I grew up in a home with two parents that loved me and worked hard to be great parents. I know I’m blessed because of them for sure! Even with loving, godly, caring parents, I know this is going to be hard to believe, I didn’t always DO what they told me to do.

 

I find myself doing the same thing with my Father God as well. I’m not proud of those moments, but they’re there. So the verse we’re focusing in on today really hits hard.

 

Stepping In: READ IT

Read Matthew 21:1-46

 

Building Up: STUDY IT

Focus on Matthew 21:31

 

Jesus tells this parable in verses 28-32. The climax and focus of the story comes in verse 31. The question is not, “do you know how to look spiritual and sound religious?” The question is, “are you obeying God?”

 

Sure sometimes we struggle with some of the things God tells us to do, but like it, understand it, get my whole brain around it or not…I’m going to do what He says.

 

By the way, go back to Matthew 7:21-23 and read that again too.

 

Living Out: APPLY IT

 

Application questions (Is there a… 1. Sin to CONFESS 2. Promise to CLAIM 3. Attitude to CHANGE 4. Command to OBEY 5. Example to FOLLOW (or not) 6. Prayer to PRAY 7. Error to AVOID 8. Truth to BELIEVE 9. Something to PRAISE GOD FOR). 

 

For our application today I need you to answer just one question: What is the one thing right now in which you know you’re NOT obeying God?

 

Dear Father, I imagine all of us can answer that question without much thought. It’s right there on the tip of our tongue, it’s right there on the edge of our heart. We know what it is. Maybe we are doing something you said, out of your love for us, not to do. Perhaps we’re not doing something you’ve told us, out of your wisdom, to follow through with. Father, I want to be the son in the story that obeys. Bottom line. Today and everyday…I want to obey.