God's Will? or Mine?
To gain spiritual insight and grow in your faith, you must obey God's word and be willing to put things right.
Oswald Chambers emphasizes that true spiritual understanding comes not from intellect but from obedience to God's will. He highlights that obedience is the key to gaining insight into Jesus Christ's teachings, and that spiritual darkness often results from our unwillingness to obey. Chambers stresses that when God speaks to us, we are immediately tested on our obedience, and disobedience hinders our spiritual growth. He urges believers to address any unresolved conflicts or issues before coming to God in worship, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's word even when it seems challenging or unconventional.
Text
"If any man will do His will, he shall know...." John 7:17
"The golden rule for understanding spiritually is not intellect, but obedience. If a man wants scientific knowledge, intellectual curiosity is his guide; but if he wants insight into what Jesus Christ teaches, he can only get it by obedience. If things are dark to me, then I may be sure there is something I will not do. Intellectual darkness comes through ignorance; spiritual darkness comes because of something I do not intend to obey.
"No man ever receives a word from God without instantly being put to the test over it. We disobey and then wonder why we don't go on spiritually. 'If when you come to the altar,' said Jesus, 'there you remember your brother hath ought against you. . . don't say another word to Me, but first go and put that thing right.'
When Jesus brings a thing home by His word, don't shirk it. If you do, you will become a religious humbug. Watch the things you shrug your shoulders over, and you will know why you do not go on spiritually. First go-- at the risk of being thought fanatical you must obey what God tells you.
My utmost for his highest, July 27
Sermon Outline
- I. The Golden Rule for Understanding Spiritually
- A. Obedience is the guide for spiritual insight
- B. Intellectual curiosity is not enough for spiritual understanding
- II. The Test of Obedience
- A. No man receives a word from God without being put to the test
- B. Disobedience leads to spiritual stagnation
- III. The Consequences of Shunning Obedience
- A. Becoming a 'religious humbug'
- B. Spiritual stagnation and darkness
Key Quotes
“The golden rule for understanding spiritually is not intellect, but obedience.” — Oswald Chambers
“If a man wants scientific knowledge, intellectual curiosity is his guide; but if he wants insight into what Jesus Christ teaches, he can only get it by obedience.” — Oswald Chambers
“First go-- at the risk of being thought fanatical you must obey what God tells you.” — Oswald Chambers
Application Points
- Be willing to obey God's word, even if it requires you to take risks or face challenges.
- Recognize that intellectual curiosity is not enough for spiritual growth and understanding.
- Put things right and obey God's word to avoid spiritual stagnation and darkness.