Steps of Obedience
A Framework for Living the Cause
Obedience is not an idea. It is a step.
Each day, you will take one step of obedience.
This framework helps you know what that step should be.
Obedience is not random.
It takes shape across different areas of life.
Dsciplr uses four forms that your steps of obedience will take.
These are not stages to move through,
but realities you will live in.
1. PERSONAL
Obedience that shapes your inner life
This is about your relationship with God and your own formation.
It includes:
- repentance
- surrender
- breaking habits
- renewing your thinking
- choosing holiness
"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh…" — Galatians 5:24 (NIV)
Examples:
- confess a hidden sin
- remove a distraction
- spend time in prayer or Scripture
- fast and seek God
Key question:
→ What needs to change in me?
Capture this personally, and where appropriate, bring it into your Huddle for accountability.
2. RELATIONAL
Obedience that shapes how you treat others
This is about your relationships.
It includes:
- forgiveness
- reconciliation
- encouragement
- honesty
- honour
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other…" — Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
Examples:
- forgive someone
- apologise
- encourage a person
- have a needed conversation
Key question:
→ Who do I need to respond to?
3. MISSIONAL
Obedience that moves you outward
This is about engaging others with the life of Jesus.
It includes:
- sharing your faith
- serving others
- stepping into opportunity
- being intentional with people
"As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." — John 20:21 (NIV)
Examples:
- pray with someone
- share your story
- invite someone into community
- meet a practical need
Key question:
→ Who can I reach or serve today?
4. SACRIFICIAL
Obedience that costs you something
This is where obedience stretches you.
It includes:
- generosity
- fasting
- giving time or resources
- choosing discomfort
- trusting God beyond control
"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves…" — Matthew 16:24 (NIV)
Examples:
- fast for a day
- give financially
- give up comfort for someone else
- step into something difficult
Key question:
→ What is this costing me?
OBEDIENCE IN COMMUNITY
Obedience may begin personally,
but it is not meant to remain private.
In Dsciplr, obedience is lived out in community—and this begins in a Huddle.
Huddles are small, relational environments where:
- steps of obedience are shared
- follow-through is expected
- growth is strengthened together
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds…" — Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)
Left alone, obedience becomes:
- inconsistent
- selective
- easily avoided
In community, it becomes:
- visible
- strengthened
- sustained
HOW THIS LOOKS IN PRACTICE
When you commit to a step of obedience:
- share it with your Huddle
- expect follow-up
- reflect on what happened
Not for recognition,
but for formation.
Dsciplr helps facilitate this,
but real growth happens in real relationships.
IMPORTANT BALANCE
This is not about performance.
"Be careful not to practise your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them…" — Matthew 6:1 (NIV)
The goal is not visibility.
The goal is formation.
Formation begins with honesty before God,
and grows through appropriate vulnerability with others.
HOW TO USE THIS FRAMEWORK
Each day, your obedience will usually fall into one (or more) of these.
Ask:
- Is this shaping me? (Personal)
- Is this affecting someone? (Relational)
- Is this reaching outward? (Missional)
- Is this costing me something? (Sacrificial)
And:
→ What step will I take?
→ Who will I share this with?
Dsciplr supports this through Huddles,
but face-to-face discipleship remains essential.
SIMPLE SUMMARY
Obedience is:
- • personal
- • relational
- • missional
- • sacrificial
Lived daily.
Strengthened in community.
FINAL INVITATION
Identify the type.
Choose one clear step.
Do it today.
Share it.
Follow through.
This is how disciples are formed.