What Does the Bible Say About Obedience?

Introduction

Do you ever wonder what it means to be obedient to God? As Christians, we are called to live a life of obedience, but sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start. Obedience is not just about following a set of rules or fulfilling religious obligations; it is about having a deep and genuine love for God that motivates us to obey Him. It is through His grace that we are enabled to obey, and we are promised rewards for doing so.

In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about obedience and how it can impact our lives. We will look at examples of obedience in the Bible, including Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac and Jesus’ obedience to the Father. We will also explore the role of grace in obedience and how it enables us to follow God’s commands. Additionally, we will examine the rewards of obedience, including spiritual blessings, material blessings, and eternal rewards, as well as the consequences of disobedience.

Whether you are a new Christian or have been walking with the Lord for many years, this post will provide you with a deeper understanding of what it means to be obedient to God. It is our hope that you will be inspired to live a life of obedience, not out of fear or obligation, but out of a deep and genuine love for God.

Obedience is Birthed out of Love for God

Love is a central theme in the Bible, and it is through love that we are able to obey God. In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” This statement shows the close relationship between love and obedience. When we love God, we naturally want to obey Him and keep His commandments. This is not out of fear or obligation but rather out of a deep and genuine love for Him.

One of the most powerful examples of obedience as a result of love for God is found in the story of Abraham and Isaac. God asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac as a test of his faith and obedience (Genesis 22:1-19). Despite the heart-wrenching nature of this request, Abraham was willing to obey God because of his deep love and trust in Him. As a result of his obedience, God provided a ram as a substitute for Isaac, and Abraham’s faith was greatly strengthened.

Another example of obedience as a result of love for God is found in the life of Daniel. When Daniel was taken captive by the Babylonians, he was faced with the challenge of remaining faithful to God in a foreign land. Despite the many temptations and pressures he faced, Daniel remained obedient to God and refused to compromise his beliefs (Daniel 1:8-21). As a result, God blessed him with great wisdom and success, even in the midst of adversity.

God’s Grace Enables Us to Obey Him

God’s grace is another crucial component of obedience. Grace is defined as “unmerited favor” and is freely given to us by God. In Ephesians 2:8-9, it says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” It is through this grace that we are enabled to obey God.

One of the most powerful examples of grace enabling obedience is found in the story of Moses and the Ten Commandments. When Moses received the Ten Commandments from God, he was initially hesitant to obey because he knew that the Israelites had already broken God’s laws (Exodus 32:1-6). However, through God’s grace, Moses was able to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and receive the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19-20). Despite his own doubts and fears, Moses was able to obey God because of the grace that God had given him.

Another example of grace enabling obedience is found in the life of the Apostle Paul. Before his conversion, Paul was a zealous persecutor of Christians. However, through God’s grace, he was able to turn his life around and become a faithful follower of Christ (Acts 9:1-22). Despite the many challenges and obstacles he faced, Paul remained obedient to God and continued to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

The Rewards of Obedience

As Christians, we are not only called to obey God but we are promised rewards for doing so. These rewards can come in various forms, including spiritual blessings, material blessings, and eternal rewards.

Spiritual blessings include things like peace, joy, and a closer relationship with God. In Psalm 119:165, it says, “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” When we obey God, we experience a deep sense of peace and joy that comes from knowing that we are doing His will. Obedience also brings us closer to God and helps us to develop a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Him.

Material blessings can also come as a result of obedience to God. In Malachi 3:10, it says, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.” When we are obedient to God’s commands regarding finances, we can experience His provision and blessings in our lives. This does not necessarily mean that we will become wealthy, but rather that God will provide for our needs in ways that we may not have expected.

Eternal rewards are the ultimate reward for obedience, including things like eternal life and a place in heaven. In Revelation 22:14, it says, “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” When we are obedient to God, we are promised a place in heaven and eternal life with Him. This is the ultimate reward that we can receive as Christians, and it should motivate us to live a life of obedience to God.

The Consequences of Disobedience

Just as there are rewards for obedience, there are also consequences for disobedience. These consequences can come in various forms, including spiritual consequences, material consequences, and eternal consequences.

Spiritual consequences can include a sense of guilt, shame, or separation from God. In Isaiah 59:2, it says, “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” When we are disobedient to God, we can feel a sense of separation from Him and a loss of the peace and joy that comes from a close relationship with Him.

Material consequences can include things like financial struggles, health problems, or broken relationships. When we are disobedient to God’s commands, we may experience negative consequences in our lives. For example, if we are not faithful in tithing, we may struggle financially. If we do not take care of our bodies, we may experience health problems.

Eternal consequences are the most severe, including eternal separation from God in hell. In Revelation 21:8, it says, “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” When we are disobedient to God, we are choosing to reject His love and grace, and we are choosing to face the eternal consequences of our actions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, obedience to God is birthed out of love for Him, and it is through His grace that we are enabled to obey Him. As Christians, we are called to live a life of obedience, not out of fear or obligation, but out of a deep and genuine love for God. Obedience is not always easy, but it is always worth it. We are promised rewards for obedience, including spiritual blessings, material blessings, and eternal rewards.

On the other hand, there are consequences for disobedience, including spiritual consequences, material consequences, and eternal consequences. Let us strive to obey God out of love for Him and with the help of His grace. When we obey Him, we experience a closer relationship with Him and are able to live a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

However, it’s important to remember that obedience is not always easy. There will be times when we are tempted to disobey or when we face difficult circumstances that test our faith. In these moments, we must remember that God’s grace is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we turn to Him in prayer and seek His guidance, He will give us the strength we need to be obedient to Him.

Ultimately, obedience to God is about trusting Him and His plan for our lives. When we choose to obey Him, we are choosing to trust that His way is better than our own. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” May we always choose to trust in God’s goodness and love, and may our obedience to Him bring glory to His name.