Message Notes

Christian-ish
Small Choices That Keep You Stuck

Selective obedience is the dangerous illusion that doing some of what God commands is enough, when it’s really disobedience in disguise.

Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper … Deuteronomy 5:33 NIV

“Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then … you will be my treasured possession. ...” Exodus 19:5 NIV

“If they listen and obey God, they will be blessed …”
Job 36:11 NLT

Two Things These Verses Have in Common
1. God is asking for our full obedience.
2. Some of God’s blessings are conditional.

Covenant Theology

The New Covenant
• Unconditional promise: Jesus died and rose again, offering forgiveness of sins and eternal life for all who believe.
• Conditional blessings: While salvation is a gift, certain blessings flow from obedience to God.

God doesn’t want our partial obedience; God wants our full surrender.

You do it one step at a time.

Then Saul attacked the Amalekites … 8He took Agag king of the Amalekites alive, and all his people he totally destroyed with the sword. 9But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs—everything that was good. ... 1 Samuel 15:7-9 NIV

Disobedience always starts with a whisper.

What you allow in the moment often owns you in the future.

Where are you letting sin whisper its way into your life?

“But I did obey the LORD,” Saul said. “I went on the mission the LORD assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. 21The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal.” 1 Samuel 15:20-21 NIV

Every sin we justify builds a wall between us and God.

But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice …” 1 Samuel 15:22 NIV

Every act of obedience is a demonstration of our love to the One who loved us first.

… this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4for everyone born of God overcomes the world. ... 1 John 5:3-4 NIV

TALK-IT-OVER Notes

Message Summary

Selective obedience is the dangerous illusion that doing some of what God commands is enough, when it’s really disobedience in disguise. When we choose partial obedience, we slowly build a wall between us and God. Instead, we can choose full surrender as a demonstration of our love for God, who loved us first.

Key Scripture

“But I did obey the LORD,” Saul said. “I went on the mission the LORD assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal.” But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice …” 1 Samuel 15:20-22 NIV

… this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the
world. ... 1 John 5:3-4 NIV

Additional Scriptures

• Deuteronomy 5:33 NIV
• Exodus 19:5 NIV
• Job 36:11 NLT
• 1 Samuel 15:7-9 NIV


Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.

• Share one thing you did this past week that required faith.

Start thinking. Ask a question to get your group thinking.

• What are some areas of your life where it’s easy to be obedient to God’s will?

• Read 1 Samuel 15:20-22. What stands out to you in these verses? How do they influence your view or understanding of sin?

Start sharing. Choose a question to create openness.

• Read 1 John 5:3-4. Talk about a time when you chose obedience when it was difficult. How did that choice build your relationship with God?

• Where are you letting sin whisper its way into your life? Discuss ways you can turn toward God the next time you’re tempted to justify sin.

Start praying. Be bold and pray with power.

Father, thank You for being patient and kind with us. We want to live in full obedience and surrender to You, even when it’s hard. Please show us areas of our lives where we’re not fully following You so we can know You more. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.

• Spend time writing a list of practical ways you can turn toward God. Use this list the next time you’re tempted to have selective obedience.

• Start the Bible Plan What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus using Plans With Friends: www.go2.lc/jesus

• Consider how you could love others by serving on the weekend or with a Local Mission Partner.