HEART FOR THE COMMUNITY #4_THE OTHER SIDE OF OBEDIENCE_Ps. Andrew Sanchez_11-26-23

32 During those days, the entire COMMUNITY of believers was deeply united in HEART and soul to such an extent that they stopped claiming private ownership of their possessions. Instead, they held everything in common. 33 The apostles with great power gave their eyewitness reports of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Everyone was surrounded by an extraordinary grace. 34 Not a single person in the COMMUNITY was in need because those who had been affluent sold their houses or lands and brought the proceeds 35 to the emissaries [“apostles”] of the Lord. They then distributed the funds to individuals according to their needs. - Acts 4:33-35 (VOICE)Lake Pontrachain Causeway: Longest Bridge, 24 miles, cost $76 million OBEDIENCE: Accepting and allowing God’s will to lead my will3 HINDRANCES TO MY OBEDIENCE:•  Understanding•  Convenience•  Popularity“The pain of disobedience will always be greater than the pain of obedience”THE OBEDIENT:•  Are Happy (Proverbs 11:25)•  Are Compassionate (Proverbs 29:7)•  Are Blessed (Proverbs 28:27)•  Are Rewarded (Proverbs 19:17)“He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” - Luke‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬ ‭(NIV)‬‬WHAT’S ON THE OTHER SIDE OF OBEDIENCE?1. OBEDIENCE POSITIONS US4 “On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” - ‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭(NIV)‬‬2. OBEDIENCE PROSPERS US“Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.” - ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭5‬:‭33‬ (‭NIV‬‬)9 “Glorify God with all your wealth, honoring him with your firstfruits, with every increase that comes to you. 10 Then every dimension of your life will overflow with blessings from an uncontainable source of inner joy!” - Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭(TPT‬‬)3. OBEDIENCE IS LESS ABOUT US“Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head. The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste!” they said. “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.” But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” - ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭26‬:‭6‬-‭13‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)“And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” - ‭‭Acts ‭20‬:‭35‬ ‭(NLT‬‬)“Obedience to God’s guidance is the lifestyle that leads to Heaven on Earth for me and others”