Obedience Brings Blessing
Obedience to God's will brings blessings and prosperity, while disobedience leads to consequences.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that obedience to God's commands leads to blessings for both individuals and their descendants, as highlighted in Deuteronomy 12:28. He clarifies that while salvation is not earned through works, the blessings associated with obedience remain intact for God's faithful servants. Spurgeon urges believers to heed all of God's words without selective adherence, as true blessedness comes from walking uprightly before the Lord. He warns against the futility of dishonesty and worldly conformity, asserting that genuine integrity aligns with God's pleasure and ultimately leads to prosperity. The sermon reassures that God's blessings extend to future generations of those who faithfully obey Him.
Text
Observe and hear all these words, which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the Lord thy God. (Deuteronomy 12;28)
Though salvation is not by the works of the law, yet the blessings which are promised to obedience are not denied to the faithful servants of God. The curses our Lord took away when He was made a curse for us, but no clause of blessing has been abrogated.
We are to note and listen to the revealed will of the Lord, giving our attention not to portions of it but to "all these words." There must be no picking and choosing but an impartial respect to all that God has commanded. This is the road of blessedness for the Father and for His children.
The Lord's blessing is upon His chosen to the third and fourth generation. If they walk uprightly before Him, He will make all men know that they are a seed which the Lord has blessed. No blessing can come to us or ours through dishonesty or double dealing. The ways of worldly conformity and unholiness cannot bring good to us or ours. It will go well with us when we go well before God. If integrity does not make us prosper, knavery will not. That which gives pleasure to God will bring pleasure to us.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Obedience
- The Blessings of Obedience
- The Consequences of Disobedience
- Worldly conformity and unholiness bring no good
- Blessings are denied to those who do not obey
Key Quotes
“If integrity does not make us prosper, knavery will not.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“That which gives pleasure to God will bring pleasure to us.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“The Lord's blessing is upon His chosen to the third and fourth generation.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We must give our attention to all of God's commands, not just picking and choosing.
- Integrity and obedience lead to prosperity, while knavery and disobedience lead to consequences.
- That which gives pleasure to God will bring pleasure to us.