Purpose came First: Obedience is better than any Sacrifice
Main Scripture
James 1:14–15
Each person is tempted when drawn away by their own desires. Desire gives birth to sin, and sin, when fully grown, produces death.
1 Kings 13
This chapter records the assignment given to the Man of God from Judah. God sent him to prophesy against King Jeroboam's altar and commanded him not to eat, drink, or return by the way he came. He passed the first test before the king but later fell into deception through an old prophet. This deception led him to disobey God and lose his life.
Key Themes and Lessons
1. Purpose Comes Before the Test
Pastor Bryant taught that God instructs His people before He tests them. A test frequently follows a powerful move of God. Obedience is easy when the presence of God is fresh. The real test comes later when pride, comfort, or self confidence begin to rise. What God designed to test obedience can quickly turn into a distraction if discernment is not active.
2. Discernment Is Critical
The downfall of the Man of God from Judah came through a lack of discernment. He had received a clear command from the Lord, yet he allowed another person who seemed spiritual, respected, and prophetic to override what God said.
Pastor Bryant emphasized the following truths:
The enemy uses people and situations that appear harmless and sincere.
Deception often feels right because it appeals to personal feelings and human logic.
The believer must be fully convinced of God’s voice and remain anchored in what God has already spoken.
You must know that you know who God is and be confident in what God has said.
3. Obedience Is Non Negotiable
The Man of God from Judah fell because he trusted another prophet’s claim over God’s direct instruction. The old prophet used age, status, supposed revelation, and hospitality to persuade him. The younger prophet accepted the lie and abandoned his assignment.
His ministry appeared in Scripture only one time, suggesting he was early in his calling and that his disobedience ended his purpose prematurely. His story shows that gifting does not protect a person from consequences. Only obedience preserves calling.
Pastor Bryant connected this to Proverbs 1:24–28, warning that repeated disobedience leads to calamity. When people continually reject God’s voice, the consequences of their choices follow.
4. Biblical Examples of Radical Obedience
Abraham
Abraham obeyed God even when commanded to sacrifice his promised son. His obedience resulted in the following blessings:
God swore an oath over Abraham’s life
Abraham’s descendants were promised to multiply greatly
His seed would possess the gates of their enemies
All nations of the earth would be blessed through his lineage
Obedience unlocked generational favor.
David
David obeyed God by refusing to kill Saul, even when Saul sought David’s life. David honored God’s authority and trusted God to remove Saul in His own timing.
Because of David’s obedience, the following blessings were released:
God protected David everywhere he went
David’s throne was established forever
David remained innocent of wrongdoing
God Himself removed Saul
David gained national favor and honor
Mercy extended to David’s descendants
These examples reinforce 1 Samuel 15:22, which declares that obedience is better than sacrifice.
Conclusion
Pastor Bryant concluded with a challenge and a warning. Do not allow any person, influence, or voice to pull you away from what God has clearly spoken. Obedience protects purpose, while disobedience invites calamity. The story of the Man of God from Judah reveals how quickly a calling can be cut short when God’s voice is ignored.
Purpose comes first, but obedience is what keeps you aligned with that purpose.
Key Takeaway
When God speaks, obey fully and immediately. His voice must rise above every other voice. Obedience positions you for purpose, protection, and the fulfillment of everything God intended for your life.