Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 8
The speaker asks, “If we only obey when it feels natural, is Jesus truly Lord of our lives?”—what specific acts of obedience related to unity tend to feel “unnatural” to you, and what does that reveal about the loyalties and comforts you protect?
Another way to ask: He asks, “If we only obey when it feels natural, is Jesus really Lord?” What unity-related acts of obedience feel unnatural to you, and what comforts or priorities might you be protecting?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Based on the speaker’s examples, the “unnatural” obediences are the costly ones: serving when it’s inconvenient, forgiving repeatedly, giving grace, and laying down personal preferences for others. The transcript suggests resistance reveals how strongly we protect comfort, control of our time, and our own desires rather than Christ’s commands.
- He admits difficulty: “Unity does not come easily…this doesn’t come naturally to me.”
- He lists unnatural family behaviors: “acts of service,” “forgiveness and grace,” and setting aside “one person’s desires.”
- He clarifies unity is not minimal peace: not merely “avoid arguments,” but “truly live together as a family.”
- He ties obedience to lordship: “If we only obey when it feels natural, is Jesus truly Lord of our lives?”
- He points to Christ’s command as the standard: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12).