3.12.2011

BBS: Week 4 Discussion

Sneaky Momma Blog Design 

What meant the most to you from this chapter or offered you the greatest challenge or inspired you deeply?
This is the first chapter that I didn’t read straight through in one sitting. And at the beginning, I was taking it in but wasn’t really identifying - not because I already obey all the time but because life was good, I suppose. Well, let’s just say an instance came up where I CLEARLY realized an area in my life that I wasn’t being obedient and now I know I need to change.

This time look up the word “obedient.” To crystalize its meaning in your mind and heart, write the definition out as simply as you can here.
Submissive to the restraint or command of authority: willing to obey. (This couldn’t be much more louder or clearer...)
What specific instructions and promise did Samuel give to Saul in 1 Samuel 10:8?
That he would come down to him and sacrifice burnt offerings.

Seven days later, what happened (see 1 Samuel 13:8-9)?
Samuel did not come exactly when he said and Saul’s men began to leave. So Saul offered the burnt offerings without waiting.

When Samuel finally arrived and asked Saul, “What have you done?” how did Saul answer in verses 11-12? (Or, put another way, how many excuses did he give and how many different people did he blame?)
Samuel - for not coming when promised
His men - for scattering
Philistines - because they were assembling at Micmash
And then because he thought the Philistines would come down against him
 

What was Samuel's assessment of Saul's disobedience, and what was the result (verses 13-14?)
Told him he acted “foolishly.” And because of that, the Lord would not give him reign over Israel. And that the Lord had appointed someone else, who had a heart devoted to Him.
 
What were Samuel's direct instructions to Saul (verse 3)? (If you think this command sounds harsh, look at Exodus 17:8-16)
Go attack the Amelekites and destroy everything: men, women, children, infants, cattle, sheep, camels and donkeys.

What did Saul do (1 Samuel 15:7-9)?
He spared the king and all the fattened calves and best animals.
 
Write out a personal prayer of commitment to make yours a walk in obedience. You may want to use a separate piece of paper.

Concentrate on doing what is right --- What warning does James 4:17 give?
That anyone who knows the he good he should do but doesn’t, is sinning!
 
Cease doing what is wrong ---What is the instruction of Proverbs 16:17?
Steer clear from evil! Guard your ways from evil and you will guard your life.
 
Confess any wrong --- What does 1 John 1:8-9 teach us?
If we claim to be without sin, we are only lying to ourselves and the truth isn’t in us.
 
Clear up things with others --- What does Matthew 5:23-24 exhort?
Basically that if we know that there is someone else out there who has something against us, we need to go to them and seek forgiveness and reconciliation before coming to the Lord.
 
Continue on as soon as possible --- What principles do Philippians 3:13-14 give us?
Forget what is in the past and move forward, pressing on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called for us.
 
Read 1 Peter 2:1 and begin a list of heart attitudes and behaviors that hinder growing a heart of obedience. Which, if any, are hindering the growth of your heart?

Hypocrisy, gossip. Slander and disrespectful behavior. Eww. It’s gross to even have to list those things.

Relate in 100 words or less one instance when you were aware that you actively chose to walk in obedience this week. Then thank God for that opportunity and His Grace to make that choice.

After the harsh realization that I need a change of heart in the obedience department, I have chosen to resist Satan and, no matter what, make the commitment to wholeheartedly put the words of Ephesians 5:33 into place, in my life. Today. No turning back.

2 comments:

  1. I complete agree, I needed a change of heart in the obedience department too, while it is hard I am doing it! Keep it up Girl :)

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