Isaiah 66:2,

“These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.”

1. Obedience should be urgent.

Psalm 119:60 “I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands.”

Matthew 4:20 “And they left their nets at once and followed Him.”

Immediate obedience instills in our hearts that what’s important to God is important to us.

Every decision we make either brings us closer to God or creates distance.

John 14:23 "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them."

2. Idols can interfere with obedience

Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up…”

Obedience is our responsibility; the outcome is not.

Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord ’s purpose that prevails.”

Luke 9:23, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

Deuteronomy 6:5 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

3. Obedience is a delight.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

We don't have to understand why to obey with delight.

Psalm 37:23 “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.”

Obedience becomes a delight when you know Who you’re obeying.

Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

James 1:22 ”Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Action Steps:

1. Obey immediately and with joy

2. Continue to know the Lord on an intimate level

3. Ask God to help you be bold in steps of obedience

4. Be present