In what ways can we ensure we "have not obeyed" God's voice today? The Heart of the Verse “We have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God or walked in His laws that He set before us through His servants the prophets.” (Daniel 9:10) Seeing How Disobedience Took Shape Then • God’s voice came clearly through His written Law and through the prophets. • Israel heard, yet chose their own way—often because of fear of people, attraction to surrounding culture, or simple stubbornness. • The result was exile, loss, and a broken fellowship with the very God who longed to bless them (Jeremiah 7:23–24; 2 Chronicles 36:15–16). Modern Signs That We “Have Not Obeyed” • Neglecting Scripture altogether, or only skimming it without intent to submit (James 1:22). • Picking and choosing verses that affirm what we already want, while ignoring commands that confront us (Matthew 7:26). • Redefining sin to match cultural norms—calling bitterness “boundaries,” greed “success,” immorality “freedom” (Isaiah 5:20). • Letting human approval outweigh God’s approval—social media, workplace, even church circles (1 Samuel 15:24; John 12:43). • Rationalizing delays: “I’ll obey once life settles down,” “God understands,” “It’s just a season” (Luke 14:18–20). • Silencing the Holy Spirit’s conviction; ignoring that unsettled feeling when we cross a line (Ephesians 4:30). • Persistent prayerlessness—because listening ends when conversation ends (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Lack of visible fruit: love, joy, peace, obedience from the heart (John 15:8; 1 John 2:3–4). Practical Ways to Catch Disobedience Early • Daily, intentional Bible intake—read, meditate, and immediately act on one clear takeaway. • Ask the Spirit to spotlight any area where life and Scripture diverge; respond at once (Psalm 139:23–24). • Invite trusted believers to speak truth; give them permission to challenge blind spots (Proverbs 27:6). • Keep short accounts with God—confess sin as soon as conviction comes (1 John 1:9). • Measure choices by John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Where love is real, obedience follows. • Practice immediate obedience in small nudges—apologize, give, serve, turn off the screen—so larger steps feel normal. • Regularly recall the cost of disobedience seen in Scripture and in personal experience; let holy fear do its good work (Hebrews 3:15). Encouragement for the Obedient Heart • God’s commands are not burdensome (1 John 5:3); they protect and bless. • Christ’s finished work covers past failures and empowers current obedience (Romans 8:1–4). • The Spirit speaks today through the same Word that Israel once ignored—lean in, listen, and walk in freedom (Galatians 5:16). |
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