Introduction:

Every relationship, including our connection with Jesus, begins with an encounter. Our new sermon series in March will delve into biblical accounts of ordinary individuals who encountered Jesus and experienced profound transformations. We will start with the first disciples’ encounter in Luke 5:1-11. This narrative highlights Jesus’ call to obedience and reveals three experiences we can expect when we hearken to His will. This message is particularly relevant for those grappling with obedience, offering insights into why Jesus implores us to follow His commands. Join us as we explore the significance of obedience in our relationship with Christ.
Why Jesus calls us to obey Him.

Three things we will experience if we obey Jesus:

1. We will experience God personally.  (Luke 5:1-7)

Obeying Jesus allows us to witness His presence and might at work in our daily lives. Yes, He is big and powerful but He is also close and personal. He wants us to experience the life that He has promised for us right where we are—in our struggles, in our trials and in our everyday lives. Jesus met Peter and gave him a miracle right where he was. And if we obey Him, we can experience Him work in our lives personally and in our current circumstances.

2. We will experience transformation. (Luke 5:8-10)

Oftentimes, Jesus asks us to do something which we find either hard or against our will or does not make sense. In contrast to the world’s teachings, He asks us to prioritize faith, love for others, generosity towards the needy, and selflessness, among others. If we choose to obey His commands, we will experience transformation in our hearts, minds, bodies and souls.

3. We will experience a purposeful life. (Luke 5:10-11)

Our life can only ever find meaning if it is lived according to its design. We are made and created in the image of Christ and He is the One who can give our lives purpose. When we obey Him by faith, even if we are struggling or even if it doesn’t make sense, we are able to experience a purposeful life that does not only revolve in ourselves but is also focused in serving God and others.

Conclusion:

1. Obedience to Jesus changes us.

2. No matter what is going on in our lives or what we are facing, we must always choose to obey Jesus. Even if we struggle in believing, even if we are tired or afraid, even if we have doubts, we must choose to obey for our obedience to Jesus changes us. We can only experience the full life that He came to give us (John 10:10) if we obey Him.

3. This week, pray for God to reveal to you an area of your life where you struggle with obedience. Ask God to give you the faith to trust in Him and the grace to obey Him. He is with you and if you choose  to obey Him, you will experience more of Jesus in your life as you continue to follow Him.

Discussion:

1. In what ways have you experienced Jesus’ presence and power at work in your daily life through obedience? How has this impacted your faith and relationship with Him?

2. Can you think of a specific instance when you chose to obey Jesus even when it seemed difficult or against your will? What was the outcome, and what did you learn from that experience?

3. How does living a purposeful life, focused on serving God and others, challenge or inspire you? What steps can you take to align your life more closely with this purpose?

4. Discuss the significance of transformation in our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls as we obey Jesus’ commands. How have you witnessed this transformation in your own life or the lives of others?

5. Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle with obedience. How can you seek God’s guidance and support to grow in faith and trust, ultimately strengthening your obedience to Jesus?