Obey God
Connect – Part 4
March 19-20, 2022
- Connect with God daily: Obey
John 2:1–11
- Do whatever Jesus says
“But his mother told the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’ Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water.’” John 2:5-7 (p.810)
“’If you love me, obey my commandments.’” John 14:15 (p.823)
- Follow Jesus’ instructions
“When the jars had been filled, he said, ‘Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.’ So the servants followed his instructions.” John 2:7-8 (p.810)
“Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” James 4:17 (p.932)
- Stand back and watch Jesus work
“When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. ‘A host always serves the best wine first,’ he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!’” John 2:9-10 (p.810)
“God’s will for you…is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2b (p.866)
Series Memory Verse: “’You are my friends if you do what I command.’” John 15:14 (p.824)
My Next Step This Week:
_____ I will connect with God daily this week by choosing to obey Him through committing to: _____________________________________________________
Read the daily reading in the Life Transformation Bible “Obey God” (Page A32-A33)
Discussion/Groups Guide
Connect – Part 4 “Obey God”
Life Groups use this guide in their discussion from the Weekend Talk. This is also a discussion guide you can use with your family and friends.
Conversation Starters
- What are some examples of how we get disconnected from God?
- Compare sinful disobedience and distracting disobedience.
- Have you ever experienced being on a very important phone call or online meeting and you keep losing connection? Perhaps you had to keep dialing in or you were missing pieces of the conversion (You’re cutting in and out!). Did it end up with serious consequences because of the broken connection or did it have a funny outcome?
Quick Review
Looking back at your Weekend Talk Notes, was there anything you heard in the service that stood out to you, challenged you, or maybe even confused you?
Discussion Starters from the Weekend Talk
Refer to the Talk Notes and Bible verses from the Talk Notes.
This week’s One Thing: Connect with God daily: Obey.
Series Memory Verse: John 1 5:14 (p.824)
Background: John 2:1-11 (p.810) The Wedding at Cana
- What does the Bible say about obedience? Is it optional?
- Discuss your thoughts about this statement: Obedience is God’s plan to bless us.
- Think about various biblical people in terms of their obedience or disobedience to God. Do we have any examples of good outcomes from disobedience? How about the outcomes from obedience?
- Remember, God is not indifferent to our indifference. He wants us to be different so we will stand out (like a light in the darkness) and people will recognize not us, but Him in us. John 8:12 (p.817)
- Have you known anyone that is “different” or they “march to a different beat”? Many times, these people have a peace about them, even during the storms of life.
This week our discussion focuses on the following points of teaching and application:
- Do whatever Jesus says. John 2:5-7(p.810); John 14:15-21 (p.823)
- Does Jesus expect us to keep His commandments all by ourselves, in our own power?
- What does He say He will do in John 14?
- Share about a person in your life that you would do anything for. Try to think of a friend, not a family member. Sometimes we hear the phrase “I would go to war for that person.”
- What is it that makes you follow that person regardless of the situation?
- Now contrast that to following Jesus. Would you do the same?
- Follow Jesus’ instructions. John 2:7b-8 (p.810); James 4:17 (p.932); 1 John 2:1-6 (p.941)
- Have you ever tried to navigate an unfamiliar city without a GPS or a map and it was not a great experience? Was your experience because you had no access to the instructions or was it because you thought you could do it on your own? What difference does it make?
- Read 1 John 2:1-6. John’s words are pretty strong in verses 4-6. Look back at verse 1. How does he address those he is writing?
- Have you had a teacher, boss, or a coach who was tough on you? Did it make a difference to know that their demands on you were because they loved you and believed in your ability to succeed?
- Stand back and watch Jesus work. John 2:9-12 (p.810); Romans 12:2b (p.866)
In sports sometimes there is a transcendent athlete who captivates everyone with their abilities. Nolan Ryan was such an athlete. His ability to throw a baseball so hard would even cause his opponents to stop and watch. Michael Jordan was also just a special player. Michael Phelps is another, as he set record after record in Olympic swimming.
- Do you take the time to watch what Jesus does or how He works? Have you grown complacent in your relationship with Him?
- When have you witnessed God at work and you recognized His power, even in the moment?
- Did you acknowledge Him in that moment?
- As we have discussed obedience, are there changes you want or need to make in your life to become more obedient? What do you think the benefits will be if you make these changes?
- Romans 12:2 speaks of God’s “good, pleasing, and perfect” will. What does this mean to you when you consider your motivation to obey His will?
Digging Deeper
Read and discuss some of the commandments Jesus actually gave the disciples (and, therefore, us). Ask yourself why Jesus would give such a command. Do they have practical, day-to-day life relevance or are they more about a higher, spiritual context? Or both? Can those two contexts really be separated? What can you do today to live them?
My Next Step This Week: ____ I will connect with God daily this week by choosing to obey Him through committing to: ______________.