a humble heart.

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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, “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 and created in Christ Jesus for good works. Obedience does not purchase 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 speak about Christ while deliberately refusing His truth. God's Kingdom is not advanced through manipulation, dishonesty, or selfish ambition, but through His saving work and the faithful witness of His people.

The reality of the Kingdom must be reflected in transformed lives, righteousness, love, and faithful service. Examine your heart and ensure that your faith is rooted in Christ and expressed through obedience.

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RECOGNIZE PEOPLE BY THEIR FRUIT

Words can be impressive without reflecting the true condition of the heart. Jesus taught, “Ye shall know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). A person's character and conduct provide important evidence of the direction of their spiritual life.

Godly fruit includes honesty, humility, love, faithfulness, and willingness to repent. This does not mean believers never fail; it means they respond to correction and seek transformation rather than deliberately protecting sin.

Religious language must never be used to conceal deception, exploit others, or escape accountability. At the same time, people must be assessed fairly, without relying on rumours, appearances, or 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. When wrongdoing is exposed, repentance must replace excuses, and humility must replace defensiveness. Value godly character above impressive speech, and let your own life confirm the truth you proclaim.

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SEPARATE YOURSELF FROM EVIL

Obedience requires a deliberate rejection of sin. 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 others. It means refusing to participate in wrongdoing or allow ungodly influences to control our decisions.

Dishonesty, bitterness, greed, pride, and unforgiveness can gradually weaken spiritual convictions when they are continually excused. First Peter 1:15–16 calls believers to be holy in all their conduct because God is holy. Our relationships, speech, work, financial dealings, and private behaviour must increasingly reflect His truth.

The Holy Spirit strengthens believers to resist sin, but we must respond 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.

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 for personal domination or selfish ambition; it equips believers to overcome sin, serve others, proclaim the Gospel, and remain faithful.

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 Holy Spirit empowers us to represent Christ through our character, words, and service. Our witness loses credibility when we preach righteousness but practise dishonesty or teach forgiveness while nurturing hatred.

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 Him, our families, workplaces, churches, and communities should benefit from our integrity and service.

Micah 6:8 summarizes God's requirement: “To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”

Seek spiritual power together with righteousness, humility, and accountability. Let your life demonstrate the reality of God's Kingdom and bring glory to His name.

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SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

The central message is clear: Obey the commands of the Spirit of God and allow His truth to govern your life.

Spiritual life requires faith in Jesus Christ, submission to God's Word, and willingness to follow the Holy Spirit. Reject fleshly reasoning when it encourages disobedience. Pursue holiness, desire God's presence, give thanks for His salvation, and trust His wisdom even when you do not understand His ways.

Remember that salvation is a gift of grace, not a reward earned through good works. Yet genuine faith produces a life increasingly marked by obedience, righteousness, love, and faithfulness. Religious words alone are insufficient; our conduct must demonstrate the reality of our relationship with Christ.

God has called us not merely to know His name but to live according to His will. Let us hear His Word, obey His instructions, reject evil, and demonstrate His transforming power through our daily lives.

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THE CALL TO ACTION

Examine your heart today. Are you obeying God's instructions, or are pride, fear, bitterness, and selfish desires controlling your decisions?

Repent where you have sinned. Forgive where necessary, correct wrongdoing, seek godly wisdom, and take practical steps toward obedience. Commit yourself to prayer, Scripture, and faithful service.

Whatever your responsibility—as a parent, leader, worker, minister, or believer—allow Christ to govern your conduct. Do not delay responding to His truth.

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. Through Jesus Christ, forgiveness and transformation are available to those who sincerely turn to Him.

Remain faithful 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 obey His commands, reject evil, walk in truth, and fulfil His purposes. May your life become a testimony of His grace and power.

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SALVATION PRAYER

If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, you may pray sincerely, placing your faith in Him. Salvation comes through God's grace, not through 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 believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He died for my sins, and that He rose again from the dead.

Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins and place my faith in You as my Lord and Saviour. Forgive me, cleanse my heart, and give me new life. Help me turn away from sin and live according to Your truth.

Holy Spirit, guide me through God's Word. Teach me to obey the Lord, walk in righteousness, love others, and remain faithful to Jesus Christ. Strengthen my faith and help me fulfil God's purposes for my life.

Thank You for Your mercy, forgiveness, and the new life available through Jesus Christ. I surrender my life to You and trust in Your saving grace.

In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour, I pray. Amen.