Sermon on 8 August 2021 by Ps Justin
Introduction
Every servant of God depends on obedience to receive blessings.
Message
And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?” – Genesis 3:11
God asked Adam these two questions. The context of these questions goes back to Genesis chapter 1:26-31, where He created man in His image and likeness on the sixth day. God wanted us to be in His likeness.
The only commandment God gave in the garden of Eden was to refrain from eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17).
And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” - Genesis 2:16-17
Before the fall, there was temptation. Our own desires gives birth to sin, and that leads to death.
Satan: “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” – Genesis 3:1
The serpent asked Eve questions to play with her mind (Genesis 3:1-4). Satan always asks questions to deceive us. The devil then said to her she would not die. In fact, she would be like God.
For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” – Genesis 3:5
Eve was tempted. She then took the fruit, ate it, and Adam did too. Straightaway, they realised they were naked and hid behind a tree. They were separated from God.
Proverbs 8:13 tells us that to fear the Lord is to hate sin. Although we sin, God still loves us. In Genesis 3:11, God asked Adam whether he has disobeyed Him. God wants us to realise our sin. God gave permission before He gave restriction. Obedience was the only thing God demanded from Adam and Eve to live in paradise. For us to live in paradise and enjoy the abundance of God, God only required our obedience. Disobedience leads to death.
There are two deaths –spiritual death and physical death. Adam lived for over 900 years. Adam did not suffer physical death from his disobedience, he suffered spiritual death. Spiritual death means separation from God. The gift of life is directly tied to obedience. Disobedience brings forth spiritual and physical death. Paul made it clear in Romans 5:12.
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: - Romans 5:12
Disobedience also brings shame and fear. After Adam and Eve ate the fruit, they were shameful and fearful. Obedience is the entrance to all of God’s provisions and life. Why do people find it difficult to obey? Pride. With gentleness and lowliness, you can come back to God.
1. Obedience is the only condition to living in God’s kingdom (Genesis 2:16-17)
Disobedience will lead to sin (Romans 5:19).
For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. – Romans 5:19
Our Lord Jesus Christ’s obedience made us righteous. James 4:17 tells us that if we know the good we ought to do and do not do it, this is sin. The tree was not the source of sin; man was. God wanted man to learn wisdom, but wisdom must be tied to the relationship with Him, our creator. God will choose the foolish to shame those who are wise, and He will choose the weak to shame the might (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). God does not dislike wisdom, but He wants wisdom through obedience. With obedience comes faith, humility, and love. That is why God only required obedience. With obedience, you will see the heart of God. Obedience is as supreme as God’s authority. God cannot tolerate disobedience (Genesis 3:22-24). Obedience is the one thing necessary for a Christian to live a blessed abundant life in God’s kingdom. John 10:27-29 tells us that His sheep listen to His voice and follow Him. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.
2. Obedience is the only condition to restoring our living in God’s kingdom
Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. - Revelation 22:14
Paradise lost can become paradise restoring because of Christ. By His grace, we can be saved through faith.
For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. – Romans 5:19
Paradise (garden of Eden) -> Calvary (the cross) -> Heaven (the tree of life)
The whole redemption of Christ’s salvation is to restore our obedience back to its place again.
And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, - Hebrews 5:9
3. Obedience will bring forth God’s blessings
For I did not speak to your fathers, or command them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices. But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.’ – Jeremiah 7:22-23
4. Obedience is the very essence of salvation
Matthew 7:21 tells us that the redemptive work was about obedience. Jesus Christ’s ministry on earth is all about obedience. Hypocrites will not enter His kingdom. Only He who obeys will enter the kingdom of God (John 14:15; 21, 23).
“If you love Me, keep My commandments. – John 14:15
He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” – John 14:21
Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. – John 14:23
Closing
Obedience will open up the doors of true holiness and a greater spiritual life. To live in His kingdom and to be Christlike is simply by obedience!
Comments