What does it mean to obey God "with all your heart and soul"? Understanding the Call: Deuteronomy 30:2 “and when you and your children return to the LORD your God and obey Him with all your heart and all your soul according to everything I command you today.” Heart and Soul Defined • Heart – the seat of thoughts, desires, affections, and will (Proverbs 4:23) • Soul – the whole inner being, the very life-essence that animates every action (Genesis 2:7) • Together – the total person, inside and out, responding to God without reservation Obedience That Flows from Within • Not mechanical rule-keeping but affectionate allegiance (1 Samuel 15:22) • Springs from love that treasures God above all (John 14:15) • Involves surrender of personal agendas for divine direction (Luke 9:23) Practical Expressions of Wholehearted Obedience • Daily submission to Scripture—reading, meditating, acting (Psalm 119:9-11) • Consistent speech that mirrors God’s truth (Ephesians 4:29) • Stewardship of resources in generous, God-honoring ways (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Integrity in hidden places as well as public life (Psalm 101:2) • Persevering faith when obedience is costly (Hebrews 10:36) Barriers to Wholehearted Obedience • Divided loyalties—trying to serve two masters (Matthew 6:24) • Unconfessed sin dulling spiritual sensitivity (Psalm 32:3-5) • Fear of people outweighing fear of God (Proverbs 29:25) • Reliance on self-effort rather than Spirit empowerment (Galatians 3:3) Promises Linked to Wholehearted Obedience • Restoration and blessing (Deuteronomy 30:3-5) • Experiencing God’s presence and strength (Joshua 1:8-9) • Assurance of answered prayer (1 John 3:21-22) • Lasting fruitfulness that glorifies the Father (John 15:5-8) Cultivating Wholehearted Obedience • Regular self-examination in light of Scripture (Psalm 139:23-24) • Confession and repentance that keeps the heart soft (1 John 1:9) • Dependence on the Holy Spirit for power and guidance (Romans 8:13-14) • Fellowship with believers who spur one another toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Fixing eyes on Christ, the perfect model of obedience (Philippians 2:5-8) |
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