THE CALL TO SPIRITUAL OBEDIENCE AND FREEDOM By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: John 8:36 – "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."
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Introduction
Obedience to Christ is not just a recommendation; it is a divine requirement for all who belong to the Kingdom of God. Many believers struggle with spiritual chains—fear, doubt, anxiety, and rebellion—that hinder them from walking in the fullness of God's calling. Yet, Jesus has provided the way of life, urging us to trust in Him fully and resist the deceptive pull of darkness. This teaching explores the dangers of spiritual negligence, the consequences of disobedience, and the abundant blessings found in a life wholly yielded to Christ.
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Christ Dwelling in You: The Source of Strength
Colossians 1:27 – "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Jesus does not dwell afar off; He resides within those who have accepted Him as Lord and Savior. His presence in us is the source of life, power, and glory, leading and uplifting us each day. Many Christians, however, fail to fully recognize this reality and live as though Christ is distant. Yet, if we yield to Him moment by moment, we can walk in divine guidance and supernatural strength.
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The Sucking Funnel of Death: A Warning Against Spiritual Negligence
Proverbs 14:12 – "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."
Just as a tornado violently sucks up everything in its path, the enemy seeks to drag souls into eternal damnation. Many individuals, through careless behavior, draw too close to the funnel of death and are consumed by its pull. Despite God’s provision of salvation, some choose to embrace spiritual destruction rather than life. It is essential to remain vigilant, resisting the temptations that lead to destruction and embracing the abundant life in Christ.
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Breaking the Chains: Freedom Through Faith in Christ
2 Timothy 1:7 – "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Many believers are bound by chains of fear, anxiety, and doubt, rendering them ineffective in their service to God. These chains cause suffering, mental distress, and spiritual stagnation. However, true freedom is found in Christ, who has already broken the power of bondage. If we refuse to cry out to Him and embrace His victory, we allow ourselves to remain captives to the enemy’s deception.
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The Danger of Spiritual Rebellion and Complaining
Numbers 14:27-29 – "How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. Say unto them, ‘As truly as I live,’ saith the Lord, ‘as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you. Your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness.’"
The children of Israel experienced God’s miraculous deliverance from Egypt, yet many rebelled and murmured against Him. Their disbelief led to their downfall, and they perished in the wilderness. Today, when believers complain and resist God’s leading, they too place themselves in danger of spiritual death. Instead of murmuring, we must trust God’s plan and submit wholeheartedly to His direction.
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The Call to Obedience and Submission
James 4:7 – "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
True followers of Christ are called to complete obedience and submission to God. Just as Jesus Himself lived in obedience to the Father, we too must walk in surrender, allowing His Spirit to guide our decisions and actions. Disobedience leads to spiritual decline, but submission brings divine upliftment and eternal rewards.
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Summary
Many believers are hindered by spiritual chains that keep them from experiencing the fullness of Christ’s freedom. The enemy seeks to pull souls into destruction, but Jesus provides the way of escape. By walking in obedience, rejecting fear, and trusting in God’s provision, we can avoid spiritual pitfalls and live victoriously.
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Conclusion
God desires His people to walk in obedience and faith, not bound by chains of fear and doubt. The call to holiness is a call to freedom, but it requires a decision to resist rebellion and embrace God’s divine will. Those who persist in disobedience place themselves in danger of spiritual death, while those who surrender to Christ experience His abundant life.
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Call to Action
Today, make the conscious decision to fully yield to Christ. Do not allow the chains of fear, doubt, and rebellion to hold you captive. Resist the pull of destruction and choose the path of obedience. Trust in Christ’s power to deliver, strengthen, and uplift you. Walk in faith, declaring His goodness daily.
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Final Word of Encouragement
John 10:10 – "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
Jesus has provided the way of life, and He desires for you to live in His freedom. Do not return to the chains that once bound you. Instead, embrace the abundant life He has promised. Remain steadfast in faith, trust in His love, and walk in the power of His Spirit.
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Prayer of Salvation
Heavenly Father, I come before You today, acknowledging that I am a sinner in need of Your mercy. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He died for my sins, and that He rose again on the third day. I repent of my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. Lord Jesus, I invite You into my heart to be my Lord and Savior. Lead me in Your truth and help me to walk in obedience to Your Word. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and strengthen me to live for You every day. Thank You for Your grace and the gift of salvation. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
