On your own or with your life group work through this reading plan to apply this weekend’s message to your life. If you haven’t done so yet, listen or watch the Sunday message below.

Big Idea
God calls us to obedience so that we can be in relationship with Him, because a sincere relationship with Jesus requires obedience.
Key Definition
Obedience: To hear in reverence with the intent to submit and follow what was said.

Primary Scriptures

• John 14:23–24
• John 15:1–11

Welcome & Icebreaker 

1. Who was someone you trusted growing up whose instructions you followed without hesitation? Why?
2. When you hear the word "obedience," what emotions or thoughts immediately come to mind?

Read the Scriptures Together
John 14:23-24
John 15:1-11
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Discussion
1. Love and Obedience - John 14:23-24
Jesus teaches that genuine love for Him is demonstrated not merely by our words or feelings, but by our willingness to obey what He says.Jesus connects love for Him with keeping His word.

• According to Jesus, how can we tell if someone truly loves Him?
• Why do you think Jesus connects love and obedience?
• Why do many people separate "loving Jesus" from obeying Jesus?
• What dangers arise when we emphasize obedience without relationship, or relationship without obedience?

2. Relationship Guides Obedience - John 15:1-3
As our loving Father, God prunes and shapes our lives so that we can grow spiritually and become more fruitful followers of Christ. 

• Have you ever experienced a season where God was shaping or correcting you?
• How have conviction, discipline, trials, or hardship helped you grow spiritually?
• How can we distinguish God's loving correction from guilt or condemnation?
• Looking back, where can you see God's pruning producing spiritual growth in your life?

3. Relationship is the Source of Obedience - John 15:4-8Obedience is not produced through human effort alone but flows naturally from abiding in a close, dependent relationship with Jesus.

• What does it mean to "abide" in Jesus?
• What helps you stay connected to Christ?
• How does abiding differ from merely trying harder?
• Jesus says fruit proves the branch is connected to the vine. What kinds of fruit should be visible in a believer's life?
• What is one distraction that pulls you away from abiding in Him?

4. Remaining in Relationship Through Obedience - John 15:9-10While obedience does not earn God's love, it is the way believers continue to experience and walk in the fullness of that relationship.  Jesus clearly lives out the example of the connection between obedience and love thr
ough His relationship with The Father. 

• How does obedience strengthen a relationship with God?
• Why do you think Jesus uses the word "remain" instead of "begin"?
• How does obedience deepen intimacy with God rather than earn His acceptance?
• What commandments of Jesus are most difficult for believers to follow in today's culture?

5. Obedience is a Gift - John 15:11God's commands are not meant to burden us but to lead us into deeper fellowship with Christ and the fullness of His joy.

• How do people usually view obedience?
• How does Jesus describe the outcome of obedience?
• Why does the world often view obedience as restrictive while Jesus presents it as life-giving?
• Can you share a time when obedience led to greater joy, peace, or freedom?
• How does obedience ultimately lead us into deeper relationship with Christ?
• Where have you experienced the fullness of joy that comes from following Jesus?

Digging Deeper

1. How do grace and obedience work together without contradicting one another?
2. What is the difference between legalism and biblical obedience?
3. In what ways does modern culture encourage Christians to prioritize feelings over obedience?
4. How does obedience serve as evidence of genuine faith according to Scripture?
5. What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping believers obey God's commands?

Next Step: "Where am I resisting obedience in my spiritual journey?"Spiritual growth often begins when we honestly identify areas where God is calling us to surrender and trust Him through obedience.

Obedience is not about earning God's approval; it is the natural response of a heart that loves Jesus and desires a deeper relationship with Him.

• What is one area where God has been speaking to you recently?
• What would obedience look like in that situation?
• What is one practical step you can take this week?
• How can this group pray for and encourage you?

Prayer TimePray that God would:

• Reveal areas of resistance in our lives.
• Increase our love for Jesus.
• Help us abide in Christ daily.
• Give us courage to obey.
• Produce lasting fruit through our relationship with Him.
• Fill us with the joy that comes from walking closely with Him.