The Goodness of Obedience and the Judgment of Sin By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.”
— John 14:15-16 (NIV)
Introduction
The call to obedience is a divine invitation to experience the goodness God has prepared for His people, while the refusal to obey leads to the devastating consequences of sin. The passage above underscores God’s desire for humanity to walk in righteousness, guided by the Holy Spirit, and to avoid the sorrow, despair, and death that result from rebellion. In a world where nations and individuals have turned to darkness, committing atrocities such as abortion and justifying them as lawful, God’s wrath is kindled against unrepentant sin. Yet, His mercy remains available to those who choose obedience and repentance. This lesson explores the contrast between the blessings of obedience and the judgment of sin, emphasizing the importance of walking in God’s truth, rejecting false teachings, and living in the light of His presence. Through scriptural insights and practical applications, we will uncover how believers can experience God’s goodness, stand firm against deception, and serve as witnesses of His righteousness in a sinful world.
The passage highlights the tragic reality of humanity’s rebellion, particularly the sin of abortion, which shows utter disrespect for God as the giver of life. It also warns against false messengers who distort God’s truth, leading people into deception and spiritual death. By obeying the Holy Spirit, confessing sin, and living transparently before God, believers can avoid the fate of the unrepentant and partake in the abundant life He offers. This lesson will guide us through key principles to help us walk in obedience, reject the lies of the enemy, and reflect God’s justice and mercy.
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The Goodness of Obedience
God’s desire is for His people to walk in obedience to the Holy Spirit, experiencing the goodness He has prepared for those who love Him. The passage emphasizes that obedience leads to life, joy, and fellowship with God, fulfilling His original purpose for humanity. This truth is affirmed in Deuteronomy 30:19-20: “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.”
By obeying the Holy Spirit’s commands, believers align themselves with God’s will, receiving His guidance and blessings. This obedience is not a burden but a pathway to the abundant life God intends, marked by peace, purpose, and divine provision. Choosing to walk in God’s way ensures that we partake in His goodness and avoid the sorrows of sin.
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The Atrocity of Abortion
The passage identifies abortion as an ultimate atrocity, a sin that shows disrespect for God as the giver of life and brings His wrath upon nations. The murder of the unborn, defenseless against the weapons of medical murderers, grieves God’s heart and violates His sacred gift of life. This is reflected in Psalm 139:13-14: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Believers must reject any participation in or consent to abortion, recognizing it as a grievous sin that separates humanity from God. By standing for the sanctity of life and exposing this sin, we align ourselves with God’s heart and call others to repentance, thereby avoiding His judgment.
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The Consequences of Unrepentant Sin
The passage warns that unrepentant sin, particularly the shedding of innocent blood, leads to sorrow, despair, and premature death. Nations and individuals who justify their sins, believing they can escape accountability, are deceived and destined for God’s wrath. This is affirmed in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
God sees all sin, and no attempt to hide it can succeed. The passage emphasizes that those who persist in rebellion, accusing God of cruelty while committing abominations, kindle His wrath further. Believers must live transparently before God, confessing sin and seeking His forgiveness, to remain in right standing with Him and avoid the fate of the unrepentant.
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The Danger of False Messengers
False messengers who distort God’s truth and promote deceptive teachings are a significant danger in these times. The passage warns that their lies lead people into spiritual death, poisoning them with “rotted pottage” that contradicts God’s Word. This is echoed in 2 Timothy 4:3-4: “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
Believers must discern truth from deception by testing all teachings against Scripture and relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance. By rejecting false messengers and their lies, we can eat of God’s truth and live in the clarity and life it provides.
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God’s Justice and Mercy
God’s justice is perfect, holding accountable those who commit and consent to sin, while His mercy is extended to those who repent and obey. The passage assures believers that God hears the cries of the innocent and will not overlook the sins of the guilty. Yet, His mercy makes life’s hardships bearable for those who walk in obedience. This is affirmed in Psalm 103:8-10: “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.”
By living in the light of God’s truth and confessing sin, believers can experience His mercy and avoid His wrath. This balance of justice and mercy calls us to stand firm in righteousness, trusting in God’s perfect judgment and compassionate love.
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Summary
The goodness of obedience and the judgment of sin are central themes in the passage, highlighting God’s desire for His people to walk in righteousness and avoid the sorrows of rebellion. The sin of abortion, along with other abominations, kindles God’s wrath, but His mercy is available to those who repent and obey the Holy Spirit. Believers must reject false messengers, live transparently before God, and stand for the sanctity of life. By choosing obedience, we experience God’s goodness, receive His guidance, and serve as witnesses of His truth in a sinful world.
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Conclusion
God’s call to obedience is an invitation to partake in His goodness and to avoid the judgment that comes upon unrepentant sin. By walking in the Holy Spirit’s guidance, rejecting false teachings, and standing against atrocities like abortion, believers can live in the light of God’s truth and experience His mercy. The passage reminds us that God sees all, holds the guilty accountable, and rewards the obedient with abundant life. Let us choose to walk in righteousness, trust in His justice, and reflect His love and truth to a world in need of repentance.
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Call to Action
Believers are called to walk in obedience to the Holy Spirit, rejecting the sins of the world, including abortion, and living transparently before God. Confess and repent of any sin, seeking His forgiveness and guidance. Test all teachings against Scripture, and reject the lies of false messengers. Stand for the sanctity of life, and proclaim God’s truth with boldness. Commit to living as a testimony of His goodness, trusting in His mercy and justice to guide you in all things.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Be encouraged, for God’s goodness is prepared for those who obey Him, and His mercy sustains you through every trial. Do not be swayed by the deceptions of this world or the accusations of the rebellious. Trust in God’s justice, walk in His truth, and let your life shine as a testimony of His love. You are called to live in His presence, experiencing the abundant life He has promised to those who remain faithful.
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Prayer of Salvation
Heavenly Father, I come before You, acknowledging my need for Your grace and mercy. I confess that I am a sinner and cannot save myself. I believe that Jesus Christ, Your Son, died on the cross for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I repent of my sins and surrender my heart to You, asking for Your forgiveness and cleansing. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, guide me in Your truth, and help me to walk in obedience to Your will. I choose You as my Savior and Lord, committing to follow You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
