Plain Truths in Troubled Times
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Plain Truths in Troubled Times
1. Your Pride Is Fooling You
Obadiah begins with a strong word for Edom: “The pride of your heart has deceived you.” The Edomites lived in the mountains, secure in their position, believing no one could bring them down. But pride blinded them to reality. Pride always fools us. It convinces us we are self-sufficient, capable of standing on our own, and not in need of God.
Pride can creep into our lives in subtle ways. When we neglect prayer or Scripture, we are saying, “I don’t need God’s wisdom; I’ve got this on my own.” When worship feels unimportant, we are elevating ourselves rather than humbling ourselves before the Lord. Pride blinds us to our need, but God calls us to humility, reminding us that He opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble.
2. Your Inaction Is Not Innocence
Edom tried to justify themselves by saying, “We didn’t destroy Jerusalem.” They hadn’t invaded, but they stood by and did nothing. Worse still, they rejoiced at Israel’s downfall and even took advantage of their suffering. Obadiah made it clear: inaction in the face of injustice is not innocence—it is guilt.
God calls His people not only to avoid doing wrong but also to step in and do what is right. James writes, “If anyone knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” History is filled with examples of people who acted courageously, like Nicholas Winton, who rescued hundreds of Jewish children during World War II. He didn’t have to act, but he did—and lives were saved.
We too are called to step in where God shows us need. Where are you tempted to stand idly by? What opportunities to help, speak truth, or serve others are you leaving undone? Inaction is not innocence.
3. Your Hope Is in God’s Provision
Though Obadiah warns of judgment, he also points to hope: “But on Mount Zion will be deliverance; it will be holy, and Jacob will possess his inheritance.” God’s justice means that evil will not have the last word. His provision secures His people and restores them to their inheritance.
The promise is that God is always in control, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. For Israel, exile felt like defeat, but God was still working His purposes. For us, we can rest knowing He sees injustice, He knows our needs, and He will make all things right. “The kingdom will be the Lord’s.”
Conclusion
Obadiah may be only one chapter, but it delivers three powerful truths:
Your pride is fooling you—so humble yourself before God.
Your inaction is not innocence—so step in and do what is right.
Your hope is in God’s provision—so trust Him fully.
In troubled times, these plain truths guide us to humility, action, and hope in the God who rules over all.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: One Chapter Wonders
Sermon Title: Plain Truths in Troubled Times
Date: Aug 17, 2025
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Obadiah 1–21
James 4:6, 17
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