Famous Last Words: Obedience

Series: Famous Last Words
Obedience by Rick Shurtz - March 9, 2008

In this message, Rick focused on Jesus’ directions to his disciples (and us) to stay connected to Him.

1. But before we get there… let’s start where Rick started: a dilemma. Rick’s was whether to visit the Texas capital with his daughter or work more on the topic this week. Have you had any dilemmas this week – or further back - where you had to choose between different things you wanted or needed to do? Spend a few minutes talking about that. (10 minutes)

2. One of the points that Rick made is how the word obedience can often stir up less than pleasant impressions. Maybe so… then maybe not for everyone. What about you? What sort of cord does the idea of “obedience” strike with you? Take 5 -10 minutes to talk about different meanings for people in the group.

3. Several of the points that Rick made about obedience were based on his own experiences with water skiing. He talked about how going out in the boat alone in the early morning gave him a since of complete freedom. Think back about your own experiences with freedom. Can you think of a time when you felt especially “free”. What was that like? (10 minutes)

4. So often, the idea of obedience and the idea of freedom just don’t seem to be related. But Rick talked about how Jesus wanted His followers to see things differently…. how following His path with His power could be completely freeing. If this is true, why do we so often see the words obedience and freedom at odds with each other? (10 minutes)

5. Now, talk about the paradox in both those words. Have you ever done something that felt like you were being “free” that ended up feeling like you were trapped? (for example, for me it would be smoking). Talk about that for a few minutes, and then talk about obedience in the same way. Have you ever been obedient to some sort of plan or program that ended up freeing you do things you can could not have done before (i.e., a diet)? (15 – 20 minutes)

6. Close by taking a look at the difference in our typical view toward obedience and freedom and why Jesus said that following Him would make you free? What keeps us from taking Him at His word? Discuss this and then close with some personal time for everyone to consider: Is way that God is wanting to give you more freedom? If so, write down some thoughts and commit to a time when you can spend some time talking to God about what he would like you to do. It might help to reflect on the questions Rick asked at the end of his message. (10 minutes)

• Am I in the boat deciding if I’m going to get in and get wet?


• Am I behind the boat attempting to yank myself up and out of the water in my own strength?


• Am I am I up and out of the water and simply needing to stay focused?


• Have I taken a dive, and am I waiting while the boat circles back?

Position yourself and then do the courageous. Talk to God about, and take a next step.

Bible verses from the message:

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:1-4

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

“We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be free?” John 8:33

I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. John 8:34

No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4

Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by human effort? Galatians 3:3

“The work of God is this: to trust in the one he has sent.” John 6:29

…neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

Get more background and information:

• You can download or listen to Rick's message about Jesus' Last Words at Gateway's Sunday Message Archive (and other messages too)
• For more information about Jesus and who He claimed to be you can read
  
• The Case for Christ by Lee Stroebels
• Letters from a Skeptic by Gregory A. Boyd
• Evidence for Christianity by Josh McDowell

Search for topics you want to know more about at the Gateway Bookstore