Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 5
The speaker chose to obey before fully understanding (“When you find something that’s a command of God, you obey it even if you don’t understand”); what does this reveal about God’s expectations of His people, and what parts of your own discipleship have you postponed until you felt you had complete clarity?
Another way to ask: What does obeying God before fully understanding say about what God expects from His people? What have you delayed obeying because you wanted total clarity first?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript suggests God expects obedience when Scripture appears to command something, even before full understanding, and that understanding may come later—or not at all. The speaker’s approach challenges the habit of delaying obedience until every question is resolved.
- He quotes David Pawson: “When you find something that’s a command of God, you obey it even if you don’t understand.”
- He adds realism: “Maybe you’ll understand it one day, but maybe you never will and be okay with that.”
- Their reasoning was practical and reverent: “would God be mad if you put a head covering on? No. But what if we didn’t?”
- He didn’t force his wife but urged decision: “You need to judge for yourself. I honor you and support you in that.”
- Their commitment was conditional on Scripture/history: “we’re going to do this unless we’re convinced by scripture or other history otherwise.”