Chapel Recap: Obey Anyway

Dr. Bobby Lewis, Senior Pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, preached through Genesis 12:1–20 in chapel this morning, challenging us with a simple but demanding theme: Obey anyway. Through Abram’s call, journey, and failure, Dr. Lewis reminded us that obedience to God must be immediate — even when understanding comes later.

Dr. Lewis first highlighted verses 4–9, where Abram responds to God’s clear command to leave his homeland. Abram does not negotiate, delay, or ask for clarification. “No questions asked, no altering the plans,” Dr. Lewis said, “Abram packed his bags and left.” When the Lord gives a clear word, obedience is required — regardless of age, experience, or full understanding.

This raises an important question: How do we get a clear word from God? Dr. Lewis emphasized that Scripture is God’s primary way of speaking to us, while prayer is our primary way of speaking to Him. That’s why both must be daily priorities. God’s guidance is not mysterious or hidden; He reveals His will through His Word, and He shapes our hearts through prayer. While understanding often unfolds over time, Dr. Lewis stressed that obedience must be immediate.

The message then turned to verses 10–20, where Abram detours into deception in Egypt. Though called by God, Abram schemes instead of trusting. Dr. Lewis reminded us that this moment should not surprise us: “Everyone but Jesus stumbles in many ways.” Yet failure should not lead to comparison with others or excuses for sin. Instead, it should expose our need to trust God more deeply.

“Faith is living without scheming,” Dr. Lewis said. When God calls, our response should not be manipulation or self-protection, but simple surrender. “If God’s calling me,” he continued, “the only answer I can give Him is, ‘Yes, Lord.’” Abram’s failure shows how quickly fear can replace faith when we stop trusting God’s promises.

Dr. Lewis closed with a warning: “Don’t make God shock you into submission.” God is faithful to accomplish His purposes, and obedience brings joy, peace, and clarity that disobedience never can.