Erlo Stegen emphasizes that true freedom is found in obedience to God, contrasting it with the false freedom that comes from disobedience. He illustrates this through the story of Saul, who justified his disobedience by offering sacrifices, reminding us that obedience is more valuable than sacrifice. Stegen encourages believers to listen to God's voice and align their lives with His commands, as this leads to joy, peace, and blessings. He warns against the shame and hiding that comes from sin, urging individuals to choose obedience as a path to true freedom and a deeper relationship with God. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to love and obey God wholeheartedly.

Some of the texts: Gen 3: 9-11; 1Sam 13: 9-11; 15: 22; Deut 30: 15 & 16 Act 5:32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him." God gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey. Learn to listen and obey. Saul was sacrificing a fattened calf when Samuel found him. Saul was disobeying God. even though he justified himself by saying that he was offering the best to the Lord. But, obedience is better than sacrifice. 1Sa 13:9 So he said, "Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings." And Saul offered up the burnt offering. 1Sa 13:10 Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him. 1Sa 13:11 "What have you done?" asked Samuel. 1Sa 15:22 But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. Humble yourself and bow, and unite yourself to God's will. There is phenomenal joy and sweetness in obedience. We read in Genesis 3:9-11about Adam hid when God came to find him. Why? He had lost his garment of freedom and the life God had given him. He was no longer innocent he had wanted that knowledge that so many young people want to get. God had put him in a certain place and he wasn’t there anymore. What makes you afraid? Why do you hide? Do you creep away from the company of the Lord’s people? Have you eaten something you shouldn’t have eaten? True freedom is obedience to God not just doing anything you want to do. You can see God’s freedom and gift of life in a person’s face. Have you lost the garment of freedom and you are ashamed and in hiding from God and his people? If you side with the devil you will avoid God and those in whom God dwells. You will rather seek out those who are backsliders. Adam and Eve longed for evil things and were chatted up by the devil? Is he doing that to you? To stay pure is an amazing thing for it brings liberty and protection. Exo 15:26 He said, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you." Deu 30:15 See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. Deu 30:16 For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. Keep the Lord’s commands. Diligently listen to God to obtain blessing. It is in your best interest to obey. It blesses all around you too. God sets this before us today – not 10 years ago. Do you love the Lord more than anything? Even your own life? If we say we love God we will obey his commands (John 14:15). Rememer that God's commands are not burdensome. True freedom, joy and peace become yours when you live in obedience to your Lord. Deut. 28 Go and read it! Diligently obey. If you are bad-tempered or so burdened with cares you get depressed, or filled with hatred or anxiety it’s because you do not cast yourself on the Lord. Choose to obey God, today! Therein lies your freedom.