WHY SHOULD I OBEY?
One lesson from the story ofAbraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac has to do with the rewards of obedience. This story answers the question, “Why Should I Obey?”
1. To Prove Yourself.
Obedience proves that you mean business.
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Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”
~ Genesis 22:12 (NIV) ~
Does God need the proof? Doesn’t he already know what’s in our heart, without the test? Yes, but we’re still required to live out what we claim to believe.
Also, the test is often for our benefit. The test reveals our heart to us. It proves to us how we’re doing. I remember my first Greek test in college. I thought, during that first semester, that I was already approaching the status of scholar, since I could conjugate several verbs. I took my first test, and it came back with a score in the low 80’s. I was crushed. But I also learned where I needed to improve.
2. To Experience God’s Provision.
“Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son.”
~ Genesis 22:13 (NIV) ~
God provided the lamb. He wanted Abraham to make a sacrifice, and he gaveAbraham what he needed to do it.
Here is a cliché that became a cliché because it’s so completely true. “Where God guides, he always provides.” When you take a step in the direction God has called to you to go he’ll take care of you.
3. To Experience God’s Blessing
“I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore…”
~ Genesis 22:16-17 (NIV) ~
On the surface, whenAbraham came down from the mountain, the “after” picture looked much like the “before” picture. He walked up the mountain with Isaac. He came back with Isaac. But something had changed. On that mountain,Abraham had proven himself and had positioned himself for a lifetime of blessing.Abraham didn’t lose anything at all in the process, but he gained God’s anointing on his life.
The truth is that when we obey often the surface-level before and after pictures look the same. However, we don’t lose anything in the process God doesn’t take anything away from us obedience only adds to the inventory of our lives. The results of obedience aren’t measured by what we lose but by what we gain.
Notice also that God’s blessing for obedience extended to others.
“… Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
~ Genesis 22:17-18 (NIV) ~
There’s a way in which your obedience blesses others. Think about a father and mother who have positioned themselves for God’s blessing by walking in obedience their obedience results in a tremendous blessing for their children. Or a businessman who positions himself for God’s blessing is also in a position to bless his employees and his community.
Obedience pays off. It works. It pleases God. It benefits you. It blesses others. These are the rewards for obedience.
Blessings on your week. Why not take an inventory of your obedience? The rewards might surprise you! I’m looking forward to seeing you this coming Sunday for In-Person or Online Worship. We are continuing the final section of IMMERSE. This Sunday we will be looking at ACrash Course on the Dangers of Half-Hearted Obedience.
Pastor Terrellwith our activities.
ScheduleforSundayAugust20,2023:
Ruth Class @ 9:00 AM in Room #202
The Saints Class @ 9:00 AM in Room #201
Prayer Room open @ 9:00 AM Room #206
Preschool Worship opens in KID CITY @ 10:15 AM
8/20/23 @ 4:30 PM
Morning Worship In-Person & Online @ 10:30 AM in Worship Center
Kidz4Christ dismissed during Morning Worship
Schedulefortherestoftheweek,August21-August26,2023:
Monday @ 4:30 PM Growth Group @ Puffers’ home.
Tuesday @ 10:00 AM Growth Groups: Men Room #202; Women in Fellowship Hall
Thursday@ 6:00 PM Growth Group in Fellowship Hall
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Chronicles is the sixth and final installment of Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience program.
Chronicles contains the remaining First Testament Books: 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, and Daniel.
Check out this website for videos, reading schedule, online book, and even an audio portion that will read the selections to you!
https://www.immersebible.com/chronicles-8-week/ globalhungerrelief.org
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Morning Worship at a glance
O God, Our Help in Ages Past”
“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”
“Victory in Jesus”
“Trust and Obey”
A Life Giving Church … Giving Life
2820 N. Pleasant View Drive
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 928-772-7218
fsbcpv@firstsouthernpv.org
www.firstsouthernpv.org
Church Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday, 8:30AM - 2:30PM
Senior Pastor Terrell Eldreth: 619-244-6265
PastorTerrell@firstsouthernpv.org
Worship Pastor Bart Young 928-254-8713
PastorBart@firstsouthernpv.org
Welcome & Offertory Prayer
Kidz4Christ dismissed
“I Will Walk”
“I Will Wait for You”
CHRONICLES
Immersing Our Lives in God’s Word
A Crash Course onthe Dangers of Half-Hearted Obedience
2 Chronicles 10-12/pages 63-66/paragraphs 1ff
“Trust and Obey”
“Yes, Lord, Yes”
Advancing the Kingdom of God
one heart at a time.
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