CHARISMATIC HOUR (14/09/21)
Watchman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement
Topic: WHEN WE HAVE OBEYED
Texts: Joshua 1:1-6, 9; Mal. 3:10-12, Matt.28:19-20 INTRODUCTION:As we have entered into the season of grass-root mass evangelism at this time of new beginning in our ministry, the Lord demands obedience from all and sundry. The surest way of walking and working with God is the way of obedience. This is so because God’s relationship with man from the very beginning is based on divine instructions and expected human compliance (Gen.2:15-17). When this rule breaks down, the relationship with God suffers terribly. Don’t forget also that obedience is so strong a phenomenon that by one man’s obedience, many can get into blessings, as was seen in the ministry of our Master and Saviour Jesus Christ (Rom.5:18b-19b). The indisputable place of obedience in our walk with God cannot be overemphasized.
Today, we shall be considering this message “WHEN WE HAVE OBEYED” under two sub-headings: (1) What Is There To Obey? (2) What Happens When We Obey?
(1) WHAT IS THERE TO OBEY (Acts 9:3-6)
Obedience can only be demanded of someone who has received instruction. Remember that obedience simply means, ‘compliance to an order instruction or command’. Therefore obedience cannot be sought when an instruction, order or command has not been given. It follows therefore that anyone who is challenged to obedience should rightly demand what is to be obeyed. Having known that divine blessings are attached to obedience, every conscientious person (believers in particular) should be bothered about what the LORD wants him/her to do so that he/she can go straight to do the same. (Acts 9:6; 16:30).
Many, are where they are and what they are today because they have not asked, “LORD, what do you want me to do?” Because they know not what to do, their ignorance has kept them from their blessings.
We in the watchman must find out what the Lord wants to do this time of restoration. He wants all properties of Satan in people’s lives to be dealt with, going all out to preach the gospel and bringing people into His church, paying our vows/entering into covenant with Him by sacrificing all we have for the work of God (Lev.9:1-6, Hos.10:12, Micah 6:8, Zech.8:16-17, Matt.28:19-20, Mk.16:15, Mal.3:10).
(2) WHEN WE HAVE OBEYED, WHAT HAPPENS? (Lev.26:1-12, Mk.16:17, Mal.3:10-12, Isa.54:5- 17, Ps.89:33-35).
When we have diligently obeyed the Lord, the onus of proof of faithfulness shifts to God. Our obedience puts God to the task of defending His words and proving His faithfulness. It makes us a creditor and makes God indebted to us, (2 Tim. 4:7-8; Jms. 1:12; Rms. 11:34-35). When we have obeyed, we can then turn to the Lord and remind Him that He cannot deny Himself nor alter the words of His mouth. Rather, we patiently wait for His rewards blessings and crowns. One thing is sure what God owes He must pay. Bearing this in mind let us fulfil our obedience in all the areas in which He demands our obedience ranging from salvation to our service to Him in so doing we make God indebted to us. AND BLESSED ARE YOU WHEN THE ALMIGHTY GOD BECOMES YOUR DEBTOR.
Our prayer should always be like Apostle Paul’s “what will you have me to do O! Lord,” (Acts 9:6) and those who have obeyed Him, should declare I await my crown of glory and my reward of obedience.
Let’s pray and take a decision. HSCF 187