CELEBRATION CALIFORNIA
a family camp with our family of churches

May, '23 @ Hume Lake

Better Together with Steve Whitmer

Scripture References: 1 Timothy 4:1-16, Ephesians 6:10-20, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, Matthew 28:19-20, John 14:15, John 13:34, 1 John 2:7-8, 1 Corinthians 13, 2 Corinthians 5:19-21

Intro:

• Acknowledgment of the previous sermon on the church as family.
• The tension: following Jesus vs. pursuing personal desires.
• The call to obedience: a theme throughout the New Testament.

Key Points:

• Obedience as a Response to Love:
  • Jesus's words in John 14:15: "If you love me, you will keep my commandments."
  • Obedience is not merely a duty, but an expression of love for Christ.
• The Nature of Obedience:
  • Jesus's example: complete obedience to the Father, even to the point of death (Philippians 2).
  • The disciples' call to obey Jesus's commands (Matthew 28:19-20).
  • Paul's emphasis on obedience in his letters (1 Timothy 4:13-16).
• The Challenge of Obedience:
  • The world's influence: competing voices and desires.
  • The difficulty of following Jesus's commands in a culture that prioritizes self-interest.
  • The need to define love according to Scripture, not cultural norms.
• The Importance of Doctrine and Life:
  • The interconnectedness of belief and behavior.
  • The danger of separating "creeds" and "deeds."
  • The call to pursue "sound doctrine" that leads to a life of obedience.
• The Call to Action:
  • We are called to obey Jesus, even when it is difficult or costly.
  • Obedience is a defining characteristic of a true disciple.
  • The example of the early church: a community shaped by obedience.
• The Church's Mission and Obedience:
  • The Great Commission: to make disciples, baptize, and teach obedience (Matthew 28:19-20).
  • The church's purpose: to be a community of obedience, reflecting Christ to the world.
  • Obedience as a means of living out the gospel.

Conclusion:

• Obedience is not optional, but a central aspect of following Jesus.
• It is a response to His love and a vital part of the Christian life.
• We must strive to obey Him in all things, even when it is challenging.

Call to Action:

• Examine your own life: are you obedient to Christ's commands?
• Identify areas where you are struggling to obey.
• Seek God's help to live a life of obedience.
• Remember that obedience flows from love for Christ.
• Embrace the call to be a disciple who both believes and obeys.
• Strive to be a church that models obedience to the world.

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