Matthew 28:18-20 

Introduction

• Simon Says
• Context/Review
• Preview:
  • Motive for obedience
  • Obstacles to obedience
  • Blessings of obedience
  • Call to obedience

1. Motive for obedience (there’s really only one)
   1. It’s all about honoring God
   2. Response to God
      
2. Obstacles to obedience
   1. Pride (promoting self)
   2. Fear (protecting self)
   3. Relying on self-effort
   4. Authority issue?
3. Blessings of obedience
   1. Honoring God (the motive AND the primary blessing of obedience)
   2. Loving God
   3. Protection
   4. Blessings to others
4. Call to obedience
   1. What you DO communicates obedience or disobedience. Obedience comes only after being taught or some other communication.
   2. Forms of disobedience
      1. Delayed obedience is disobedience (e.g. Jonah)
      2. Selective obedience is disobedience (idolatry)—wrong view of God
   3. SO WHAT will you do? (Joshua 24:15)
   4. Examples of obedience
      1. Noah (Gen. 7:5—“And Noah did all that the Lord commanded him.”
      2. Abram
      3. Moses (Ex. 4:3,6,20)
      4. Paul & Barnabas
   5. Obedience at LEFC
   6. OBEDIENCE IS A LIFESTYLE, NOT AN ISOLATED ACT.

1. Conclusion

a. Review

i. Motive for obedience—to HONOR God
ii. Obstacles to obedience—pride and fear
iii Blessings of obedience—God’s glory, joyful relationship with God
iv. Call to obedience—“choose you this day”

b. If I don't want to obey God, I probably have to review my image of God.

1. Questions
   1. What obedience is easier for you, difficult for you? What are the motivators for disobedience? Pride (promoting self) or fear (protecting self)? EGO
   2. Which of God’s attributes most draws you to obedience of his commands?
      1. Our focus needs to be on GOD. Only then will we be best positioned to hear and obey.
      2. What KIND of God is calling you to obedience?
   3. How can we, as a church and as individuals, continue to build a culture of evangelism and discipleship at LEFC?

Discussion guide/Life Group questions

• Read the following:
  • Matthew 28:18-20
  • James 4:17
  • John 14:15-21
  • Genesis 12:1-4
  • Acts 13:1-4
  • Matthew 21:28-31a
• What obedience is easier for you, difficult for you? What are the motivators for disobedience? Pride (promoting self) or fear (protecting self)? EGO
• Which of God’s attributes most draws you to obedience of his commands?
  • Our focus needs to be on GOD. Only then will we be best positioned to hear and obey.
  • What KIND of God is calling you to obedience?
• How can we, as a church and as individuals, continue to build a culture of evangelism and discipleship at LEFC?