Sermon/Lesson Title

What Does the Lord Require?

Micah 6:6–8 asks and answers a timeless question: “What does the Lord require of you?” Today we hear God’s revealed will—justice, mercy, and humble fellowship with Him—and learn how worship and daily life align with His heart.

Many in the religious world do not believe that works and salvation should be mentioned in the same sentence. Yet the apostle Paul does that very thing in our text - Philippians 2:12-13, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”  So what does God want us to learn from this passage?

The readers of James's letter had formerly been followers of the law of Moses. After their conversion to Christianity, they were forced to leave Jerusalem due to persecution. Some were starting to forget the importance of observing all the commands of the royal law. James stresses in our text that every commandment is essential and not to be forgotten or disregarded.

God has placed in our world physical laws that all men are subject to. Law of gravity, every single person is subject to gravity whether they believe in it or not. But this also applies to the spiritual world as well. All people are subject to our lord's commandments whether they believe them or not.

Obedience in the Old Testament
Text: Leviticus 26:3–14

Obedience has always been central to God’s relationship with His people. As Bobby reminded us in the previous lesson on atonement, the blood of Christ only benefits those who are obedient. From Genesis to Revelation, God calls His people to listen, believe, and obey. Today we will look at obedience in the Old Testament, where God made clear both the blessings for obedience and the consequences of disobedience.

Obedience to God is the foundation of faithful living. Scripture teaches that only those who do the Father’s will shall enter heaven (Matthew 7:21). This lesson examines the nature, necessity, and results of obedience, showing how love, faith, and submission unite to produce righteousness and eternal life.

Obedience to God’s commands is essential to eternal life. Jesus taught that only those who do the Father’s will enter heaven (Matthew 7:21). In this study, we examine how God gives commands—general, specific, implied, and by example—and learn why careful obedience keeps our worship true and our walk secure.

Acceptable Obedience

Obedience is not optional for the faithful child of God. Jesus is the author of eternal salvation only to those who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9). In this lesson, we will see how obedience and faith are inseparably joined, what true obedience requires, and how God is glorified through it.

Noah Builds an Ark

Genesis 6:22 records, “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” Noah’s obedience to God in building the ark remains one of the greatest examples of faith in action. Today we examine how his trustful obedience offers lessons for our own walk with God.

Noah Builds an Ark – Part 2

(Genesis 6:9–22; Hebrews 11:7)
Noah’s life teaches us that obedience is not partial but complete. When God gave Noah the plan for the ark, Noah followed it exactly. His example reminds us that salvation is granted through obedience motivated by faith, and by God’s grace that always keeps His promises.

Josiah, An Obedient King

(2 Kings 22:1–23:30; 2 Chronicles 34:1–35:27)
Josiah stands as one of the most faithful kings of Judah, remembered for turning to the Lord with all his heart, soul, and might. His obedience preserved his nation during his reign, and his example shows us what it means to truly “obey all the way.”

Josiah, An Obedient King – Part 2

Josiah’s life teaches us what it truly means to obey all the way. In today’s lesson we will examine how Josiah found the truth, accepted God’s word, restored true worship, and fought against sin. His example shows us the depth of obedience God expects (2 Kings 22–23).

Abraham Obeys God

 (Genesis 22:1–19):
In Genesis 22 we read of Abraham’s supreme test of obedience when God commanded him to offer Isaac, his only son, as a burnt offering. This event shows us the true nature of faith proven through action.

Abraham Obeys God, Part 2

(Genesis 22:1–19):
Abraham’s obedience to God in offering Isaac continues to teach us that real faith responds with action. His unquestioned trust shows us what it means to obey God completely.

Balaam Wants to Disobey

(Numbers 22:1–24:25):
Balaam’s story shows us the danger of having an outward appearance of obedience while harboring rebellion in the heart. True obedience must come from within.

Jesus Uses Scriptures in His Obedience

(Matthew 4:1–11):
Jesus overcame temptation in the wilderness by relying on the word of God. His example shows us that obedience is rooted in knowledge, trust, and proper use of Scripture.

A Rich Man, Sad, But Lost

 (Matthew 19:16–22):
The story of the rich young ruler reminds us that salvation requires full surrender to God. One thing held back can cost a soul eternal life.

The Call to Follow Jesus

(Matthew 4:18–22; Matthew 9:9):
When Jesus called His apostles, their response was immediate obedience. Their example teaches us what it means to follow Christ without hesitation and with full surrender.

The Apostles Stand With God

(Acts 5:17–33):
When the apostles were commanded to stop preaching Jesus, they chose instead to obey God. Their courage and obedience teach us how to stand firm when faith is tested.

Obedience Is a Choice
Acts 5:29

Acts 5:29 fixes a clear rule for every disciple: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” This message urges deliberate, heart-deep obedience in the daily decisions that shape our souls.