Month 2 - Obedience | Week 3 - Walking the Talk

Scriptural anchors for us through M2 - Week 3:

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”- Galatians 5:25 (ESV)

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” - James 1:22 (ESV)

Tactical Obedience

Obedience is not just agreement with God’s truth - it’s alignment with His will.

It’s daily, practical, and tactical. And because sin is relentless, our obedience must be intentional.

True discipleship happens in the unseen choices - in how we speak when we’re wronged, how we give when no one notices, how we trust when the outcome is unclear.

Every act of obedience becomes a testimony that Christ’s Word is alive in you.

Below, we will be covering five scriptural strategies to help you in your walk of Obedience, to prevent sin, prepare for temptation, and push back, to walk faithfully when the battle comes:

* Build a Daily Defense Before the Battle

* Know Your Weak Points and Fortify Them

* When Temptation Knocks - Respond Immediately

* If You Fall - Repent Fast and Return Fully

* Walk in Ongoing Surrender

Be encouraged this week, everything that comes your way is also subservient to our God. As scripture reminds us below, you are not the first person to deal with it, and our Lord made you in such a way that you can bear and defeat it.

“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”— 1 Corinthians 10:12–13 ESV

1. Build a Daily Defense Pre-Battle

Sin grows where vigilance fades. Start each day spiritually armed; the best fight is the one you prevent.

* Put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10–18) - I know it can feel cheesy, but try to visualize fastening the belt of truth, lifting the shield of faith, and standing firm. Those visuals do help.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

- Ephesians 6:10–18 ESV

* Feed your spirit first (Matthew 4:4) - spend time in prayer or the Word before social media, work, or news.

“But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” - Matthew 4:4 ESV

* Guard your inputs (Proverbs 4:23) - what you see and hear shapes what you crave. Fill your mind with what’s holy.

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” - Proverbs 4:23 ESV

Action Step: Set a morning reminder titled Armor Up. Read a Psalm aloud and pray,

“Lord, order my steps today and keep me steady in You.”

2. Know Your Weak Points and Fortify Them

Spiritual maturity begins with self-awareness. Name your weaknesses before they name you.

* Recognize your patterns (1 Peter 5:8) - temptation often follows familiar routes.

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” - 1 Peter 5:8 ESV

* Set healthy boundaries (Matthew 5:29-30) - remove what leads you to stumble. That’s not legalism; it’s wisdom.

“If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.” - Matthew 5:29-30 ESV

* Invite accountability (James 5:16) - one trusted believer walking beside you can make all the difference.

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” - James 5:16 ESV

Action Step:

Write down two vulnerable areas and one boundary for each. Share them with someone you trust.

3. When Temptation Knocks - Respond Immediately

The longer we linger, the louder sin’s voice becomes.

* Fight with Scripture (Matthew 4:1–11) - Jesus answered every temptation with “It is written.”

“And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written,

“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,

but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” - Matthew 4:1-11 ESV

* Flee, don’t flirt (1 Corinthians 6:18; 10:14) - remove yourself quickly from what compromises your peace.

“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” - 1 Corinthians 6:18; 10:14 ESV

* Pray on contact (Matthew 6:13) - even a simple, “Lord, deliver me” realigns your spirit.

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” - Matthew 6:13 ESV

Action Step:

Choose one verse to speak when temptation hits. Make it your “sword verse.”

4. If You Fall - Repent Fast and Return Fully

Failure doesn’t define you - your response does.

* Confess quickly (1 John 1:9) - hiding keeps you bound; confession sets you free.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - 1 John 1:9 ESV

* Receive grace, not guilt (Romans 8:1) - shame is the enemy’s counterfeit of conviction.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” - Romans 8:1 ESV

* Learn and strengthen (Galatians 6:1–2) - ask, “What opened the door?” then close it.

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” - Galatians 6:1-2 ESV

Action Step:

Keep Psalm 51 bookmarked. When you fail, read it aloud as your restoration prayer.

5. Walk in Ongoing Surrender

Victory is not a one-time event - it’s a daily posture.

* Be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) - sin thrives in emptiness.

“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” - Ephesians 5:18 ESV

* Practice gratitude and worship (1 Thessalonians 5:18) - joy in Christ weakens sin’s appeal.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

* Serve others (Galatians 5:13) - self-centeredness fuels sin; service starves it.

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” - Galatians 5:13 ESV

Action Step: End each day with three questions:

* Where did I obey?

* Where did I resist?

* What will I surrender before I sleep?

Watch / Listen / Read

Listen

“Come On” – Brooke Poindexter & Believers:

This song carries the fire of obedience - that moment when faith stops standing still and starts moving. “Come On” is a rally cry to rise up, step out, and follow where God is leading without hesitation. It’s raw, bold, and full of urgency - a reminder that obedience isn’t quiet compliance, it’s passionate pursuit.

“Proverbs 4:23 (Interlude)” – trulah:

Quiet but piercing, this rendition captures the heartbeat of Proverbs’ surrender - guarding what truly matters. It reminds us that obedience begins within, flowing from a heart fully yielded to God. Its reflective tone pulls us inward, calling us to examine the places we’ve let drift and to let Him realign our hearts before our actions ever flow.

Read

“The Imitation of Christ” – Thomas à Kempis - LINK

This 15th-century classic still cuts straight to the heart. Thomas à Kempis calls us back to the quiet, inner life where obedience is formed - away from noise, ambition, and pride. The Imitation of Christ reminds us that surrender isn’t weakness; it’s worship. Books I and III and in particular chapter 7, speak powerfully into this week’s theme, showing that following Jesus begins with humility, self-denial, and a heart willing to yield completely to Him.

📅 This Week’s 30-Min Rally Point

We’ll meet for our first 30-minute rally point this Thursday at 7:00 PM EST via Zoom.This is a space for reflection, encouragement, and activation, a rhythm of checking in, praying together, and pressing forward.

🕖 Zoom Time: Thursday @ 7:00 PM EST🔗 Click to join the Zoom call - Zoom URL

Format:

* Welcome & Opening Prayer (2 min)

* Scripture Reading (3 min)

* Teaching Recap (5 min)

* Discussion Questions (12 min)

* Heart-Level Questions:

* Head-Level Questions:

* Hands-Level Questions:

* Practice Together (5 min)

* Closing Encouragement & Prayer (3 min)

Bring a Bible, a journal, and any wins or wrestles you want to share. This is a safe space to grow.

Next Week's Topic: M2 - Obedience | W4 – The Blessing of Obedience

Read ahead with our M2 W4 Anchor Scripture:

“If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”- John 13:17 (ESV)

Next week, we’ll close out Month 2 by exploring how obedience doesn’t just cost - it multiplies blessings. When we choose to walk God’s way, even when it’s hard or hidden, His favor follows. We’ll see how Christ connects obedience with blessing - not as a transaction, but as the natural overflow of walking in His will. True blessing isn’t found in knowing alone, but in doing what He says.

Remember: Obedience is not about earning God’s favor - it’s about living from it. When we walk in His ways, blessing follows not by chance, but by design.

God is with us!

May the Lord meet you in your surrender, strengthen you in your weakness, and remind you that His grace is enough for every step. May He steady your heart, renew your spirit, and fill you with peace as you continue to walk in His ways this week.

I’m glad you’re here.

Let’s run the race - Eyes Up, Chin Up!

Grace and peace,

Sam Johnston

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