The Power Of Obedience Series

There’s a significant difference between hearing God's voice and obeying it. Many believers listen to God’s voice, but far fewer follow through with obedience. James 1:22 offers us a stark reminder: "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." The power of God's word and the transformative impact of His voice in our lives come not just from hearing, but from obeying. The Bible is filled with examples of how obedience to God’s commands brought blessing, favor, and transformation. But it’s also filled with stories of those who heard God’s voice and chose to disobey, resulting in hardship and missed opportunities.

Obedience is at the heart of our walk with God. It is through obedience that we show our love for Him, demonstrate our trust in His plans, and align ourselves with His will. Yet, obedience is not always easy. There are times when God’s commands challenge us, stretch us, or even take us out of our comfort zones. But it is in those moments of obedience that we see the power of God at work in our lives.

In this sermon, we will explore the power of obedience to God’s voice. We will see how obedience deepens our relationship with Him, how it opens the door to His blessings, and how it unlocks the fullness of His purpose in our lives. Through obedience, we move from being mere hearers of the word to being active participants in the kingdom of God, walking in His purpose and experiencing the fullness of His promises.

1. Obedience Demonstrates Our Love for God

One of the most profound ways we express our love for God is through obedience. Jesus made this connection clear in John 14:15 when He said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Obedience is not merely about following rules; it is about relationship. It is an expression of our love, devotion, and trust in God. When we obey God’s voice, we are saying, "I love You, and I trust that Your ways are better than mine."

Love and obedience go hand in hand. In our human relationships, we understand that love isn’t just about words—it’s about action. We show our love for others by being there for them, by honoring their requests, and by doing things that demonstrate our commitment. In the same way, our obedience to God shows our love for Him. It shows that we value His word, that we trust His wisdom, and that we are willing to submit our desires to His will.

But obedience also requires sacrifice. There are times when obeying God’s voice means giving up something we want or doing something that challenges us. In those moments, we are reminded of the ultimate example of love and obedience—Jesus. In Philippians 2:8, we are told that Jesus "became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Jesus’ obedience was the ultimate act of love. He willingly laid down His life in obedience to the Father’s will because of His love for us.

When we obey God, even in the small things, we are reflecting that same love and devotion. We are saying, "God, I love You enough to follow where You lead, even when it’s hard, even when it doesn’t make sense, and even when it costs me something." This kind of obedience deepens our relationship with God. It draws us closer to Him, and it allows us to experience His love in a deeper, more intimate way.

Obedience is not a burden; it is a joy. When we love God, obedience becomes a natural response to His love. 1 John 5:3 tells us, "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." When we truly love God, obeying His voice is not something we do begrudgingly—it is something we do joyfully, knowing that His commands are given out of love and for our good.

2. Obedience Brings Blessing

Throughout Scripture, we see a clear connection between obedience and blessing. When God calls us to obey, it is not to restrict us or limit us, but to lead us into the fullness of His blessings. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 gives us a powerful promise: "And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God." God promises that obedience will result in blessings that will overtake us.

Obedience positions us to receive God’s blessings. Just as a parent blesses a child who listens and follows instructions, God pours out His blessings on those who obey His voice. This doesn’t mean that obedience is a formula for prosperity, but it does mean that obedience opens the door to the good things that God has in store for us. It aligns us with His will, and when we are aligned with His will, we are positioned to receive His best.