What steps can we take to remain obedient to God's commands today? Key Verse “Surely you know what Saul has done. He has cut off the mediums and spiritists from the land. Why then have you set a trap for my life to bring about my death?” (1 Samuel 28:9) Spotlight on the Lesson Saul once enforced God’s command to purge occult practices (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Yet, when fear overwhelmed him, he returned to the very sin he had outlawed. The medium’s words expose the danger of selective obedience—doing God’s will only when it feels convenient. See the Danger of Selective Obedience • Obedience is not a seasonal choice; it must endure in crisis and calm. • Partial obedience is disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23). • Sin often begins when we justify “just this once.” Treasure and Recall God’s Word • Store Scripture in your heart to guard against compromise (Psalm 119:11). • Read, meditate, and speak the Word daily; it renews your mind (Romans 12:2). • “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28) Remove Doorways to Disobedience • Rid your life of influences that lure you away, just as Saul expelled spiritists—then refuse to reopen the door. • Set filters on media, friendships, and habits that pull you toward sin (Matthew 5:29-30). • Replace harmful inputs with truth-filled alternatives—worship, fellowship, service. Choose Gracious Accountability • Walk with believers who will speak truth when you drift (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Give someone permission to ask hard questions and remind you of God’s commands. • “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) Walk by the Spirit Daily • “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Begin each day surrendering your plans to the Spirit’s leading. • Look for His promptings—conviction, Scripture recall, wise counsel—and obey immediately. Cling to God’s Faithfulness in Temptation • God always provides a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). • Turn to Him the moment fear or pressure mounts; do not wait until desperation clouds judgment, as Saul did. • Trust His character more than your circumstances (Proverbs 3:5-6). Repent Quickly When You Slip • Confess rather than conceal (1 John 1:9). • Receive cleansing and realign with His commands at once. • Let failure become fuel for deeper dependence, not a cycle of shame. Fix Your Eyes on Christ’s Reward • Obedience brings freedom and joy: “In keeping them there is great reward.” (Psalm 19:11) • Press on toward the upward call (Philippians 3:14), remembering that eternal blessing far outweighs temporary relief. |
    |