Trust And Obey (2 Of 2)

We dealt with the TRUST this morning, but this evening we would like to deal with the OBEY part of that song.

Something that Peter and the early disciples understood that today’s church does not understand, is that WE CHRISTIANS ARE TO OBEY GOD. They understood that you obeyed God:

• When it was popular

• When it was not popular

• When it was convenient

• When it was not convenient

They understood the importance of obeying God at all times.

It is like obeying the speed limit signs that are posted, it is something we should do ALL THE TIME, not just SOME TIME!

Illus: Sitting on the side of the highway waiting to catch speeding drivers, a State Police Officer saw a car putting along at 22 MPH. He thinks to himself, "This driver is just as dangerous as a speeder!" So he turns on his lights and pulls the driver over. Approaching the car, he notices that there are five old ladies, two in the front seat and three in the back, wide eyed and white as ghosts. The driver, obviously confused, says to him, "Officer, I don't understand, I was doing exactly the speed limit! What seems to be the problem?" "Ma'am," the officer replies, "You weren't speeding, but you should know that driving slower than the speed limit can also be a danger to other drivers." "Slower than the speed limit? No sir, I was doing the speed limit, exactly twenty-two miles an hour!" the old woman says a bit proudly. The State Police officer, trying to contain a chuckle explains to her that "22" was the route number, not the speed limit. A bit embarrassed, the woman grinned and thanked the officer for pointing out her error. "But before I let you go, Ma'am, I have to ask... is everyone in this car OK? These women seem awfully shaken and they haven't muttered a single peep this whole time," the officer asks. "Oh, they'll be all right in a minute officer. We just got off Route 142."

Illus: Have you noticed that they have dog shows where dogs have been taught to obey commands? You can teach a dog to obey. But have you noticed, you never see a cat show where a cat is taught to obey and perform? YOU KNOW WHY? Cats have a mind of their own. They are the most disobedient creatures on this earth. Some people are like cats, they do not like the word “Obey”! They have a mind of their own.

Illus: During the wedding rehearsal, the groom approached the pastor with an unusual offer. "Look, I'll give you $100 if you'll change the wedding vows. When you get to me and the part where I'm to promise to 'love, honor and obey' and 'forsaking all others, be faithful to her forever,' I'd appreciate it if you'd just leave that part out." He passed the minister a $100 bill and walked away satisfied.

It is now the day of the wedding, and the bride and groom have moved to that part of the ceremony where the vows are exchanged. When it comes time for the groom's vows, the pastor looks the young man in the eye and says: "Will you promise to obey her every command and wish, serve her breakfast in bed every morning of your life and swear eternally before God and your lovely wife that you will not ever even look at another woman, as long as you both shall live?"

• The groom gulped and looked around, and said in a tiny voice, "Yes."

• The groom leaned toward the pastor and hissed, "I thought we had a deal."

• The pastor put the $100 bill into his hand and whispered back, "We did, but she made me a much better offer."

The early church knew a great deal about OBEDIENCE. Peter said, “WE OUGHT TO OBEY GOD…”

Illus: Oswald Chambers said this about obedience. “Obedience to Jesus Christ is essential, but not compulsory….”

WHY IS IT ESSENTIAL THAT WE OBEY? For a number of reasons. If God forced us to obey Him, there could not be a judgment where we would be held accountable.

He will never force us:

• To come to Him for salvation

• To come to church

• To read our Bible

• To pray

• To tithe

• To witness

He only commands us and then He holds us accountable. He commands us and expects us to be obedient.

Since obedience is such a very important part of our life, let’s look at-

I. THE PURPOSE OF OBEDIENCE

We learn a great deal about obedience when we look at the Amalekites in the Old Testament. These were some evil and cruel people.

For example, when Israel was fleeing from Egypt, they were tired and exhausted.