Simple Part 3, Obey

JourneyMEN – Simple Part 3, Obey


INTRODUCTION
The church often mistakes Christian obedience as the first step in the Christian life. As a result, for many people the Christian faith becomes a rule-based religion. Instead, the Scriptures reveal that Jesus' initial invitation is to follow him. He invites us to follow him until we begin believing that he is indeed who he says he is. This belief that God loves us and has the best in store for us, then, becomes the reason we obey.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What crazy/outrageous acts have you done to express your love for another person?
Which step has been the hardest for you to take: following, believing, or obeying? Why?
Of all the Christian commandments that you have heard, which ones have been the hardest for you to apply in your life?
Read Matthew 7:24-28. What does it mean to have a foundation built on rock? What does it mean to have a foundation built on sand?
When you read this passage, do you hear the parable as a source of comfort, as a warning sign, as an explanation of why life seems out-of-sync, or as some combination of all three?
At the end of the day, it comes down to answering the question: "Who are you going to trust?" Do you trust that Jesus really knows what is best for us, or do you prefer to do things your own way?

THINK ABOUT IT
Has there ever been a time when you regretted obeying Jesus? Has there ever been a time when you regretted disobeying Jesus?

WHAT WILL YOU DO?
We can attend church and experience great music and informative sermons, but these things are not life changing. Obedience to Christ makes all the practical difference in the outcome of our lives. What areas of your life do you need to surrender in obedience to Christ?

CHANGING YOUR MIND
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6