House2House Discussion
Afterwards
PASTOR JP FERO
Scripture
Matthew 13:10-17 NKJV
10 And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”
11 He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: ‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, and seeing you will see and not perceive; 15 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.’ 16 But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; 17 for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.
Main Takeway
We don’t have to understand in order for us to obey God. Obedience is not a comprehension issue, it’s a commitment issue. Likewise, disobedience is not a comprehension issue, it’s a defiance issue. We may not feel good in the moment about God’s commands to us, but whenever God instructs us to be/do something, whatever he asks is good for us. It’s a blessing to obey God.
1. What is your response to God's word?
Is the confession of our mouth enough? The Lord puts it this way in Isaiah 29:13 “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men…”
Is your response a quick nod of the head without a heart commitment?
Obedience is not a feeling or a fleeting momentary reflex in response based on whether it sits well with you or it does not.
Opinions ruin our obedience to God’s word.
How much do you place value on other people's opinions? What's the first thing you do when you hear God's instructions, do you reason first or consult first? How important is it to be/look like others?
2. Conquering contradicting thoughts
The flesh always wants what it wants and the easy path is often attractive, but it does not lead to lasting fulfilment. Pray that you will develop a posture that is ready to receive what God says, and guard your mind and your heart from conflicting thoughts that distract you from paying attention to what God is saying to you.
What do you do when you receive God’s word?
How do you conquer opposing thoughts?
Learn to hide the word of God in your heart.
God's instructions are not suggestions, they the very choice you must make that lead to life. Choosing otherwise only leads to death.
Does the word of God preached to you each week profit you? How do you mix God's word with faith when you hear it?
Summary
“If you do not plan to live the Christian life totally committed to knowing your God and to walking in obedience to Him, then don’t begin, for this is what Christianity is all about. It is a change of citizenship, a change of governments, a change of allegiance. If you have no intention of letting Christ rule your life, then forget Christianity; it is not for you.” — Kay Arthur
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