Exploring Obedience and Worship in God's Perspective

First Priority Club Module 5: Why Does God Require Obedience? Module 5, Week 1: Obedience as an Act of Faith In today s world, the concept of obedience is often distorted, carrying a negative connotation of submission to abusive power. In this module, we will examine God's understanding of obedience and why it is, in fact, an expression of love. Obedience is the act of submitting to and following the instructions, rules, or authority of someone else. In a spiritual sense, obedience involves aligning our thoughts, actions, and lives with God's truth and purposes. This week, we will explore why obedience is an act of faith. 1. In the Bible, Isaiah 55:6reads: Seek the LORD while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near, and Hebrews 11:6states: It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him. Question: According to these verses, how do we find and know God? 2. Obedience through faith involves opening our hearts to God. Psalm 95:7-8warns, Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts and Matthew 13:15says, For this people s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Question: What does it mean to harden your heart against God, and how does this feed rebellion against Him? 3. God s Word tells us that if we love God, we will desire to follow His instructions. In Luke 11:28, Jesus says: But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice. Question: After we read and believe God s Word, how do we put it into practice? 4. In Proverbs 3:1-2, 5-6 God reminds us: Do not forget what I teach you. Always think carefully about my commands. If you obey them, you will live a long life, have peace of mind, and enjoy your life. Trust in the LORD completely. Do not think that you understand things well enough on your own. Whatever you do, remember that the LORD is with you. He will show you the right way to go. Question:How is faith in Jesus an act of obedience (following God s instructions)? Talk About It: What are your perceptions of obedience to authority? Why does God want us to align our thoughts and actions with His? Why is faith a requirement for following God s instructions and rules for us? Why is willingness an important aspect of faith and obedience? Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to trust you and follow your teachings, as we seek to know you better. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Challenge: Pray for a friend or family member who may be struggling to have faith in Jesus. Page 1 of 4

Module 5, Week 2: Obedience as an Act of Worship In this module, we are talking about how obedience often carries a negative connotation of submission to abusive power, but in a spiritual sense, obedience involves aligning our thoughts, actions, and lives with God's truth and purposes. Last week, we talked about how obedience as an act of faith and this week, we will explore worship. 1. Obedience is the act of submitting to and following the instructions, rules, or authority of someone else and worship is defined as adoration and devotion, which in spiritual terms, describes the ways we act towards God. In Isaiah 25:1, we read: Lord, you are my God! I will praise you because your name is great. You have done wonderful things. You decided a long time ago what you would do. And you have done exactly what you promised to do. Question:How is declaring Lord, you are my God an act of adoration and devotion? 2. In Luke 4:8, the devil tempts Jesus to be His own authority-apart from God-and Jesus replies: It is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve. Question: How does the devil tempt Jesus in the same way he tempted Adam and Eve? 3. In Hebrews 12:28, we read: Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with deep respect and awe Question: Why is showing gratitude towards God an act of worship? 4. In 2 Timothy 3:16,we read: Every Bible passage is inspired by God. All of them are useful for teaching, pointing out errors, correcting people, and training them for a life that has God's approval. Question: How is it an act of worship to obey God s instructions that are given in the Bible? Talk About It: Apart from God, what do we often worship or devote ourselves too? How does the Bible demonstrate God s love for us? What are ways that we can show our gratitude towards God? Why is worshipping good for our souls? Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for being good and just, faithful and loving; thank you for showing yourself to us and helping us to trust you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Challenge: Invite a friend to your youth group or church this week. Page 2 of 4

Module 5, Week 3: Obedience as an Act of Love For the past two weeks, we ve discussed obedience in the spiritual sense, which means following God s instructions, teachings, and plan for our lives. This week, we will focus how choosing to follow God s guidance is not only an act of obedience but also a declaration and outward expression of our love for Him. 1. Love is more than just words or emotions; it involves action. In Romans 5:8 reads: But God has shown us how much he loves us. Even when we still did not obey God, Christ died on our behalf. Question: What action did God take to show us His love? 2.In John 14:21, Jesus Himself said, " The one who has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me. And the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father. I also will love him and will reveal Myself to him." Question: How is obedience an outward expression of our love for God? 3. When we choose to follow God s instructions, teachings, and plan, we demonstrate our faith in Him, even when we don t fully understand His reasons. In Romans 15:4 reads: For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope and overflow with confidence in His promises. Question:How does reading and following the Bible help us to trust God s promises? 4. The Bible tells us that the Lord wants us to know Him. In Jeremiah 9:23-24, we read: The Lord says, The wise should not boast of their wisdom, nor the strong of their strength, nor the rich of their wealth. If any want to boast, if they should boast that they know and understand me, because my love is constant, and I do what is just and right. These are the things that please me. I, the Lord, have spoken. Question: According to these verses, how can we please God? Let s Talk About It: Why does love involve action? Why does the Lord let us choose whether we will love Him or not? Why is love foundational for faith? How can we know God better? Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for demonstrating your love for us through your son, Jesus. Help us to seek and understand you more, and to reflect the love You have shown us. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen. Challenge: Invite a friend or two to next week s First Priority meeting. Page 3 of 4

Module 4: Week 4- INSPIRE WEEK Pray About It Overview: This week, we will share ways that inspire us to move closer to God. 1. Ask a student leader to share a verse from last week s lesson that impacted them and why. 2. Ask a student leader to share a faith story of how or why they made a decision to trust Jesus as the only way back to God. 3. Ask a student leader to read the Pray About It below. 4. Pass out Response Cards AFTER the prayer [download @ www.firstprioritytampa.org/students] 5. Collect Response Cards- leaders should follow up with students who have questions or made a decision today to follow Christ. 6. Remember to invite friends to your youth group or church this week. Prayer for Turning to Jesus, Our Savior We will now take a minute to talk to God through prayer. In the quiet of your heart and mind, you can share anything with Him. As I pray out loud, I invite anyone here who wants to begin a relationship with God through faith in Jesus, to agree in your heart and mind with what I am saying because God hears the private thoughts. Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you with an open heart. I acknowledge my selfishness and how it has separated me from you. I believe that Jesus is the way back to you and want to place my trust in Him today. Help me to turn from doing things my way and release my life over to you. Thank you for promising to hear and answer my prayer. In Jesus Name, Amen. REMEMBER to pass out Response Cards now and have the follow-up team count and report decisions on the First Priority of Tampa Bay phone app, and then follow up with decisions and those who have questions. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Bible Project- The Ten Commandments: https://bibleproject.com/podcast/what-are-ten-commandments-all-about/ Bible Project- Jesus teachings: https://bibleproject.com/guides/oaths-retaliation-and-enemy-love/ Spring 2025