Digital Bulletin
Sun, Aug 9, 2026
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Sermon Notes
Deut. 10:12-13 & John 15:9-11 (NIV)
Written by Rev. Andrew Adair
This is the final message in our Summer Sermon Series, “Reformed and Reforming.” I’ve really enjoyed this series as we’ve explored the ECO Essential Theological Tenets of ECO. Our focus today is obedience, and I want to start by reframing this essential biblical truth, because for many of us, when we hear the word “obedience,” we immediately think of doing what we’re told, following rules, and punitive actions if we don’t! It’s no surprise we think that way, because that IS the primary way obedience is understood today. But, when we take this definition of obedience and apply it our life with God, we miss what biblical obedience is all about. The Triune God invites us into an intimate relationship with himself through his son, Jesus Christ. As we’re saved by grace through faith and become part of God’s new creation, we respond to God’s grace by living in accordance with God’s plans and purposes. Obedience is our response to this amazing God; it’s an essential aspect of our participation in the new creation God is bringing about. Obedience is so much more than just following rules, and it’s definitely not just blindly doing what some distant deity tells us to do. The obedience God calls us to is a way of life – a way of life marked by loving God, hearing God and doing what God asks of us.
- Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and John 15:9-11 are two important scripture passages related to obedience in our life with God. As you read them, what stands out to you? What observations do you have?
- In his book Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus, Become Like Him, Do As He Did, John Mark Comer discusses the profound importance of habits and what our habits reveal about us. He writes:
“…show me a person’s habits, and I will show you what they are truly most passionate about, most dedicated to, most willing to suffer for, and most in love with. And I will show you who they will become.” (Practicing the Way, p. 44)
If someone observed your daily habits, what would they conclude you are “most passionate about, most dedicated to, most willing to suffer for, and most in love with?” Based on your habits, what kind of person would they conclude you are becoming? - One of the core ways we grow in our relationship with God is spending intentional time each day alone with God … studying scripture, praying, journaling, being still, and more. How consistent are you in terms of spending time alone with God each day? If you haven’t been consistent recently, what changes could you make so this can happen more regularly? If you have been consistent, are there any changes you sense the Holy Spirit inviting you to consider in terms of your times alone with God?
- In terms of the essential role of the Holy Spirit in our transformation, the ECO Essential Tenet Statement says, “Progress in holiness is an expected response of gratitude to the grace of God, which is initiated, sustained, and fulfilled by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit...” In this arena of “progress in holiness” or we could say growing in obedience, how have you experienced the work of the Holy Spirit in your life?
- James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” A corollary to that is the more we actually do what we believe God is asking us to do, the better we get at doing it. As we do this, we create space for the Holy Spirit to develop and strengthen our obedience muscles. Generosity is one of the MDPC core values. How might God be calling you to strengthen your generosity muscles?
- Jesus makes it clear God is just as interested in what’s going on in our hearts as he is in our behavior. In regard to loving our enemies, Jesus says, “You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves” (Matthew 5:43 ff. The Message). How might God be calling you to love those you might consider “enemies” (e.g., those who have different political opinions than you do, those who have hurt you, those who have betrayed you, etc.)? What might that look like?
- In Acts 1:8 Jesus makes it clear he intends for us to be his witnesses in the world through the power of the Holy Spirit. Growing in obedience, growing in our ability to hear and do what God asks of us, includes growing in our ability to be Christ’s witnesses? How might God be calling you to live this out in your family, in your neighborhood, at your place of work, etc.?